Violent Crime
814/100K
114% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
65.4%
427% higher than US avg
How Monterey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population285
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density101/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
Per Capita$37,207
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty65.4%
County GDP$715M
Housing
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$120,657
Housing Units190
Rent Burden37.7%
Crime
F
Violent814/100K
Property5,608/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking25.3%
Depression32.1%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain59.6 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation55 ft (17 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+70.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Monterey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Monterey receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Monterey faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 65.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 814 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 5,608 per 100,000, 186% above the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Monterey enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Monterey has a population of 285 with a density of 101 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 8.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.6% of residents, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 4.0% 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). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.6%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.4%
45% above US avg
Per capita income is $37,207. The average weekly wage is $884, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 65.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 483 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $37,207 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $884 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,471 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 65.4% |
| 427% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $715M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 64.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,657. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $2,563 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 190 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
In Monterey, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 41.1% have high blood pressure. 25.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,594. The dentist ratio is 1:2,013. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Monterey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 11.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.3% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 32.1% |
| Mental Distress | 23.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,594 |
| Dentists | 1:2,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:161 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 51.1% |
| Premature Death | 15,586/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Monterey has a violent crime rate of 814 per 100,000 residents, 114% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,608 per 100,000, 186% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Monterey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Monterey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 814.1/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,608.3/100K |
| 186% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Monterey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 306 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 59.6 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 55 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.2°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 101/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4443°N, 91.7187°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Concordia Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Esler Regional (ESF) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.6"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
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 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 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 |
220 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
128 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
145 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
128 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
205 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
250 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
170 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
285 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
105 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
201 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
186 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
209 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
477 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 592 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
69 km |
32 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2005 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C-368 366 365 364 75 (5,919 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,768 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,498 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB51 |
4,411 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 18 |
3,826 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 25 |
3,676 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-40-41-42 |
3,635 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
C-110/111 |
3,516 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,338 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,203 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALE C-34-369 |
3,183 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
C-34/369 |
3,160 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,113 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
HOMOCHITTO - BB 7 |
3,028 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
C371/372 |
2,944 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 100 PBURN |
2,890 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
Monterey has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 47°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 60.6 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.4") and August the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Monterey. 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $457 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey
What is the population of Monterey?
Monterey has a population of 285 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 101 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Monterey expensive to live in?
Monterey is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Monterey safe?
Public safety is a concern in Monterey, with a violent crime rate of 814 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 5,608 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Monterey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Monterey?
Monterey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Monterey?
The job market in Monterey is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $884. There are 483 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Monterey?
Schools in Monterey have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.5% of adults in Monterey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Monterey?
The obesity rate in Monterey is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.3% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 32.1% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,594.
What are the demographics of Monterey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Monterey is 91.2% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino. 80.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.