Cost of Living in Union Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union Parish ranks #175 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union Parish, Louisiana
Union Parish sits at national affordability edge
At 19.9%, Union Parish's rent-to-income ratio falls just shy of the national threshold and only marginally above Louisiana's state average. With a median household income of $45,743 and rents of $758, residents achieve stable housing through rural cost-of-living advantages.
Mid-tier affordability across Louisiana
Union Parish ranks in the middle band of Louisiana's 64 parishes for housing affordability, with a 19.9% rent-to-income ratio just 0.4 percentage points above state average. This positions the parish as neither particularly strained nor especially easy.
Similar to St. Landry in cost profile
Union Parish and St. Landry mirror each other closely: both offer rents around $750, incomes near $45,700, and median home values under $120,000. Union homes cost slightly less at $115,400 versus St. Landry's $142,900.
Housing takes one-fifth of income
Renters pay $758 monthly while homeowners carry $490, with a median income of $45,743 allocating 19.9% to rent. This tight but manageable ratio leaves limited flexibility for other household demands.
Union Parish for budget-conscious relocators
Job-seekers and retirees prioritizing absolute lowest costs should test Union Parish's $758 rents and $115,400 median home values against St. Landry. Compare employment and amenity options before choosing between these similar rural parishes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union Parish
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Union Parish, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $758/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Union Parish pay $758/month on average, compared to $490/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 35%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,000/year. With a median household income of $45,743, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Union Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Union Parish sits 7% less expensive than Iberville Parish ($817/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union Parish
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,067
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union Parish
Median home value is $115,400. Estimated monthly cost: $921 vs. your max of $1,067.
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
What is the cost of living in Union Parish, Louisiana?
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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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