Median Income
$57,472
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,200
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,118
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Gray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,524
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density481/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,472
Per Capita$30,469
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$7,139M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,200
Rent$1,118
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$236,706
Housing Units2,358
Rent Burden18.9%
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking19.6%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
Rain65.4 in/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.87
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Gray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gray receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gray offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gray is $57,472, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gray is $155,200, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,118 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Gray 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. Annual precipitation totals 65.4 inches.
Gray has a population of 5,524 with a density of 481 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (52.3%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 40.5% Black, 1.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,524
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Gray is $57,472, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,469 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,342 business establishments, including 229 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,472 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,469 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,342 |
| County GDP | $7,139M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 229 |
| Healthcare | 268 |
| Retail | 434 |
| Manufacturing | 121 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,045 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Gray is $155,200, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,706, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $208,000 with homes selling in an average of 182 days. Homes sell for 99.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,118 (4% 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. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,358 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $3,045. 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,200 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,706 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $208,000 |
| Median List Price | $207,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $208,000 |
| Median List Price | $207,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $116 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 182 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.4% |
| Price Drops | 9.1% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,118 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,358 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,045 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Gray, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.1% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 34.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091. The dentist ratio is 1:1,690. 84.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.5% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 45.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,091 |
| Dentists | 1:1,690 |
| Mental Health | 1:390 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Dental Visits | 53.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,984/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 268 |
Gray 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. Annual precipitation totals 65.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.6°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 11.5 sq mi (29.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 481/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.6780°N, 90.7831°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Terrebonne Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.4"
72% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
9.06"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
127 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 |
14 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
27 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
243 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
209 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
116 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
155 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
116 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
246 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
265 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
138 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
101 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
380 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 37 fatalities, 677 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
41 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2019 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
44 km |
2 |
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 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
99 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
9.1 in |
Wettest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
6.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Gray has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 65.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (9.1") and April the driest (4.0").
Average costs for common services in Gray. 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 Gray
What is the population of Gray?
Gray has a population of 5,524 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 481 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Gray expensive to live in?
Gray 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 $57,472, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,200 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,118 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Gray?
Gray 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. Annual rainfall totals 65.4 inches.
How is the job market in Gray?
The unemployment rate in Gray is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 3,342 business establishments in the area, including 229 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gray?
The median home value in Gray is $155,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,706. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $208,000, with homes typically selling within 182 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,118. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,045.
How are the schools in Gray?
Schools in Gray have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.1% of adults in Gray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gray?
The obesity rate in Gray is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 34.5% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091.
What is transportation like in Gray?
The average commute in Gray is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gray is 52.3% White, 40.5% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.