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Laurel, MD

Frequently asked questions

Laurel, MD

Laurel is a city in Maryland, United States, located midway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore on the banks of the Patuxent River. While the city limits are entirely in northern Prince George's County, outlying developments extend into Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard counties. Founded as a mill town in the early 19th century, Laurel expanded local industry and was later able to become an early commuter town for Washington and Baltimore workers following the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1835. The city is largely residential today and maintains a historic district centered on its Main Street, highlighting its industrial past.

The Department of Defense is a prominent presence in the Laurel area today, with the Fort Meade Army base, the NSA and Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory all located nearby. Laurel Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack, is located just outside the city limits. 

Many dinosaur fossils from the Cretaceous Era are preserved in a 7.5-acre (3.0 ha) park in Laurel. The site, which among other finds has yielded fossilized teeth from Astrodon and Priconodon species, has been called the most prolific in the eastern United States. From the Late Glacial Age in 10,700 B.C. to 8,500 B.C., Laurel's climate warmed and changed from a spruce forest to a hardwood forest. From 4,000 to 1,000 B.C., Laurel would have been covered primarily with an oak and hickory forest in the Late Archaic period.

Laurel is located at 39°5′45″N 76°51′35″W. The city is situated on the bank of the Patuxent River, which was the power source for the cotton mills that were the town's early industry.

The zip codes for the incorporated city of Laurel are 20707, 20708, 20709, 20723, 20724 and 20756. Although served by the Laurel post office, Montpelier is not within the city limits; the same is true of the unincorporated communities of Scaggsville and Whiskey Bottom in Howard County, and Maryland City and Russett in Anne Arundel County. A small section of ZIP Code 20707 is located in Montgomery County. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.33 square miles (11.21 km²), of which 4.30 square miles (11.14 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water. 

Laurel places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. UM Laurel Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Fitness Evolution offers a full gym experience with various equipment and fitness classes. Start your journey at Merriweather Post Pavilion, which hosts various wellness events and outdoor activities throughout the year. Laurel Health & Rehabilitation Center offers specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation services for those in need. Patuxent Greens Country Club provides a unique way to stay active with its beautiful golf course. Bikram Yoga Works is perfect for those seeking to enhance their flexibility and mindfulness through hot yoga sessions. West Laurel Swim Club offers a variety of sports and swimming facilities for family-friendly activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fairland Regional Park features extensive hiking and biking trails.

Top sites in Laurel, MD are Laurel Historical Society, Montpelier House Museum, and National Cryptologic Museum.

Population: 29,400 (2023). ZIP codes: 20707–20709, 20723–20726. Area code(s): 240, 301. Elevation: 164 ft (50 m). Area: 4.84 sq mi (12.53 km²)

FAQs

What is Laurel, MD known for?

By the late 19th Century Laurel was evolving into an early suburban community, with excellent transportation and access to both Washington and Baltimore by rail and stagecoach. Laurel is the site of many Prince George’s County firsts, including the first public library, the first public high school, and the first national bank.  Laurel can also boast of Prince George’s County’s oldest continuously operating volunteer fire department, formed after a fire devastated the downtown in 1899.

What county is Laurel, MD?

Laurel is a city in Maryland, United States, located midway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore on the banks of the Patuxent River. While the city limits are entirely in northern Prince George's County, outlying developments extend into Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard counties. Founded as a mill town in the early 19th century, Laurel expanded local industry and was later able to become an early commuter town for Washington and Baltimore workers following the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1835. 

What is the crime rate in Laurel, MD?

The crime rate in Laurel is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 30 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Laurel is 1 in 34. Based on FBI crime data, Laurel is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Maryland, Laurel has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Laurel

Laurel Historical Society

Neighborhood Scout

Montpelier House Museum

National Cryptologic Museum

UM Laurel Medical Center

Fitness Evolution

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Laurel Health & Rehabilitation Center

Patuxent Greens Country Club

Bikram Yoga Works

West Laurel Swim Club

Fairland Regional Park

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