LouisianaPop. 139,729Mid-size cities
Is Metairie a Good Place to Live? Metairie, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Metairie ranks #1147 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #214 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.6, #47 of 256) and low rents ($1,175/mo, #51 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (78%, #182 of 205).
Metairie by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Metairie'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 Metairie: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Metairie safe?
What is the cost of living in Metairie?
Metairie's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,175/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,021, 51% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Metairie | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.6#351 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $328,021#457 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 | $1,545/mo#375 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $327,500#599 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,175/mo#413 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.3%#361 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.
Metairie 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. Metairie is in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Metairie safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Metairie alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Metairie crime rate or rank it on safety. Louisiana as a whole records 515 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Metairie?
The median household in Metairie earns $73,042, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Louisiana ($60,986). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Metairie | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $73,042#754 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.5%#690 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
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.
Who lives in Metairie?
The median resident of Metairie is 41.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Metairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 41.2%#436 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 62.1% | 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 Metairie's schools and health?
Metairie's 18 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $14,155 spent per pupil. 38.1% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Metairie | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 78%#920 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,155#678 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 38.1%#1019 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9%#519 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. 11,825 students are enrolled in Metairie's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Metairie?
The average commute in Metairie is 21.7 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Metairie scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.4°F and winters 56.3°F, with 63.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Metairie | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.7% | 78.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.5% | 8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.6#729 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 | 62.5 | 46.1 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 49.7 | 4.1 |
| Mar | 72.3 | 55.3 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 78.5 | 61.7 | 5.2 |
| May | 85.3 | 69 | 5.6 |
| Jun | 90 | 74.7 | 7.6 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 76.5 | 6.8 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 76.6 | 6.9 |
| Sep | 88.1 | 73.5 | 5.1 |
| Oct | 80.6 | 64.3 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 71.2 | 53.7 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 64.8 | 48.4 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Orleans Airport.
| Measure | Metairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 70.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 63.4 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 New Orleans Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Metairie?
Jefferson Parish's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 62% 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 Jefferson Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.5% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Metairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 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% | 0.5%#1301 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 Jefferson Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.32% | 99% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.099% | 68% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0039% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 30% 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 Metairie compare with similar-size cities?
Metairie is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #214 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 139,729.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #1147 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data | 21.7 min |
| Fullerton, CAPop. 140,968 | #768 | 53.8 | $104,286 | $2,194/mo | 358 | 30.5 min |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #977 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 | 17.7 min |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #482 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 | 31.1 min |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #821 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 | 22.6 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 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 Metairie compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Metairie ranks #8 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 20% above the Louisiana median. Homes are 51% 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 Metairie's score calculated?
Metairie scores 46.7 out of 100, #1147 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, 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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Metairie. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
33.1 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Metairie. Similar-size median 53.8.
45.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Metairie's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Metairie's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
74.0 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Metairie. Similar-size median 51.2.
48.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Metairie. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Metairie's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
24.4 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Metairie alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Metairie.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Metairie'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 Metairie 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 Metairie
Is Metairie, LA a good place to live?
Metairie ranks #1147 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #214 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.6, #47 of 256) and low rents ($1,175/mo, #51 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (78%, #182 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Metairie?
Metairie's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,175/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,021, 51% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
Is Metairie safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Metairie alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Metairie crime rate or 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 Metairie?
The median household in Metairie earns $73,042, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Louisiana ($60,986). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Metairie?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,175/mo (Census), #413 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,545/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Metairie?
The typical home value in Metairie is $328,021, up 6.4% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $327,500.
How are the public schools in Metairie?
Metairie's 18 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $14,155 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Metairie?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Metairie?
Metairie averages 70.5°F over the year, 83.4°F in summer and 56.3°F in winter, with 63.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Metairie walkable?
Metairie scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Metairie at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.5% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Metairie?
Jefferson Parish's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Metairie?
Metairie has 139,729 residents. The median resident of Metairie is 41.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Metairie compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Metairie ranks #8 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 46.7 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 20% above the Louisiana median. Homes are 51% above the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Metairie?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Metairie's population of 139,729 are Fullerton, CA (#768 overall), Columbia, SC (#977 overall), Miramar, FL (#482 overall), West Valley City, UT (#821 overall), and Warren, MI (#1032 overall). Metairie is #1147.