Median Income
$142,571
90% higher than US avg
Home Value
$189,100
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
519/100K
37% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population756
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density219/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$142,571
Per Capita$42,527
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,330M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,100
Ownership92.4%
Zillow$304,767
Housing Units197
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
F
Violent519/100K
Property2,623/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.9%
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain67.2 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score4.83
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 49%
Commute31 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Hester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hester receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Hester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hester is $142,571, which is significantly higher than the national average / 90% above $75,149. This places Hester among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hester is $189,100, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,623 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hester 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.
Hester has a population of 756 with a density of 219 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Hester is $142,571, which is 90% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,527. The average weekly wage is $1,519. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 462 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $142,571 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,519 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,786 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 462 |
| County GDP | $3,330M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Hester is $189,100, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,767, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 197 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,726 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,100 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $304,767 |
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 | 92.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.6% |
| Housing Units | 197 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.44% |
In Hester, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.9% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 29.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,428. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,199 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,082/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Hester has a violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 residents, 37% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,623 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 518.9/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,623.2/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hester 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 7 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 | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 219/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0260°N, 90.7702°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. James Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
31 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)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
88 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 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
21 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
245 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
205 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
264 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
136 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
152 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
114 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
268 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
112 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
276 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
147 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
527 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 42 fatalities, 830 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
SLIDELL AIRPORT |
1,663 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,594 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,206 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
84 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
809 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
768 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
UNT 4A SAMMY SLOUGH |
717 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
BAPTISTE CEMETERY |
684 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Hester has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Hester. 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 Hester
What is the population of Hester?
Hester has a population of 756 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 219 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Hester expensive to live in?
Hester 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 $142,571, 90% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,100 (33% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hester safe?
The violent crime rate in Hester is 519 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 2,623 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hester?
Hester 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 Hester?
The job market in Hester is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,519. There are 462 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hester?
The median home value in Hester is $189,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,767. The homeownership rate is 92.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,726.
How are the schools in Hester?
Schools in Hester have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.4% of adults in Hester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hester?
The obesity rate in Hester is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 29.4% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948.
What is transportation like in Hester?
The average commute in Hester is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hester is 100% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
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