Gretna, LA
Population 17,468 · Louisiana
About Gretna, LA
Gretna is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 17,468 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,045 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gretna features a median home value of $242,600, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gretna in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,017, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,258 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (3,601 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (3,814 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 Gretna shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, 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 Gretna have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Gretna 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 3.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 16.3% Asian residents, with 18.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gretna Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Gretna, LA
Compared to national averages, Gretna has a median household income of $46,045 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $242,600, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,017 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Gretna's income is 16% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 55% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Gretna, LA?
Gretna offers affordable housing with a median home value of $242,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,017/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,045) that falls below the national average. However, Gretna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gretna has a population of 17,468 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare Gretna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Gretna
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natchitoches | 17,682 | $38,731 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Estelle | 16,761 | $73,519 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 18,259 | $107,544 | $319,300 | Compare |
| Youngsville | 16,664 | $113,164 | $263,200 | Compare |
| Thibodaux | 15,792 | $53,775 | $237,400 | Compare |
| Opelousas | 15,662 | $36,260 | $113,000 | Compare |
| Zachary | 19,637 | $90,507 | $258,000 | Compare |
| Pineville | 14,268 | $51,583 | $182,900 | 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 Gretna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gretna
What is the population of Gretna, LA?
The population of Gretna, LA is 17,468 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Gretna?
The median household income in Gretna, LA is $46,045 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gretna?
The median home value in Gretna, LA is $242,600, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gretna?
The median monthly rent in Gretna, LA is $1,017, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gretna?
The unemployment rate in Gretna, LA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gretna, LA a good place to live?
Gretna offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,468 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gretna, LA?
26.0% of residents in Gretna 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 Gretna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gretna, LA: median home value is $242,600 (1% below national), median rent is $1,017/month, and median household income is $46,045. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gretna?
The poverty rate in Gretna, 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 Gretna, LA?
Gretna's population is 3.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 16.3% Asian, and 32.0% two or more races. 18.4% of residents are foreign-born.