LouisianaPop. 222,771Mid-size cities
Is Baton Rouge a Good Place to Live? Baton Rouge, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Baton Rouge ranks #1234 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #237 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (90.8, #25 of 256) and low rents ($1,067/mo, #26 of 256), and trails on low household income ($49,994, #246 of 256) and high poverty (25.7%, #246 of 256).
Baton Rouge by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Baton Rouge's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Baton Rouge: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Baton Rouge safe?
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,067/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $232,056, 7% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Baton Rouge | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.8#234 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $232,056#204 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,333/mo#192 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $234,700#343 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,067/mo#283 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.6%#1058 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Baton Rouge 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. Baton Rouge is in the Baton Rouge, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Baton Rouge safe?
Baton Rouge Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Baton Rouge and we don't rank it on safety. Louisiana as a whole records 515 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Baton Rouge?
The median household in Baton Rouge earns $49,994, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Baton Rouge | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $49,994#1231 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 25.7%#1250 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Baton Rouge?
The median resident of Baton Rouge is 31.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #562 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Baton Rouge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.6%#562 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Baton Rouge's schools and health?
Baton Rouge's 68 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,338 spent per pupil. 37.9% of adults are obese and 15.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Baton Rouge | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 74.8%#986 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,338#546 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.9%#1002 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.3%#1182 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21%#1253 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 36,018 students are enrolled in Baton Rouge's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Baton Rouge?
The average commute in Baton Rouge is 21 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Baton Rouge scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.2°F and winters 53.9°F, with 61.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Baton Rouge | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21 min#422 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.1% | 78.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 0.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.3% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.2% | 8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.8#1105 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 62.3 | 41.6 | 6.4 |
| Feb | 66.6 | 45.3 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 73 | 51 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 79.1 | 56.9 | 5.1 |
| May | 85.8 | 65.1 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 71.5 | 6.5 |
| Jul | 91.9 | 73.8 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 73.3 | 6.4 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 68.9 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 80.9 | 58.1 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 71 | 47.8 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 64.3 | 43.3 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baton Rouge Metro Airport.
| Measure | Baton Rouge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 68.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 61.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baton Rouge Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Baton Rouge?
East Baton Rouge Parish's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts East Baton Rouge Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Baton Rouge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#769 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for East Baton Rouge Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, East Baton Rouge Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.051% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0098% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0013% | 33% 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 Baton Rouge compare with similar-size cities?
Baton Rouge is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #237 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 222,771.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #790 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 | 29 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #1263 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 | 29.7 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 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 Baton Rouge compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Baton Rouge ranks #13 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 43.3 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 18% below the Louisiana median. Homes are 7% above 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 Baton Rouge's score calculated?
Baton Rouge scores 43.3 out of 100, #1234 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Baton Rouge. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.3 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Baton Rouge. Similar-size median 53.8.
33.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Baton Rouge's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Baton Rouge's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
80.3 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Baton Rouge. Similar-size median 51.2.
14.5 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Baton Rouge. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Baton Rouge. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Baton Rouge's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
40.6 - SafetyNot scored
Baton Rouge's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Baton Rouge's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
Is Baton Rouge, LA a good place to live?
Baton Rouge ranks #1234 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #237 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (90.8, #25 of 256) and low rents ($1,067/mo, #26 of 256), and trails on low household income ($49,994, #246 of 256) and high poverty (25.7%, #246 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,067/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $232,056, 7% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
Is Baton Rouge safe?
Baton Rouge Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Baton Rouge and we don't rank it on safety. Louisiana as a whole records 515 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Baton Rouge?
The median household in Baton Rouge earns $49,994, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,067/mo (Census), #283 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,333/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Baton Rouge?
The typical home value in Baton Rouge is $232,056, up 1.6% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $234,700.
How are the public schools in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge's 68 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,338 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Baton Rouge?
The average commute is 21 minutes, #422 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge averages 68.5°F over the year, 82.2°F in summer and 53.9°F in winter, with 61.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Baton Rouge walkable?
Baton Rouge scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Baton Rouge at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts East Baton Rouge Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Baton Rouge?
East Baton Rouge Parish's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has 222,771 residents. The median resident of Baton Rouge is 31.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #562 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Baton Rouge compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Baton Rouge ranks #13 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 43.3 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 18% below the Louisiana median. Homes are 7% above the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Baton Rouge?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Baton Rouge's population of 222,771 are Richmond, VA (#609 overall), Hialeah, FL (#790 overall), Huntsville, AL (#589 overall), Tacoma, WA (#1110 overall), and San Bernardino, CA (#1263 overall). Baton Rouge is #1234.