Cost of Living in St. James Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. James Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. James Parish ranks #1,416 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. James Parish, Louisiana
St. James achieves excellent rent value
St. James Parish renters spend just 15.3% of income on housing—tied for Louisiana's best rent-to-income ratio and well below national affordability benchmarks. With median rent of $821 and household income of $64,536, St. James delivers strong rental value alongside the state's higher income profile.
Top-tier affordability in Louisiana
St. James Parish ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes for renters at 15.3% rent-to-income, matching Sabine Parish's exceptional performance. The combination of reasonable median rent at $821 and solid household income of $64,536 positions St. James as a standout value within the state.
Better balance than nearby parishes
St. James's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats neighboring St. Bernard Parish's 22.6% and St. John the Baptist Parish's 19.9%, despite comparable proximity to New Orleans economic activity. The $821 rent offers better value than St. Bernard's $1,083 while supporting stronger incomes than rural alternatives.
Both rent and ownership are accessible
St. James renters allocate just 15.3% of income to $821 monthly rent, while homeowners with $700 mortgages claim 13% of income—both exceptional ratios. The median home value of $197,800 provides fair value for buyers, making both rental and ownership paths genuinely affordable in this parish.
St. James balances affordability and access
St. James Parish delivers Louisiana's best overall housing value, combining excellent rent-to-income ratios of 15.3% with solid household incomes and reasonable home prices under $198,000. Whether you're relocating as a renter or buyer, St. James offers affordability advantages rare among parishes with comparable income levels and economic opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. James Parish
Affordability Verdict
St. James Parish is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $821/month representing approximately 15.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. James Parish is $821/month, while owner costs run $700/month. Owning saves approximately $121/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,000/year. With a median household income of $64,536, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in St. James Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Louisiana, St. James Parish is more affordable than East Carroll Parish by roughly 7% ($821/mo vs $767/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. James Parish
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,506
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
The median home in St. James Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $197,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,579 vs. your max of $1,506.
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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