Median Income
$70,701
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$140,300
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
194/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Golden Meadow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,791
Median Age46.2 yrs
Density731/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,701
Per Capita$34,626
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$6,287M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,300
Rent$764
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$84,148
Housing Units1,014
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent194/100K
Property48/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault194/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking19.5%
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain66.7 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation-2 ft (-1 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+83.4%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute25 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Golden Meadow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden Meadow receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Golden Meadow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden Meadow is $70,701, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golden Meadow is $140,300, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Golden Meadow 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
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden Meadow enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 66.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Golden Meadow has a population of 1,791 with a density of 731 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 46.2 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.4% of residents, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.2yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Golden Meadow vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.4%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.6%
46% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Golden Meadow vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Golden Meadow is $70,701, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,626 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,291. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,205 business establishments, including 159 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Golden Meadow vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,701 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,626 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,291 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,033 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,205 |
| County GDP | $6,287M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 159 |
| Healthcare | 179 |
| Retail | 263 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,016 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Golden Meadow is $140,300, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,148, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 86.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% 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. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,014 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,016. 19.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,300 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,148 |
| Median List Price | $150,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $150,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $53 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 86.5% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,014 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,016 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.86% |
In Golden Meadow, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,990. The dentist ratio is 1:2,084. 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golden Meadow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,990 |
| Dentists | 1:2,084 |
| Mental Health | 1:475 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,656/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 179 |
Golden Meadow has a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 193.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 48 per 100,000, 98% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 48 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 35 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Golden Meadow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Golden Meadow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.8/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 193.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 48.5/100K |
| 98% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 48.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 35 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Golden Meadow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°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 66.7 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)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.4°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | -2 ft (-1 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 731/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.3870°N, 90.2750°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafourche Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
66.7"
75% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
28 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 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
24 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
283 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
211 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
109 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
182 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
209 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
172 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
159 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
181 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
42 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
250 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
254 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 598 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
25 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
71 km |
1 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
99 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
73 km |
1 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2006 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1998 |
EF2 |
20 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1995 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1993 |
EF2 |
23 km |
3 |
| Apr 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
7.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Golden Meadow has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.2") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Golden Meadow. 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 Golden Meadow
What is the population of Golden Meadow?
Golden Meadow has a population of 1,791 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 731 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 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 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Golden Meadow expensive to live in?
Golden Meadow 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 $70,701, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,300 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Golden Meadow safe?
Golden Meadow 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, Golden Meadow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golden Meadow?
Golden Meadow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 66.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Golden Meadow?
The job market in Golden Meadow is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,291. There are 2,205 business establishments in the area, including 159 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golden Meadow?
The median home value in Golden Meadow is $140,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,148. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,016.
How are the schools in Golden Meadow?
Schools in Golden Meadow have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.9% of adults in Golden Meadow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden Meadow?
The obesity rate in Golden Meadow is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 31.4% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,990.
What is transportation like in Golden Meadow?
The average commute in Golden Meadow is 25 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden Meadow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden Meadow is 86.8% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 80.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
