Ponchatoula, LA
Population 7,839 · Louisiana
About Ponchatoula, LA
Ponchatoula is a small town located in Louisiana with a population of 7,839 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,821 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Ponchatoula features a median home value of $194,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ponchatoula in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,079, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,677 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,566 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (752 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ponchatoula shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ponchatoula have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.4% of Ponchatoula 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 3.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ponchatoula Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Ponchatoula, LA
Compared to national averages, Ponchatoula has a median household income of $47,821 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,300, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,079 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Ponchatoula's income is 13% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 24% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Ponchatoula, LA?
Ponchatoula offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,079/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,821) that falls below the national average. However, Ponchatoula’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ponchatoula has a population of 7,839 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Ponchatoula with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Ponchatoula
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Jefferson | 7,790 | $85,466 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Eden Isle | 7,753 | $76,427 | $324,600 | Compare |
| Fort Polk South | 8,056 | $62,790 | $0 | Compare |
| Breaux Bridge | 7,497 | $45,620 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Meraux | 7,492 | $73,792 | $205,600 | Compare |
| Reserve | 7,471 | $60,509 | $160,400 | Compare |
| Prien | 8,248 | $91,300 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Red Chute | 7,418 | $79,119 | $215,600 | 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 Ponchatoula With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponchatoula
What is the population of Ponchatoula, LA?
The population of Ponchatoula, LA is 7,839 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 Ponchatoula?
The median household income in Ponchatoula, LA is $47,821 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ponchatoula?
The median home value in Ponchatoula, LA is $194,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ponchatoula?
The median monthly rent in Ponchatoula, LA is $1,079, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ponchatoula?
The unemployment rate in Ponchatoula, LA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ponchatoula, LA a good place to live?
Ponchatoula offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,839 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ponchatoula, LA?
22.4% of residents in Ponchatoula 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 Ponchatoula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ponchatoula, LA: median home value is $194,300 (21% below national), median rent is $1,079/month, and median household income is $47,821. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ponchatoula?
The poverty rate in Ponchatoula, LA is 18.6%, 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 Ponchatoula, LA?
Ponchatoula's population is 3.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 27.3% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.