Baton Rouge, LA
Population 223,699 · Louisiana
About Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge is a major city located in Louisiana with a population of 223,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,944 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Baton Rouge features a median home value of $224,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Baton Rouge in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,044, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 106,421 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (41,074 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (46,533 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baton Rouge shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Baton Rouge have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.8% of Baton Rouge residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 7.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Baton Rouge Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Baton Rouge, LA
Compared to national averages, Baton Rouge has a median household income of $49,944 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,500, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,044 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Baton Rouge's income is 9% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 43% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Baton Rouge, LA?
Baton Rouge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,044/month, and a well-educated community where 35.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,944) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Baton Rouge provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Baton Rouge has a population of 223,699 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Baton Rouge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Baton Rouge
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport | 183,483 | $48,465 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Metairie | 138,995 | $73,256 | $308,900 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 121,537 | $61,454 | $251,300 | Compare |
| Lake Charles | 81,679 | $56,864 | $204,000 | Compare |
| New Orleans | 376,035 | $55,339 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Monroe | 47,241 | $36,521 | $174,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Louisiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Baton Rouge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baton Rouge
What is the population of Baton Rouge, LA?
The population of Baton Rouge, LA is 223,699 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Baton Rouge?
The median household income in Baton Rouge, LA is $49,944 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baton Rouge?
The median home value in Baton Rouge, LA is $224,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Baton Rouge?
The median monthly rent in Baton Rouge, LA is $1,044, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baton Rouge?
The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge, LA is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Baton Rouge, LA a good place to live?
Baton Rouge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 223,699 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Baton Rouge, LA?
35.8% of residents in Baton Rouge aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baton Rouge, LA: median home value is $224,500 (8% below national), median rent is $1,044/month, and median household income is $49,944. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Baton Rouge?
The poverty rate in Baton Rouge, LA is 25.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Baton Rouge, LA?
Baton Rouge's population is 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 50.9% two or more races. 7.4% of residents are foreign-born.