Laurel, a small town in Sussex County, has recently been named the poorest town in Delaware, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. With a population of just over 4,000, Laurel’s economic struggles are stark, but community leaders and residents are working to change the town’s trajectory.
A Portrait of Poverty
Laurel’s economic challenges are significant and well-documented. The town’s median household income is dramatically lower than the state average—$33,387 compared to Delaware’s $60,231.
Nearly a quarter of Laurel’s families live below the poverty line, and more than 42% of residents receive food stamps, a rate more than triple the state average. The poverty rate is especially acute among single female-headed households, where it soars to nearly 55%.
Children are particularly affected. The Laurel-Delmar area has one of the highest poverty rates for children under 18 in Delaware, at 33%, far above the state’s overall average. Many families struggle with high housing costs, with almost half of those with a mortgage spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
The Demographic Landscape
Laurel is a surprisingly young town, with a median age of just 28 and almost 15% of the population under five years old. Many residents work outside the town, often in poultry processing or other low-wage jobs in neighboring communities.
The town’s rental rate is high, and vacant housing is a persistent issue, driven in part by older residents passing away and families leaving inherited homes vacant.
Racially, Laurel is diverse, with a near-equal split between white and African-American residents, and a growing Hispanic/Latino population.
Community Response and Hopes for Renewal
Despite these challenges, Laurel’s leaders and residents remain hopeful. Town officials are actively pursuing infrastructure improvements and new business development. “It’s very concerning to look at the amount of poverty that Laurel has,” says Representative Tim Dukes, “but there’s a lot of heart and spirit in the community”.
Efforts are underway to revitalize the downtown area, improve water and sewer infrastructure, and attract new businesses. However, as Town Manager Jaimie Smith notes, growth depends on increasing the town’s population and reducing the high vacancy rate. New home construction is in the works, with the hope that more residents and businesses will follow.
Laurel’s strong community spirit is evident in its achievements, such as the local football team’s recent state championship, which has brought pride and optimism to the town.
Looking Forward
While Laurel currently holds the title of the poorest town in Delaware, its leaders are determined to change that narrative. With targeted investments in infrastructure, housing, and business development, Laurel aims to create new opportunities for its residents and shed its reputation for poverty.
As Laurel works to reimagine its future, the town’s challenges are real—but so is its resolve to overcome them.
Sources:
- https://www.townoflaurel.net/pdfs/2018_ComprehensivePlan.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10445607/
- http://www.reimaginelaurel.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2011_Laurel_Comp_Plan_ADOPTED.pdf
- https://www.wmdt.com/2023/01/town-of-laurel-rated-the-poorest-in-the-first-state/