LouisianaPop. 371,853Big cities
Is New Orleans a Good Place to Live? New Orleans, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Orleans ranks #1089 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 53 big cities and #6 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.6, #9 of 53), and trails on high poverty (22.6%, #48 of 53) and low household income ($56,631, #47 of 53).
New Orleans by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Orleans'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 New Orleans: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is New Orleans safe?
What is the cost of living in New Orleans?
New Orleans'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 $1,251/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,781, 12% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | New Orleans | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92.6#351 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $243,781#226 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,637/mo#447 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $315,700#577 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,251/mo#485 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 26.5%#1123 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
New Orleans 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. New Orleans is in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is New Orleans safe?
New Orleans Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
The median household in New Orleans earns $56,631, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Orleans | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $56,631#1118 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 22.6%#1181 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in New Orleans?
The median resident of New Orleans is 38.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #405 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Orleans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 38.8 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 42.4%#405 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 51.2% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are New Orleans's schools and health?
New Orleans's 69 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $16,529 spent per pupil. 34% of adults are obese and 15.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | New Orleans | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 76%#968 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $16,529#444 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 34%#702 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 15.1%#1168 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.7%#476 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 48,102 students are enrolled in New Orleans's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Orleans?
The average commute in New Orleans is 22.6 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 4.5% of workers take transit and 14.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Orleans scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84°F and winters 56.2°F, with 60.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Orleans | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 23 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 67.4% | 62.1% | 78.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.5% | 0.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.7% | 1.7% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1.7% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 14.9% | 8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.7#209 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 61 | 46.9 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 65.3 | 50.8 | 4.1 |
| Mar | 71.4 | 56.8 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 77.7 | 63.4 | 5.9 |
| May | 84.6 | 70.9 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 89.3 | 76.4 | 6 |
| Jul | 90.6 | 78.2 | 6.3 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 78.6 | 6.5 |
| Sep | 87.2 | 75.6 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 79.2 | 66.6 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 69.8 | 56.3 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 63.4 | 49.5 | 4.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
| Measure | New Orleans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 70.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 84°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 56.2°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 60.1 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Orleans?
Orleans Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 71% 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 Orleans Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | New Orleans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.45%#1257 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Orleans Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orleans Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.32% | 99% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0024% | 63% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0024% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0014% | 35% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 34% 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 New Orleans compare with similar-size cities?
New Orleans is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #40 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 371,853.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 min |
| Honolulu, HIPop. 345,482 | #417 | 59.7 | $86,504 | $1,823/mo | county/metro | 21.9 min |
| Anaheim, CAPop. 344,521 | #878 | 52.0 | $95,227 | $2,175/mo | 548 | 27.4 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 New Orleans compare with the rest of Louisiana?
New Orleans ranks #6 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 48 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 7% below the Louisiana median. Homes are 12% 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 New Orleans's score calculated?
New Orleans scores 48 out of 100, #1089 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 New Orleans. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.0 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Orleans. Similar-size median 54.8.
42.3 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Orleans's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
New Orleans's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
73.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Orleans. Similar-size median 47.2.
23.1 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Orleans. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Orleans. Similar-size median 53.7.
63.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Orleans's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
30.5 - SafetyNot scored
New Orleans'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: New Orleans's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Is New Orleans, LA a good place to live?
New Orleans ranks #1089 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 53 big cities and #6 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.6, #9 of 53), and trails on high poverty (22.6%, #48 of 53) and low household income ($56,631, #47 of 53).
What is the cost of living in New Orleans?
New Orleans'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 $1,251/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,781, 12% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
Is New Orleans safe?
New Orleans Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
The median household in New Orleans earns $56,631, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Orleans?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,251/mo (Census), #485 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,637/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Orleans?
The typical home value in New Orleans is $243,781, down 1.9% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $315,700.
How are the public schools in New Orleans?
New Orleans's 69 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $16,529 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Orleans?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 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 New Orleans?
New Orleans averages 70.9°F over the year, 84°F in summer and 56.2°F in winter, with 60.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Orleans walkable?
New Orleans scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 New Orleans at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orleans Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in New Orleans?
Orleans Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in New Orleans?
New Orleans has 371,853 residents. The median resident of New Orleans is 38.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #405 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Orleans compare with the rest of Louisiana?
New Orleans ranks #6 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 48 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 7% below the Louisiana median. Homes are 12% above the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to New Orleans?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Orleans's population of 371,853 are Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), Wichita, KS (#1135 overall), Arlington, TX (#930 overall), and Aurora, CO (#911 overall). New Orleans is #1089.