Median Income
$50,417
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,100
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
424/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.5%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$490
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Morse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,039
Median Age28.5 yrs
Density742/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,417
Per Capita$22,649
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$2,067M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,100
Rent$490
Ownership50.4%
Zillow$117,299
Housing Units428
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent424/100K
Property2,890/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking20.9%
Depression33.3%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.5 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation11 ft (3 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.5%
High School+83.6%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 18%
Commute24 min
Broadband78.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Morse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morse receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Morse has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morse is $50,417, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morse is $78,100, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $490 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
5.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Morse enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Morse has a population of 1,039 with a density of 742 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 28.5 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.5yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
The median household income in Morse is $50,417, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,649 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $867, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,460 business establishments, including 91 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. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,417 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,649 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,101 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,460 |
| County GDP | $2,067M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 141 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Morse is $78,100, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,299, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $490 (58% 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. 50.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 428 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $1,946 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,100 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,299 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $490 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.6% |
| Housing Units | 428 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Morse, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 37.8% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728. The dentist ratio is 1:2,270. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Morse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 33.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,728 |
| Dentists | 1:2,270 |
| Mental Health | 1:672 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,440/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 141 |
Morse has a violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Morse receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morse vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 424.2/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,890.1/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°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 63.5 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 11 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.2°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 11 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 742/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.1221°N, 92.4984°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Acadia Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.5"
67% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively 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 |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 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 |
148 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
171 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
210 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
39 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
108 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
279 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
125 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
23 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
77 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
177 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
267 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 33 fatalities, 532 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
38 km |
4 |
| Oct 15, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1952 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LASBR-BIL-FY23-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE (18,392 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LASBR-BIL-FY23-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
18,392 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
PINTAIL |
9,498 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
U 1 PF 87 09 |
8,953 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 1 RX |
8,913 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
GRAND FUE |
6,006 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
52 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,872 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,678 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,387 |
59 km |
| 2001 |
SISTERS B |
3,940 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
RX 1 A |
3,800 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
OS 5 FIRE |
3,533 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
SBR UNIT 1 |
3,509 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
MIAMI |
3,466 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
G 1 2 3 |
3,427 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
5.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
6.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Morse has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 51°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.3") and February the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Morse. 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 | $686 |
| Toddler | $658 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Morse
What is the population of Morse?
Morse has a population of 1,039 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 742 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Morse expensive to live in?
Morse 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 $50,417, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,100 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $490 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morse safe?
The violent crime rate in Morse is 424 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 2,890 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Morse receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morse?
Morse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Morse?
The job market in Morse is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $867. There are 1,460 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morse?
The median home value in Morse is $78,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,299. For renters, the median monthly rent is $490. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,946.
How are the schools in Morse?
Schools in Morse have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.5% of adults in Morse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morse?
The obesity rate in Morse is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 33.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728.
What is transportation like in Morse?
The average commute in Morse is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morse is 97.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.