Cost of Living in Washington Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington Parish ranks #1,956 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington Parish, Louisiana
Washington faces affordability challenges
Washington Parish renters dedicate 21.7% of household income to rent, stretching limited budgets in a county where median income stands at just $42,776—43% below the national average. The median rent of $772 monthly doesn't ease the burden given the parish's lower earning power.
Least affordable in Louisiana's west
Washington Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable rental markets, with a 21.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.5% by over 2 percentage points. Low incomes amplify the housing squeeze in this economically challenged parish.
Washington rents lowest but income's lower
Washington Parish offers the lowest median rent at $772 among regional peers, but its median household income of $42,776 is also lowest, making housing affordability ratios worse than counties with higher wages. The median home value of $139,400 remains accessible for those who can save a down payment.
Limited income leaves little cushion
Washington Parish residents allocate 21.7% of their $42,776 annual income to the $772 median rent, consuming roughly $9,300 yearly and straining household budgets. Homeownership is more affordable at the $469 monthly cost level, representing 13.2% of income, but down payment barriers remain high.
Washington needs income growth
Washington Parish works best for remote workers or transferred professionals bringing higher salaries to the region, as local incomes make typical housing costs a burden. The low home values present opportunity, but overall affordability improves significantly when household income exceeds the parish median.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington Parish
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Washington Parish is affordable. The median rent is $772/month against a median household income of $42,776, putting rent at 21.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Washington Parish pay $772/month on average, compared to $469/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 39%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,100/year. With a median household income of $42,776, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Washington Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Washington Parish sits 7% more expensive than De Soto Parish ($719/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington Parish
Rent Burden
21.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$998
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
The median home in Washington Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $139,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,113 vs. your max of $998.
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 Washington 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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