Metro areas in Louisiana: income, rent and home values
Louisiana has 10 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by New Orleans, LA with 970,849 residents. Household incomes are highest in Slidell, LA ($91,492). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Lake Charles, LA (28.7%) and the largest in Hammond, LA (38.6%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Lake Charles, LA (+18.1%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 970,849 | $67,798 | $1,357 | $275,400 | 33.5% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 888,699 | $70,472 | $1,159 | $260,500 | 30.9% |
| Lafayette, LA | 423,758 | $70,414 | $1,031 | $226,600 | 28.8% |
| Shreveport, LA | 383,474 | $60,202 | $994 | $202,300 | 30.3% |
| Slidell, LA | 279,108 | $91,492 | $1,426 | $305,300 | 30.7% |
| Lake Charles, LA | 246,535 | $66,493 | $1,101 | $208,300 | 28.7% |
| Monroe, LA | 223,870 | $48,595 | $923 | $178,900 | 32.6% |
| Houma, LA | 199,668 | $64,235 | $1,061 | $213,500 | 28.8% |
| Alexandria, LA | 147,952 | $64,555 | $990 | $194,300 | 34.7% |
| Hammond, LA | 141,346 | $59,330 | $1,051 | $235,400 | 38.6% |
Compare New Orleans with another metro ↗ See national rankings ↗
Louisiana at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Louisiana for renters?+
Lake Charles, LA, where renters spend a median 28.7% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Louisiana has the highest income?+
Slidell, LA, with a median household income of $91,492 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Louisiana?+
10 metropolitan statistical areas in Louisiana have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.