Cost of Living in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rapides Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rapides Parish ranks #2,821 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Rapides Parish maintains solid affordability
Rapides Parish renters spend 20.2% of their $55,946 income on housing—slightly above Louisiana's 19.5% average but manageable compared to national stress—paying $942 monthly in rent. The parish's median income sits meaningfully above most Louisiana rural counties, supporting a workable housing balance.
Slightly above Louisiana average
Rapides Parish's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio places it marginally above the state average, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes for affordability pressure. The $942 median rent exceeds state average by $69, reflecting Rapides's role as a regional hub with population draw.
Balanced regional positioning
Rapides Parish renters pay $942 monthly—$175 more than Pointe Coupee but $269 less than Orleans—while earning a solid $55,946 locally. The parish sits comfortably in the regional middle ground, offering stability between isolated rural areas and urban premium pricing.
Sustainable housing-to-income mix
Renters allocate $942 monthly while homeowners pay $798, combining for a manageable 20.2% of the $55,946 median household income. Median home values of $179,100 provide reasonable entry points for buyers seeking to transition from renting.
Rapides Parish offers stable middle ground
Rapides Parish balances modest affordability pressure with solid regional incomes and mid-tier housing costs, making it a practical choice for those seeking stability without rural isolation. Consider Rapides if you value a mid-sized parish community with reasonable housing economics and above-average local earning power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rapides Parish
Affordability Verdict
Rapides Parish is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $942/month representing approximately 20.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rapides Parish pay $942/month on average, compared to $798/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,200/year. With a median household income of $55,946, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Rapides Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Louisiana, Rapides Parish is more affordable than Iberia Parish by roughly 6% ($942/mo vs $891/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rapides Parish
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,305
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Rapides Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $179,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,430 vs. your max of $1,305.
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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