Median Income
$57,596
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
194/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.1%
143% higher than US avg
How Buras Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population757
Median Age46.2 yrs
Density329/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,596
Per Capita$25,510
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty30.1%
County GDP$4,007M
Commute38 min
Housing
Ownership94.9%
Zillow$136,582
Housing Units513
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent194/100K
Property48/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking26.0%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain62.8 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation-2 ft (-1 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+42.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute38 min
Broadband73.8%
Libraries3
Is Buras a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buras receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Buras has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buras is $57,596, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. The poverty rate of 30.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buras is below the national average at 194 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 48 per 100,000, 98% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Buras enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Buras has a population of 757 with a density of 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 46.2 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (39.9%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 65% of residents, while 35% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.2yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
65.0%
17% below US avg
Spanish
35.0%
161% above US avg
The median household income in Buras is $57,596, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,510 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,696, 18% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 876 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,596 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,510 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,696 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,259 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.1% |
| 143% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 876 |
| County GDP | $4,007M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,582. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 513 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $2,988. 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 94.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.1% |
| Housing Units | 513 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
In Buras, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 40.8% have high blood pressure. 26.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.7% report binge drinking. 43.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661. The dentist ratio is 1:3,753. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buras vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.0% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.2% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,661 |
| Dentists | 1:3,753 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 42.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,582/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Buras has a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 48 per 100,000, 98% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buras receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buras vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.8/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 48.5/100K |
| 98% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buras enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 317 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 62.8 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 -2 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 70.3°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | -2 ft (-1 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.3537°N, 89.5240°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Plaquemines Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
62.8"
65% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Mar 16, 2001.
| Mar 16, 2001 |
106 km SSE of Venice, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Oct 18, 1997 |
69 km SSW of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.9 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
136 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
62 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
101 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
230 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
42 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
124 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
10 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
261 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
138 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
230 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
18 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
181 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
134 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
137 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 352 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
86 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
89 km |
1 |
| Feb 2, 2006 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1998 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1993 |
EF2 |
65 km |
3 |
| Apr 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1971 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1970 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1967 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1967 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
LOWER BAY |
599 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
ANSLEY |
526 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Buras has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Buras. 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 | $657 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buras
What is the population of Buras?
Buras has a population of 757 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Buras expensive to live in?
Buras 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 $57,596, 23% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Buras safe?
Buras is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 48 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buras receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buras?
Buras enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Buras?
The job market in Buras is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,696. There are 876 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Buras?
Schools in Buras score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Buras hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buras?
The obesity rate in Buras is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.0% of adults are smokers. 43.2% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661.
What is transportation like in Buras?
The average commute in Buras is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buras?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buras is 39.9% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 65% of residents speak only English at home, while 35% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.