Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,900
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
211/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$444
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Louisa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,645
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density1,181/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$26,580
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$539M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,900
Rent$444
Ownership61.5%
Zillow$148,898
Housing Units1,029
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent211/100K
Property465/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault169/100K
Burglary127/100K
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.1 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation827 ft (252 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+84.0%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute22 min
Broadband76.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Louisa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Louisa receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Louisa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Louisa is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Louisa is $144,900, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $444 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Louisa is below the national average at 211 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 465 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Louisa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.1 inches, including 19.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Louisa has a population of 2,645 with a density of 1,181 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Louisa is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,580 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $860, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 353 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,580 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $860 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 353 |
| County GDP | $539M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Louisa is $144,900, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,898. Monthly rent averages $444 (62% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,029 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $2,263 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,900 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $444 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,029 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.56% |
In Louisa, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715. The dentist ratio is 1:4,027. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Louisa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,715 |
| Dentists | 1:4,027 |
| Mental Health | 1:66 |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,424/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Louisa has a violent crime rate of 211 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 169.1 per 100,000, robbery at 42.3, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 465 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 127, burglary at 127, vehicle theft at 211 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Louisa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Louisa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 211.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 42.3/100K |
| Assault | 169.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 465.1/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 126.9/100K |
| Theft | 126.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 211.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Louisa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.1 inches. The area receives 19.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 827 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 827 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,181/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1116°N, 82.6152°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.1"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
115 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
72 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
112 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 281 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
67 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
91 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
36 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
25 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
67 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Louisa has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Louisa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisa
What is the population of Louisa?
Louisa has a population of 2,645 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,181 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Louisa expensive to live in?
Louisa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,900 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $444 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Louisa safe?
Louisa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 211 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 465 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Louisa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Louisa?
Louisa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.1 inches, with 19.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Louisa?
Louisa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $860. There are 353 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Louisa?
The median home value in Louisa is $144,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $444. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,263.
How are the schools in Louisa?
Schools in Louisa score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Louisa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Louisa?
The obesity rate in Louisa is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715.
What is transportation like in Louisa?
The average commute in Louisa is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Louisa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Louisa is 99.5% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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