Cost of Living in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson Parish ranks #2,913 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Jefferson Parish: higher costs, near-national incomes
At 21.4%, Jefferson Parish's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and Louisiana's state average, signaling tighter affordability. However, with a median household income of $65,246, the parish comes closest to the national median ($74,755) among these eight Louisiana counties, providing some income cushion for higher housing costs.
Most expensive Louisiana parish in this group
Jefferson Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable parishes for renters, with a 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.5%. Its median rent of $1,162/month—33% above the state average—reflects the urban pressure of proximity to New Orleans.
Urban pricing with suburban distance
At $1,162/month, Jefferson Parish rents top this group and nearly match Lafayette Parish ($1,022), reflecting urban and suburban demand near New Orleans. Home values ($243,500) exceed most rural parishes but remain moderate compared to major metro areas.
Renters pay 21.4%; homeowners pay steep monthly costs
The median renter allocates $1,162 monthly to housing—21.4% of a $65,246 household income—the highest burden in this group. Homeowners face similar pressure at $1,070/month, reflecting the parish's position as the costliest market among these eight counties.
Jefferson Parish for those prioritizing metro access
Expect to pay premium housing costs for proximity to New Orleans jobs, culture, and services—your highest income potential in the group partly offsets the 21.4% rent burden. Consider this parish only if metro access justifies the elevated housing expenses.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson Parish
Affordability Verdict
Jefferson Parish offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,162/month — about 21.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,162/month rent versus $1,070/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $92/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,857/year. With a median household income of $65,246, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Jefferson Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Livingston Parish where rent averages $1,102/month, Jefferson Parish is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson Parish
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,522
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.7%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $243,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,944 vs. your max of $1,522.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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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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