Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Overview

Baton Rouge faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (33.6/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Louisiana. Even so, the city scores 83/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 3/100.

Income & Employment in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge’s median income of $41,651 is 25% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%.

Safety in Baton Rouge

With a violent crime rate of 1008.7 per 100,000, Baton Rouge exceeds the Louisiana average of 520. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 5543 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 90.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $224,500. Median monthly rent is $1,044. Renters allocate 30.1% of income to rent — above the 30% affordability threshold. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Baton Rouge

The adult obesity rate in Baton Rouge is 37.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.3%. Residents report an average of 21 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Louisiana ranks #50 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has a high school graduation rate of 76%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.9:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,630. The city has 95 public schools serving 57,003 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Baton Rouge

Summers in Baton Rouge are hot, averaging 86°F. Summers average 86°F. Winters average 57.5°F. Annual precipitation is 39.9 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions