Median Income
$41,198
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,700
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
289/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$425
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.6%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.3%
7% higher than US avg
How Oberlin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,683
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density384/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,198
Per Capita$23,324
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty13.3%
County GDP$1,080M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,700
Rent$425
Ownership57.7%
Zillow$108,615
Housing Units687
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent289/100K
Property2,188/100K
Health
Obesity46.6%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking21.7%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain61.8 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation62 ft (19 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+84.2%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute21 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Oberlin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oberlin receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Oberlin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oberlin is $41,198, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 13.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oberlin is $95,700, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $425 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Oberlin is below the national average at 289 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,188 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Oberlin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Oberlin has a population of 1,683 with a density of 384 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (55.7%), with 42.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% 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 Oberlin is $41,198, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,324 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 442 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,198 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,324 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 442 |
| County GDP | $1,080M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,873 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Oberlin is $95,700, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,615, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $425 (63% 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. 57.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 687 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $1,873 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,700 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,615 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $425 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Housing Units | 687 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,873 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Oberlin, 46.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 44.5% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,672. The dentist ratio is 1:3,189. 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oberlin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.6% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,672 |
| Dentists | 1:3,189 |
| Mental Health | 1:921 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Oberlin has a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,188 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oberlin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oberlin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 289.0/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,188.3/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oberlin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°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 61.8 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 62 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.5°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 384/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.6081°N, 92.7750°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allen Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Beauregard Regional (DRI)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.8"
63% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 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 |
203 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
189 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
262 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
126 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
82 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
104 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
192 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
166 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
285 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
68 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
750 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 636 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 3, 1953 |
EF4 |
58 km |
9 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIGER ISLAND (30,959 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
TIGER ISLAND |
30,959 |
68 km |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,017 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,381 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
C-43/44 |
5,340 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,044 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,872 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,678 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
THE 60S |
4,538 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALV C-262-265 |
4,445 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,387 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
5.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
Oberlin has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 62.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.4") and April the driest (4.2").
Average costs for common services in Oberlin. 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 | $551 |
| Toddler | $551 |
| Preschool | $547 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oberlin
What is the population of Oberlin?
Oberlin has a population of 1,683 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 384 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Oberlin expensive to live in?
Oberlin 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 $41,198, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,700 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $425 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oberlin safe?
Oberlin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,188 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oberlin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oberlin?
Oberlin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Oberlin?
The job market in Oberlin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 442 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oberlin?
The median home value in Oberlin is $95,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,615. For renters, the median monthly rent is $425. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,873.
How are the schools in Oberlin?
Schools in Oberlin score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.4% of adults in Oberlin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oberlin?
The obesity rate in Oberlin is 46.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,672.
What is transportation like in Oberlin?
The average commute in Oberlin is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oberlin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin is 55.7% White, 42.8% Black or African American. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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