Cost of Living in Rapides Parish, Louisiana

$942/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$179,100

Median Home Value

8% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$942/mo

8% above state average

Median Home Value

$179,100

36% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Rapides Parish Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Rapides Parish$942/mo

Louisiana Average$873/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$942/mo

Median Gross Rent

$179,100

Median Home Value

$798/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Rapides Parish

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio20.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rapides Parish, Louisiana?

Rapides Parish, Louisiana has a median monthly rent of $942/mo and a median home value of $179,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Rapides Parish?

The median gross rent in Rapides Parish is $942/mo. This is 8% above state average for Louisiana.

Is Rapides Parish affordable?

Rapides Parish is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Rapides Parish's rent compare to the state average?

Rapides Parish's median rent of $942/mo is 8% above state average of $873/mo for Louisiana.

What is the median home value in Rapides Parish?

The median home value in Rapides Parish, Louisiana is $179,100. This is 36% below the national median home value of $281,900.