Cost of Living in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ouachita Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ouachita Parish ranks #2,855 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana
Ouachita Parish keeps rents moderate
Ouachita Parish renters spend 21.6% of their $51,241 income on housing—above Louisiana's 19.5% average but reasonable compared to national stress—paying $923 monthly in rent. The parish's median income sits closer to national levels than most rural Louisiana counties, easing the affordability pressure.
Slightly above-average affordability stress
Ouachita Parish's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper-middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes, suggesting moderate affordability pressure relative to the state. The $923 median rent exceeds the state average of $873 by $50, reflecting Ouachita's position as a mid-sized parish with regional economic draw.
Pricier than rural, cheaper than New Orleans
Ouachita Parish renters pay $923 monthly—$129 more than Natchitoches but $288 less than New Orleans—while earning a competitive $51,241. The parish sits geographically and economically between Louisiana's rural parishes and its urban centers.
Rental and ownership costs
Renters allocate $923 monthly while homeowners pay $868, totaling 21.6% of the $51,241 median household income. Median home values of $183,000 offer moderate entry points for buyers seeking to escape the renter's burden.
Ouachita offers middle-ground balance
Ouachita Parish delivers reasonable affordability with income levels that exceed most rural Louisiana—making it a practical choice for those balancing cost and earning power. Consider Ouachita if you seek moderate-sized parish amenities without New Orleans's premium pricing or isolated rural constraints.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ouachita Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Ouachita Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $923/month in gross rent, with 35.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ouachita Parish pay $923/month on average, compared to $868/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,200/year. With a median household income of $51,241, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Ouachita Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ouachita Parish sits 5% less expensive than Tangipahoa Parish ($974/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ouachita Parish
Rent Burden
21.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,196
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.3%
of gross income
The median home in Ouachita Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $183,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,461 vs. your max of $1,196.
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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