Mer Rouge, LA
Population 639 · Louisiana
About Mer Rouge, LA
Mer Rouge is a small community located in Louisiana with a population of 639 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,588 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mer Rouge features a median home value of $119,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mer Rouge one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $596, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 284 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (136 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (104 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mer Rouge shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mer Rouge have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Mer Rouge 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mer Rouge Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Mer Rouge, LA
Compared to national averages, Mer Rouge has a median household income of $55,588 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,400, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $596 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Mer Rouge's income is 2% above the state average of $54,685, and home values are 24% below the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Mer Rouge, LA?
Mer Rouge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $596/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,588) that falls below the national average. However, Mer Rouge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mer Rouge has a population of 639 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Mer Rouge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Mer Rouge
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mangham | 642 | $41,058 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Centerville | 643 | $0 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Grand Isle | 644 | $0 | $266,100 | Compare |
| Center Point | 645 | $0 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Doyline | 633 | $33,173 | $72,900 | Compare |
| Mooringsport | 633 | $21,889 | $76,100 | Compare |
| Estherwood | 630 | $34,028 | $92,300 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 628 | $22,083 | $0 | 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 Mer Rouge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mer Rouge
What is the population of Mer Rouge, LA?
The population of Mer Rouge, LA is 639 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Mer Rouge?
The median household income in Mer Rouge, LA is $55,588 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mer Rouge?
The median home value in Mer Rouge, LA is $119,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mer Rouge?
The median monthly rent in Mer Rouge, LA is $596, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mer Rouge?
The unemployment rate in Mer Rouge, LA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mer Rouge, LA a good place to live?
Mer Rouge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 639 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mer Rouge, LA?
18.8% of residents in Mer Rouge 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 Mer Rouge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mer Rouge, LA: median home value is $119,400 (51% below national), median rent is $596/month, and median household income is $55,588. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mer Rouge?
The poverty rate in Mer Rouge, LA is 41.9%, 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 Mer Rouge, LA?
Mer Rouge's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 42.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.