Median Income
$52,593
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$38,000
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
907/100K
139% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.6%
167% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
35% higher than US avg
How Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population338
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density46/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$52,593
Per Capita$19,695
Unemployment9.6%
Poverty16.8%
County GDP$2,067M
Housing
A+
Home Value$38,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$149,824
Housing Units120
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent907/100K
Property4,834/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.3%
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.5 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation29 ft (9 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+83.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 18%
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Branch receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Branch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Branch is $52,593, 30% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Branch is $38,000, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 907 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 4,834 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Branch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Branch has a population of 338 with a density of 46 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66% female and 34% male. The city is predominantly White (79.9%), with 10.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Branch is $52,593, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,695 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $867, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,460 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 14.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,593 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,695 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,101 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.6% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.8% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,460 |
| County GDP | $2,067M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 141 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.5% |
The median home value in Branch is $38,000, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,824, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $1,946 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $38,000 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,824 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.12% |
In Branch, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 29.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728. The dentist ratio is 1:2,270. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,728 |
| Dentists | 1:2,270 |
| Mental Health | 1:672 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 14,440/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 141 |
Branch has a violent crime rate of 907 per 100,000 residents, 139% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,834 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Branch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 907.1/100K |
| 139% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,833.5/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 63.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 29 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.2°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 29 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.3386°N, 92.2857°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Acadia Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.5"
67% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.79"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
150 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
145 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
108 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
206 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
201 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
37 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
126 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
258 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
154 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
38 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
59 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
242 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 37 fatalities, 550 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
8 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LACASSINE POOL (16,640 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,872 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,678 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,387 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
MIAMI |
3,466 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
G 1 2 3 |
3,427 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,338 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,203 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALE C-34-369 |
3,183 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
C-34/369 |
3,160 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 51°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.1 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.8") and October the driest (4.3").
Average costs for common services in Branch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $658 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Branch
What is the population of Branch?
Branch has a population of 338 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 46 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66% female and 34% male.
Is Branch expensive to live in?
Branch is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,593, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $38,000 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Branch safe?
Public safety is a concern in Branch, with a violent crime rate of 907 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,834 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Branch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Branch?
Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Branch?
The job market in Branch faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $867. There are 1,460 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Branch?
The median home value in Branch is $38,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,824. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,946.
How are the schools in Branch?
Schools in Branch have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.2% of adults in Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Branch?
The obesity rate in Branch is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 29.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728.
What are the demographics of Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Branch is 79.9% White, 10.4% Black or African American. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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