Metairie, LA
Population 138,995 · Louisiana
About Metairie, LA
Metairie is a major city located in Louisiana with a population of 138,995 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,256 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Metairie features a median home value of $308,900, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Metairie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,159, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 65,791 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (37,618 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (23,278 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Metairie shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Metairie have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.9% of Metairie 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 1.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 14.2% Asian residents, with 14.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Metairie Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Metairie, LA
Compared to national averages, Metairie has a median household income of $73,256 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $308,900, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,159 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Metairie's income is 34% above the state average of $54,685, and home values are 97% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Metairie, LA?
Metairie offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,159/month, and a well-educated community where 39.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,256) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Metairie provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Metairie has a population of 138,995 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Metairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Metairie
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette | 121,537 | $61,454 | $251,300 | Compare |
| Shreveport | 183,483 | $48,465 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Lake Charles | 81,679 | $56,864 | $204,000 | Compare |
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Baton Rouge | 223,699 | $49,944 | $224,500 | Compare |
| Monroe | 47,241 | $36,521 | $174,800 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 44,566 | $47,357 | $182,800 | 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 Metairie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Metairie
What is the population of Metairie, LA?
The population of Metairie, LA is 138,995 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 Metairie?
The median household income in Metairie, LA is $73,256 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Metairie?
The median home value in Metairie, LA is $308,900, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Metairie?
The median monthly rent in Metairie, LA is $1,159, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Metairie?
The unemployment rate in Metairie, LA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Metairie, LA a good place to live?
Metairie offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 138,995 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Metairie, LA?
39.9% of residents in Metairie 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 Metairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Metairie, LA: median home value is $308,900 (26% above national), median rent is $1,159/month, and median household income is $73,256. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Metairie?
The poverty rate in Metairie, LA is 12.7%, 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 Metairie, LA?
Metairie's population is 1.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 14.2% Asian, and 10.1% two or more races. 14.4% of residents are foreign-born.