Median Income
$41,750
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,700
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
19% higher than US avg
How Catahoula Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population412
Median Age56.8 yrs
Density135/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,750
Per Capita$29,073
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty14.7%
County GDP$1,973M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$126,237
Housing Units394
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property3,626/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking20.5%
Depression33.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain66.8 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation12 ft (4 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+80.7%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score4.59
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute43 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Catahoula a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Catahoula receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Catahoula has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Catahoula is $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Catahoula is $135,700, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Catahoula is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,626 per 100,000, 85% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Catahoula enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 66.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Catahoula has a population of 412 with a density of 135 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 56.8 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40% female and 60% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78% of residents, while 22% speak Spanish. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.8yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Catahoula vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.0%
1% below US avg
Spanish
22.0%
64% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Catahoula vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Catahoula is $41,750, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,073 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,127 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Catahoula vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,750 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,073 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,127 |
| County GDP | $1,973M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 71 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Catahoula is $135,700, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,237. Fair market rent ranges from $647 for a one-bedroom to $834 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 394 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,513 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,700 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,237 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $601 |
| 1 Bedroom | $647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,139 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,249 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 394 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.85% |
In Catahoula, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,685. The dentist ratio is 1:5,124. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Catahoula vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 33.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,685 |
| Dentists | 1:5,124 |
| Mental Health | 1:681 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,427/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
Catahoula has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,626 per 100,000, 85% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Catahoula receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Catahoula vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.1/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,625.8/100K |
| 85% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Catahoula enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°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 66.8 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 12 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2120°N, 91.7196°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Martin Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Acadiana Regional (ARA) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
66.8"
76% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
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 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 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 |
104 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
159 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
156 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
148 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
20 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
181 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
199 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
193 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
61 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
13 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
234 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 38 fatalities, 708 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,875 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
93 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,764 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,365 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Catahoula has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 52°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 61.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Catahoula. 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 Catahoula
What is the population of Catahoula?
Catahoula has a population of 412 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 135 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40% female and 60% male.
Is Catahoula expensive to live in?
Catahoula 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 $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,700 (52% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Catahoula safe?
Catahoula is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,626 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Catahoula receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Catahoula?
Catahoula enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 66.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Catahoula?
Catahoula has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 1,127 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Catahoula?
The median home value in Catahoula is $135,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,237. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,513.
How are the schools in Catahoula?
Schools in Catahoula have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.3% of adults in Catahoula hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Catahoula?
The obesity rate in Catahoula is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 33.5% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,685.
What is transportation like in Catahoula?
The average commute in Catahoula is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Catahoula?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Catahoula is 94.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 78% of residents speak only English at home, while 22% speak Spanish. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.