LouisianaPop. 44,060Small cities
Is Alexandria a Good Place to Live? Alexandria, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alexandria ranks #1288 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #203 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #25 of 208) and short commutes (17.4 min, #40 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (2,448 per 100,000, #174 of 174) and high poverty (27%, #195 of 208).
Alexandria by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alexandria's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alexandria?
Alexandria's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $149,506, 31% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Alexandria | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.7#39 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $149,506#41 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,120/mo#64 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $183,700#176 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $931/mo#133 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23.7%#859 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alexandria housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alexandria is in the Alexandria, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Alexandria safe?
Alexandria recorded 2,448 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.8 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1085 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #174 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alexandria Police Department. Property crime runs 5,784 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Alexandria | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 2,448#1085 of 1,085 | 515 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 5,784#1082 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alexandria?
The median household in Alexandria earns $47,113, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 27% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Alexandria | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $47,113#1263 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 27%#1269 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alexandria?
The median resident of Alexandria is 37.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 25.3%#968 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alexandria's schools and health?
Alexandria's 18 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,720 spent per pupil. 44.3% of adults are obese and 19.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Alexandria | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,720#742 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.3%#1270 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 19.1%#1295 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.6%#1219 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.1%#669 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,474 students are enrolled in Alexandria's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alexandria?
The average commute in Alexandria is 17.4 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 2% of workers take transit and 5.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alexandria scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82°F and winters 51°F, with 54.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alexandria | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.4 min#161 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.7% | 78.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2% | 0.9% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.1% | 8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59.6 | 38.9 | 5.5 |
| Feb | 63.6 | 42.2 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 70.7 | 49 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 78.1 | 55.1 | 4.9 |
| May | 85.4 | 63.7 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 70.6 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 73 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 71.9 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 89 | 66.6 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 80.1 | 55.4 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 69.3 | 45.4 | 4.6 |
| Dec | 61.2 | 40.6 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alexandria International Airport.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 66.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 82°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 51°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 54.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alexandria International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alexandria?
Rapides Parish's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rapides Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#231 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Rapides Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Rapides Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.021% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0021% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.006% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alexandria compare with similar-size cities?
Alexandria is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #203 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 44,060.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 min |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #386 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 | 27 min |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #1071 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 | 20.7 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #936 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 | 29.3 min |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #502 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alexandria compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Alexandria ranks #16 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 38.6 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 23% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 4.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Louisiana home.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Alexandria's score calculated?
Alexandria scores 38.6 out of 100, #1288 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Louisiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alexandria. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alexandria's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
1.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alexandria. Similar-size median 52.2.
18.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alexandria's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
55.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alexandria's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alexandria. Similar-size median 46.7.
10.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alexandria. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alexandria. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alexandria's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
75.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alexandria's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alexandria has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alexandria
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live?
Alexandria ranks #1288 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #203 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #25 of 208) and short commutes (17.4 min, #40 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (2,448 per 100,000, #174 of 174) and high poverty (27%, #195 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Alexandria?
Alexandria's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $149,506, 31% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Alexandria?
Alexandria recorded 2,448 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.8 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1085 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #174 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alexandria Police Department. Property crime runs 5,784 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Alexandria?
The median household in Alexandria earns $47,113, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 27% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Alexandria?
Median rent in Alexandria is $931/mo (Census), #133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,120/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alexandria?
The typical home value in Alexandria is $149,506, up 3% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $183,700.
How are the public schools in Alexandria?
Alexandria's 18 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,720 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alexandria?
The average commute is 17.4 minutes, #161 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alexandria?
Alexandria averages 66.9°F over the year, 82°F in summer and 51°F in winter, with 54.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alexandria walkable?
Alexandria scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alexandria at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rapides Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Alexandria?
Rapides Parish's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Alexandria?
Alexandria has 44,060 residents. The median resident of Alexandria is 37.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alexandria compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Alexandria ranks #16 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 38.6 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 23% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 4.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Alexandria?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alexandria's population of 44,060 are Lebanon, TN (#386 overall), Burlington, VT (#202 overall), Pearl City, HI (#331 overall), Fond du Lac, WI (#612 overall), and Wilkes-Barre, PA (#1071 overall). Alexandria is #1288.