Median Income
$83,405
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$218,800
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
618/100K
63% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,057
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Mathews Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,579
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density397/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,405
Per Capita$49,234
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$6,287M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,800
Rent$1,057
Ownership84.4%
Zillow$164,707
Housing Units736
Rent Burden14.6%
Crime
F
Violent618/100K
Property4,073/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking17.3%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain71.1 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute27 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries10
Is Mathews a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mathews 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, high obesity rates. Mathews offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mathews is $83,405, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mathews is $218,800, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 618 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,073 per 100,000, 108% above the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mathews enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 71.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Mathews has a population of 1,579 with a density of 397 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (82.8%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.5% of residents, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.5%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.5%
7% below US avg
The median household income in Mathews is $83,405, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,234 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,291. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 27 minutes. 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,405 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,291 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,033 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% 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 | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Mathews is $218,800, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,707, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,057 (9% 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. 84.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 736 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,016. 14.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,707 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,057 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.6% |
| Housing Units | 736 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,016 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Mathews, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% 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: Mathews vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,990 |
| Dentists | 1:2,084 |
| Mental Health | 1:475 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,656/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 179 |
Mathews has a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 residents, 63% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,073 per 100,000, 108% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 35 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mathews receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mathews vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 618.2/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,072.8/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mathews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°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 71.1 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 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.1°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 397/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.6822°N, 90.5559°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafourche Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
71.1"
87% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.36"
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)
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 |
129 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 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
21 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
264 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
238 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
137 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
133 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
266 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
245 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
159 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
224 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
401 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 37 fatalities, 721 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
20 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
35 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2019 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
56 km |
2 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
79 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
90 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
80 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNT 4A SAMMY SLOUGH |
717 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
BAPTISTE CEMETERY |
684 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
12 SOUTH EAST |
542 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
STAND 2 |
521 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
7.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Mathews has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 65.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.4") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Mathews. 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 Mathews
What is the population of Mathews?
Mathews has a population of 1,579 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 397 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Mathews expensive to live in?
Mathews 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 $83,405, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,800 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mathews safe?
Public safety is a concern in Mathews, with a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,073 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mathews receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mathews?
Mathews 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 84°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 71.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Mathews?
The job market in Mathews is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / 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 27 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mathews?
The median home value in Mathews is $218,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,707. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,057. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,016.
How are the schools in Mathews?
Schools in Mathews have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.0% of adults in Mathews hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mathews?
The obesity rate in Mathews is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% 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 Mathews?
The average commute in Mathews is 27 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mathews?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mathews is 82.8% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 87.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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