LouisianaPop. 32,392Small cities
Is Houma a Good Place to Live? Houma, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Houma ranks #1078 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.1, #21 of 208) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on high violent crime (489 per 100,000, #142 of 174).
Houma by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Houma'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 Houma?
Houma's cost of living index is 85.1, 15% below the US level of 100 and #32 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,058/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $187,728, 14% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Houma | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.1#32 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $187,728#95 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 | $1,315/mo#175 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $205,900#245 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,058/mo#277 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.8%#657 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.
Houma 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. Houma is in the Houma-Thibodaux, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Houma safe?
Houma recorded 489 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 328 and 5% below Louisiana's 515. That ranks #828 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Houma Police Department. Property crime runs 2,744 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Houma | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 489#828 of 1,085 | 515 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,744#906 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 Houma?
The median household in Houma earns $58,194, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Houma | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $58,194#1083 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Houma?
The median resident of Houma is 34.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1028 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Houma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.8%#1028 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 72.4% | 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 Houma's schools and health?
Houma's 10 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $13,613 spent per pupil. 42% of adults are obese and 16.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Houma | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,613#754 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 42%#1208 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.2%#1233 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10%#656 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. 6,451 students are enrolled in Houma's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Houma?
The average commute in Houma is 19.7 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 0.4% of workers take transit and 3.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Houma scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.3°F and winters 55.7°F, with 65.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Houma | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.7 min#320 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.3% | 78.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.7% | 8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 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 | 63.9 | 43.5 | 5.6 |
| Feb | 67.2 | 47.8 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 72.9 | 54.3 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 78.3 | 59.6 | 4 |
| May | 85.2 | 67.3 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 72.6 | 8.4 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 74.1 | 9.1 |
| Aug | 91.4 | 74.5 | 6.5 |
| Sep | 88.6 | 70.8 | 5.8 |
| Oct | 81.5 | 60.9 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 72.3 | 51.6 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 66.4 | 45.6 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Houma.
| Measure | Houma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 69.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 82.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 55.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 65.4 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 Houma.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Houma?
Terrebonne Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 73% 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 Terrebonne Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.52% of building value, higher than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Houma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 42#457 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% | 0.52%#1305 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 Terrebonne Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Terrebonne Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.34% | 99% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.031% | 96% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 48% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0078% | 46% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.001% | 29% 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 Houma compare with similar-size cities?
Houma is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #172 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,392.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #1078 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 | 19.7 min |
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #709 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 | 22.1 min |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #542 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 | 20 min |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #641 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 | 24.2 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #1040 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 | 14.5 min |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 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 Houma compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Houma ranks #5 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 5% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Houma's score calculated?
Houma scores 48.4 out of 100, #1078 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Houma. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Houma's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
55.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Houma. Similar-size median 52.2.
27.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Houma's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
63.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Houma's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Houma. Similar-size median 46.7.
35.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Houma. Similar-size median 44.2.
39.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Houma. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Houma's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
29.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Houma'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 Houma 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 Houma
Is Houma, LA a good place to live?
Houma ranks #1078 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.1, #21 of 208) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on high violent crime (489 per 100,000, #142 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Houma?
Houma's cost of living index is 85.1, 15% below the US level of 100 and #32 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,058/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $187,728, 14% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Houma?
Houma recorded 489 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 328 and 5% below Louisiana's 515. That ranks #828 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Houma Police Department. Property crime runs 2,744 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Houma?
The median household in Houma earns $58,194, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Houma?
Median rent in Houma is $1,058/mo (Census), #277 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,315/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Houma?
The typical home value in Houma is $187,728, down 4.7% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $205,900.
How are the public schools in Houma?
Houma's 10 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $13,613 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Houma?
The average commute is 19.7 minutes, #320 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Houma?
Houma averages 69.6°F over the year, 82.3°F in summer and 55.7°F in winter, with 65.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Houma walkable?
Houma scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Houma at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Terrebonne Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.52% of building value, higher than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Houma?
Terrebonne Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Houma?
Houma has 32,392 residents. The median resident of Houma is 34.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1028 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Houma compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Houma ranks #5 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 5% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Houma?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Houma's population of 32,392 are Bethel Park, PA (#24 overall), Eagle, ID (#279 overall), Opelika, AL (#709 overall), Elizabethtown, KY (#542 overall), and Aiken, SC (#641 overall). Houma is #1078.