Cost of Living in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Helena Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Helena Parish ranks #1,905 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
St. Helena rents align with state norms
St. Helena Parish renters spend 19.2% of income on housing, nearly matching the Louisiana state average of 19.5%, reflecting typical rural parish affordability challenges. With median rent of $802 and household income of $50,193, St. Helena offers middle-ground housing costs without exceptional affordability or strain.
Average affordability for rural Louisiana
St. Helena Parish tracks precisely at Louisiana's statewide affordability norm, with a 19.2% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $802 sitting just $71 below the state average of $873. The parish represents typical rural Louisiana housing dynamics without exceptional advantages or disadvantages.
Moderate costs in rural southeast
St. Helena's median rent of $802 falls between Sabine Parish's bargain $664 and Richland Parish's $836, positioning it as a moderate-cost option. Local incomes of $50,193 are among the lower tier surveyed, creating a balanced but unremarkable affordability profile for the southeast rural region.
Homeownership offers solid savings
St. Helena renters dedicate 19.2% of income to $802 monthly rent, while homeowners spending $434 claim only 10.4% of income—a dramatic $368 monthly advantage favoring purchase. The median home value of $106,400 represents one of the most affordable entry points for buyers across all parishes surveyed.
St. Helena suits patient home buyers
St. Helena Parish offers middle-ground affordability for relocators, with typical Louisiana rental costs balanced by very affordable home prices under $107,000. The substantial homeownership savings make St. Helena particularly attractive to renters ready to build equity, while those staying mobile should compare against more affordable rental markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Helena Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Helena Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $802/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Helena Parish pay $802/month on average, compared to $434/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 46%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $18,600/year. With a median household income of $50,193, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in St. Helena Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to East Feliciana Parish where rent averages $745/month, St. Helena Parish is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Helena Parish
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,171
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in St. Helena Parish
Median home value is $106,400. Estimated monthly cost: $849 vs. your max of $1,171.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana?
What is the median rent in St. Helena Parish?
Is St. Helena Parish affordable?
How does St. Helena Parish's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in St. Helena Parish?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in St. Helena Parish
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.