New Orleans, LA
Population 376,035 · Louisiana
About New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a major city located in Louisiana with a population of 376,035 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,339 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Orleans features a median home value of $296,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions New Orleans in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,211, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 194,758 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (78,376 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (76,684 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Orleans shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Orleans have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.0% of New Orleans 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 1.5% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How New Orleans Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA
Compared to national averages, New Orleans has a median household income of $55,339 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $296,400, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,211 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, New Orleans's income is 1% above the state average of $54,685, and home values are 89% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans offers a well-educated community where 42.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,339) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, New Orleans provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
New Orleans has a population of 376,035 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare New Orleans with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near New Orleans
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | 223,699 | $49,944 | $224,500 | Compare |
| 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 |
| 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 New Orleans With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Orleans
What is the population of New Orleans, LA?
The population of New Orleans, LA is 376,035 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 New Orleans?
The median household income in New Orleans, LA is $55,339 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Orleans?
The median home value in New Orleans, LA is $296,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Orleans?
The median monthly rent in New Orleans, LA is $1,211, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Orleans?
The unemployment rate in New Orleans, LA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Orleans, LA a good place to live?
New Orleans offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 376,035 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Orleans, LA?
42.0% of residents in New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Orleans, LA: median home value is $296,400 (21% above national), median rent is $1,211/month, and median household income is $55,339. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in New Orleans?
The poverty rate in New Orleans, LA is 22.6%, 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 New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans's population is 1.5% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 54.7% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.