Laurel, MS Homes for Rent

Laurel, Mississippi, a small city with a population of 17,000, has gained national attention through the HGTV show “Home Town,” where hosts Erin and Ben Napier renovate historic homes and highlight local businesses. Founded in 1882 as a sawmill town, Laurel now boasts major employers such as South Central Regional Medical Center and manufacturers like Howard Industries and Sanderson Farms. The city is conveniently located about two hours from New Orleans, the coast, and Mobile. Laurel features a variety of home styles, including early 20th-century cottages near Downtown and mid-20th-century ranch styles farther out. The Laurel School District fosters community spirit, particularly through sports, with Laurel High School’s Golden Tornadoes football team frequently competing in District Championships. Parks such as Gardiner Park and the Susan Boone Vincent Sportsplex offer recreational opportunities, while nearby Bogue Homa State Lake and the Chickasawhay District of De Soto National Forest provide natural attractions within 10 miles. Downtown Laurel is home to local boutiques, restaurants, and attractions like the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and the Laurel-Jones County Black History Museum. Sawmill Square Mall is expanding, adding stores like Hobby Lobby. Community events, including the Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-Off and the Loblolly Festival, bring residents together. While Laurel is largely car-dependent, it has an Amtrak station with daily service to New Orleans and is 25 miles from Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. The city experiences long, humid summers and short, dry winters. According to Mississippi Crime Statistics, Laurel has a crime rate comparable to the national average.