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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.