Louisiana · Metropolitan Area
Baton Rouge is a large city in Louisiana with a population of 223,699. Residents earn $49,944 per year, which is 34% below the national average.
Based on current data, Baton Rouge receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Baton Rouge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $49,944, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Baton Rouge is $224,500, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,044 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
With 924 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,477 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Baton Rouge has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
| English Only | 91.7% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 8.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $49,944 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,284 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,344 |
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 19,119 |
| County GDP | $47,132M |
| Restaurants | 1,171 |
| Healthcare | 1,465 |
| Retail | 1,732 |
| Manufacturing | 301 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,486 |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
| Census Median | $224,500 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,899 |
| Median List Price | $222,000 |
| Median List Price | $222,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $146 |
| Homes Sold | 120 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.5% |
| Price Drops | 30.3% |
| Census Median Rent | $1,044 |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,312 |
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,486 |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Checkup Rate | 81.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,990/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,465 |
| Total Violent | 924.2/100K |
| 143% above US avg | |
| Murder | 23.1/100K |
| 267% above US avg | |
| Rape | 31.8/100K |
| Robbery | 371.4/100K |
| Assault | 497.9/100K |
| Total Property | 4,477.2/100K |
| 128% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,208.4/100K |
| Theft | 3,045.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 223.2/100K |
| Arson | 66.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 90 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 71.1°F |
| 32% above US avg | |
| January Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.9 inches |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 86.9 sq mi (225.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,573/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4404°N, 91.1332°W |
| County FIPS | 22033 |
Winner: Democrat by 11.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35.8% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.5% |
| School Test Score | 4.48 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,573/sq mi |
| Total Area | 86.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 53 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 59 |
| Public Libraries | 15 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,465 |
| Restaurants | 1,171 |
| Retail Stores | 1,732 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 90 |
| Avg Commute | 21.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |