Median Income
$24,160
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,500
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
499/100K
31% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$838
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.4%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
44.0%
255% higher than US avg
How Donaldsonville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,792
Median Age30.8 yrs
Density1,797/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 14%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
D
Median Income$24,160
Per Capita$19,401
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty44.0%
County GDP$12,654M
Commute27 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$175,500
Rent$838
Ownership54.1%
Zillow$162,666
Housing Units2,839
Rent Burden47.9%
Crime
F
Violent499/100K
Property6,829/100K
Health
Obesity46.4%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking22.5%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain67.2 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation18 ft (5 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.66
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Donaldsonville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Donaldsonville receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Donaldsonville faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Donaldsonville is $24,160, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 44.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Donaldsonville is $175,500, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,829 per 100,000, 248% above the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Donaldsonville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Donaldsonville has a population of 6,792 with a density of 1,797 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 30.8 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly Black (84.2%), with 13.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.8yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Donaldsonville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Donaldsonville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Donaldsonville is $24,160, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,401 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,381. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 44.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,919 business establishments, including 272 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Donaldsonville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,160 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,401 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,381 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,265 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 44.0% |
| 255% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,919 |
| County GDP | $12,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 272 |
| Healthcare | 241 |
| Retail | 407 |
| Manufacturing | 110 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,822 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Donaldsonville is $175,500, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,666. Monthly rent averages $838 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,839 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,822 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 47.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,500 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,666 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $838 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,839 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,822 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Donaldsonville, 46.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 49.1% have high blood pressure. 22.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,252. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Donaldsonville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.4% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 49.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.5% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 50.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,252 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:803 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,276/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 241 |
Donaldsonville has a violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 residents, 31% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,829 per 100,000, 248% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Donaldsonville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Donaldsonville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 498.8/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,829.1/100K |
| 248% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Donaldsonville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°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 67.2 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 18 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.1°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 18 ft (5 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,797/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0951°N, 90.9925°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ascension Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
67.2"
77% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0401 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.0 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
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 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
27 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 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
31 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
225 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
106 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
184 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
174 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
134 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
254 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
132 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
298 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
126 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
204 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
286 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
145 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 877 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
82 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,206 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,206 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Donaldsonville has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.8").
Average costs for common services in Donaldsonville. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $616 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donaldsonville
What is the population of Donaldsonville?
Donaldsonville has a population of 6,792 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,797 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Donaldsonville expensive to live in?
Donaldsonville 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 $24,160, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,500 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Donaldsonville safe?
The violent crime rate in Donaldsonville is 499 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,829 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Donaldsonville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Donaldsonville?
Donaldsonville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Donaldsonville?
The unemployment rate in Donaldsonville is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,381. There are 3,919 business establishments in the area, including 272 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Donaldsonville?
The median home value in Donaldsonville is $175,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,666. For renters, the median monthly rent is $838. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,822.
How are the schools in Donaldsonville?
Schools in Donaldsonville score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Donaldsonville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Donaldsonville?
The obesity rate in Donaldsonville is 46.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.5% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,252.
What is transportation like in Donaldsonville?
The average commute in Donaldsonville is 27 minutes. 72% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Donaldsonville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Donaldsonville is 13.8% White, 84.2% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.