Cost of Living in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Calcasieu Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Calcasieu Parish ranks #2,121 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Calcasieu keeps pace nationally
Calcasieu Parish residents spend 19.4% of income on rent, slightly below the national average and well-aligned with typical American housing burdens. With a median household income of $67,849, Calcasieu sits closer to the national median ($74,755) than most Louisiana parishes.
Right at Louisiana's middle ground
Calcasieu's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% nearly mirrors Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it squarely in the affordable middle of the state's housing landscape. This stability makes Calcasieu one of Louisiana's more balanced housing markets.
Calcasieu's rents lead the region
At $1,096 per month, Calcasieu's median rent tops neighboring Caddo Parish ($962) and rural peers like Caldwell ($756), reflecting its position as the region's economic hub. However, Calcasieu's higher median income of $67,849 helps absorb these costs more comfortably.
Renting costs more, buying easier
Calcasieu renters pay $1,096 monthly while homeowners spend just $823, a notable gap favoring owner-occupancy against a median income of $67,849. Buying a home here remains more affordable than renting, with median values around $208,500.
Calcasieu offers balanced affordability
For those relocating to Louisiana, Calcasieu pairs reasonable housing costs with stronger incomes than rural alternatives. The parish's near-state-average affordability makes it a smart middle ground between urban and rural living.
Cost of Living Advisory: Calcasieu Parish
Affordability Verdict
Calcasieu Parish is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,096/month representing approximately 19.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,096/month rent versus $823/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $273/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,271/year. With a median household income of $67,849, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Calcasieu Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Vernon Parish where rent averages $1,038/month, Calcasieu Parish is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Calcasieu Parish
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,583
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Calcasieu Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $208,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,665 vs. your max of $1,583.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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
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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.
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