Cost of Living in Bienville Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bienville Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bienville Parish ranks #308 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bienville Parish, Louisiana
Bienville Parish: Affordable but income-challenged
Bienville Parish achieves a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio despite being Louisiana's lowest-income parish at $34,992 annually—53% below the national median. The $600 median rent represents genuine value, yet consumes a significant share of already-meager earnings. Bienville's affordability paradox reflects regional wage depression alongside low rental costs.
Bienville ranks among Louisiana's least affordable
At 20.6%, Bienville Parish's rent-to-income ratio sits above Louisiana's 19.5% state average, placing it among the more challenging parishes despite rock-bottom rents. The core issue isn't housing costs—it's the parish's severe income constraints. Economic opportunity, not housing availability, represents Bienville's central challenge.
Lowest rents mask income crisis in North Louisiana
Bienville's $600 median rent is Louisiana's lowest, undercutting every peer parish including Acadia ($725) and Allen ($739). Yet residents earn just $34,992—the state's lowest income—making the rent-to-income ratio 20.6% despite cheap housing. This region faces a employment and wage problem, not a housing shortage.
Ownership offers modest cost reduction
Bienville renters earning $34,992 spend $600 monthly (20.6%), while homeowners pay just $405 (13.9%)—a meaningful advantage for those able to buy. The $93,600 median home value suggests accessible entry points for first-time buyers with savings. Ownership meaningfully improves housing affordability here.
Bienville: Only if you bring outside income
Bienville Parish's $600 rents seem attractive until you learn local median income sits at just $34,992—the state's lowest—making rents consume 20.6% of earnings. Only relocate here if you're bringing remote employment, retirement income, or job opportunities significantly above local wages. Housing is cheap; opportunity is scarce.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bienville Parish
Affordability Verdict
Bienville Parish is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $600/month representing approximately 20.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $600/month rent versus $405/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $195/month cheaper — a 33% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $17,357/year. With a median household income of $34,992, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Bienville Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Evangeline Parish where rent averages $663/month, Bienville Parish is approximately 10% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bienville Parish
Rent Burden
20.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$816
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bienville Parish
Median home value is $93,600. Estimated monthly cost: $747 vs. your max of $816.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bienville Parish, Louisiana?
What is the median rent in Bienville Parish?
Is Bienville Parish affordable?
How does Bienville Parish's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Bienville Parish?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Bienville Parish, Louisiana? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Bienville Parish
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.