Laurel is a small, thriving rural community in northeast Nebraska. Located in Cedar County, Laurel is home to nearly every professional service needed to serve the area, and is a progressive business, agricultural, manufacturing and retail community.

The town has a strong sense of family and belonging with many of its residents owning their homes. The local school district, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge (LCC), is nationally recognized for its academic excellence. The elementary and high school campuses are both located in Laurel, while the middle school campus is in Coleridge. LCC is accredited by the state of Nebraska and AdvancED.

The Laurel community has a number of parks and facilities for recreation. In addition to the City Park and Lion's Club Park, there is a public swimming pool and an indoor Ice Rink. The City Rec Board offers a variety of youth sports activities including Baseball, Soccer, Softball and Football. There is also a disc golf course and the Cedar View Country Club. The Downtown Laurel Revitalization Committee is working on a new community center in the heart of downtown, which will feature an open area for larger events as well as City offices and meeting rooms. The center is scheduled for construction in Spring 2021.