Median Income
$48,002
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,200
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.3%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$745
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.9%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
107% higher than US avg
How Patterson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,801
Median Age32.1 yrs
Density2,302/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$48,002
Per Capita$21,779
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty25.7%
County GDP$3,528M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,200
Rent$745
Ownership55.2%
Zillow$156,713
Housing Units2,315
Rent Burden35.1%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property541/100K
Health
Obesity46.9%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking23.3%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
Rain58.5 in/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.3%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.89
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute29 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Patterson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Patterson receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Patterson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Patterson is $48,002, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 25.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Patterson is $137,200, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Patterson is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 541 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
7.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Patterson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.5 inches.
Patterson has a population of 5,801 with a density of 2,302 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.1 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (49%), with 42.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,801
Total Population
2023 Census
32.1yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Patterson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Patterson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Patterson is $48,002, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,779 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,191, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,436 business establishments, including 96 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Patterson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,002 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,779 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,157 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.7% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,436 |
| County GDP | $3,528M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 96 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,530 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Patterson is $137,200, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,713, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $144,100 with homes selling in an average of 279 days. Homes sell for 92.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $745 (36% 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. 55.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,315 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,530 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,200 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,713 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $144,100 |
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $144,100 |
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $93 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 279 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.7% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,315 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,530 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Patterson, 46.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 43.8% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 36.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,297. The dentist ratio is 1:2,655. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Patterson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.9% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.9% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,297 |
| Dentists | 1:2,655 |
| Mental Health | 1:713 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.8% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,601/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Patterson has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 541 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Patterson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Patterson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 270.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 540.5/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Patterson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.1°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,302/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.6909°N, 91.3095°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Mary Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Acadiana Regional (ARA)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.5"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.27"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
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 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
26 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 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
193 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
160 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
299 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
15 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
167 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
245 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
147 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
18 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
362 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 681 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
22 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
7.0 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
6.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (29°C) |
7.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Patterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.3") and February the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Patterson. 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 | $572 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Patterson
What is the population of Patterson?
Patterson has a population of 5,801 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 2,302 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Patterson expensive to live in?
Patterson 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 $48,002, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,200 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Patterson safe?
Patterson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 541 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Patterson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Patterson?
Patterson 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 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 58.5 inches.
How is the job market in Patterson?
The unemployment rate in Patterson is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,191. There are 1,436 business establishments in the area, including 96 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Patterson?
The median home value in Patterson is $137,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,713. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $144,100, with homes typically selling within 279 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $745. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,530.
How are the schools in Patterson?
Schools in Patterson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.3% of adults in Patterson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Patterson?
The obesity rate in Patterson is 46.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 36.9% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,297.
What is transportation like in Patterson?
The average commute in Patterson is 29 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Patterson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Patterson is 49% White, 42.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.