Brownsville, LA
Population 3,996 · Louisiana
About Brownsville, LA
Brownsville is a small town located in Louisiana with a population of 3,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,971 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brownsville features a median home value of $73,100, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brownsville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $809, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,166 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,003 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (771 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brownsville shows an unemployment rate of 16.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownsville have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Brownsville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brownsville Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Brownsville, LA
Compared to national averages, Brownsville has a median household income of $26,971 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,100, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $809 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Brownsville's income is 51% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 53% below the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Brownsville, LA?
Brownsville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $809/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,971) that falls below the national average. However, Brownsville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brownsville has a population of 3,996 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Brownsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Brownsville
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 3,976 | $37,981 | $121,700 | Compare |
| Amite City | 4,036 | $45,850 | $116,900 | Compare |
| Winnfield | 4,042 | $46,089 | $74,000 | Compare |
| Vidalia | 3,938 | $45,958 | $141,300 | Compare |
| Eastwood | 4,057 | $80,000 | $252,700 | Compare |
| Bayou Vista | 3,931 | $47,726 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Ball | 3,900 | $72,713 | $176,400 | Compare |
| Jonesboro | 4,092 | $36,458 | $84,000 | 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 Brownsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville
What is the population of Brownsville, LA?
The population of Brownsville, LA is 3,996 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville, LA is $26,971 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville, LA is $73,100, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brownsville?
The median monthly rent in Brownsville, LA is $809, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownsville?
The unemployment rate in Brownsville, LA is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brownsville, LA a good place to live?
Brownsville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,996 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brownsville, LA?
12.9% of residents in Brownsville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brownsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownsville, LA: median home value is $73,100 (70% below national), median rent is $809/month, and median household income is $26,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brownsville?
The poverty rate in Brownsville, LA is 31.7%, 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 Brownsville, LA?
Brownsville's population is 3.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 36.7% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.