West Monroe, LA
Population 12,837 · Louisiana
About West Monroe, LA
West Monroe is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 12,837 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,663 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Monroe features a median home value of $174,400, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions West Monroe in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,240 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (2,330 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (2,977 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 West Monroe shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Monroe have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of West Monroe 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 5.5% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Monroe Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in West Monroe, LA
Compared to national averages, West Monroe has a median household income of $46,663 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $174,400, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, West Monroe's income is 15% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 11% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in West Monroe, LA?
West Monroe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $174,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,663) that falls below the national average. However, West Monroe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Monroe has a population of 12,837 with a median age of 36 years. Compare West Monroe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near West Monroe
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzales | 12,748 | $66,152 | $212,800 | Compare |
| Mandeville | 12,931 | $89,122 | $363,300 | Compare |
| Claiborne | 12,647 | $69,173 | $214,100 | Compare |
| River Ridge | 13,170 | $84,464 | $330,700 | Compare |
| Baker | 12,322 | $59,451 | $146,700 | Compare |
| Gardere | 12,130 | $60,694 | $250,600 | Compare |
| Broussard | 13,791 | $116,613 | $301,000 | Compare |
| Luling | 13,873 | $82,273 | $268,400 | 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 West Monroe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Monroe
What is the population of West Monroe, LA?
The population of West Monroe, LA is 12,837 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 West Monroe?
The median household income in West Monroe, LA is $46,663 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Monroe?
The median home value in West Monroe, LA is $174,400, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Monroe?
The median monthly rent in West Monroe, LA is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Monroe?
The unemployment rate in West Monroe, LA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Monroe, LA a good place to live?
West Monroe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,837 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Monroe, LA?
22.6% of residents in West Monroe 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 West Monroe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Monroe, LA: median home value is $174,400 (29% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $46,663. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Monroe?
The poverty rate in West Monroe, LA is 26.9%, 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 West Monroe, LA?
West Monroe's population is 5.5% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 39.4% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.