Laurel is a city located in Jones County, Mississippi, in the United States. It serves as the second county seat for the region and functions as the principal city of its namesake micropolitan statistical area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161.
The city is situated northeast of Ellisville, which serves as the first county seat. Because Jones County contains two judicial districts, Laurel houses the second county courthouse and serves as the headquarters for the Jones County Sheriff's Department. The local economy is supported by several major employers, including Sanderson Farms, Masonite International, and South Central Regional Medical Center.
Laurel is also home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers, it holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the state of Mississippi.