Westwego, LA
Population 8,382 · Louisiana
About Westwego, LA
Westwego is a small town located in Louisiana with a population of 8,382 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,291 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.4 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 Westwego features a median home value of $168,600, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Westwego in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,013, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,425 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (1,951 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (2,063 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 Westwego shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Westwego have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Westwego 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 2.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Westwego, LA
Compared to national averages, Westwego has a median household income of $49,291 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,600, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,013 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Westwego's income is 10% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 8% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Westwego, LA?
Westwego offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,013/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,291) that falls below the national average. However, Westwego’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Westwego has a population of 8,382 with a median age of 47.4 years. Compare Westwego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Westwego
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Hills Place | 8,380 | $97,466 | $411,800 | Compare |
| Scott | 8,348 | $54,220 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Prien | 8,248 | $91,300 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Fort Polk South | 8,056 | $62,790 | $0 | Compare |
| Village St. George | 8,880 | $94,191 | $248,600 | Compare |
| Ponchatoula | 7,839 | $47,821 | $194,300 | Compare |
| Harahan | 8,939 | $78,222 | $309,400 | Compare |
| Old Jefferson | 7,790 | $85,466 | $235,900 | 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 Westwego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Westwego
What is the population of Westwego, LA?
The population of Westwego, LA is 8,382 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 Westwego?
The median household income in Westwego, LA is $49,291 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Westwego?
The median home value in Westwego, LA is $168,600, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Westwego?
The median monthly rent in Westwego, LA is $1,013, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Westwego?
The unemployment rate in Westwego, LA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Westwego, LA a good place to live?
Westwego offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,382 and a median age of 47.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Westwego, LA?
16.9% of residents in Westwego 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 Westwego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Westwego, LA: median home value is $168,600 (31% below national), median rent is $1,013/month, and median household income is $49,291. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Westwego?
The poverty rate in Westwego, LA is 21.5%, 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 Westwego, LA?
Westwego's population is 2.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 24.8% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.