Average Rent in St. James Parish, LA↑ Rents rising 26.5% YoY🔺 4th priciest in LA
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,797
Market Overview
St. James Parish, LA has rental prices ranging from $868/month to $1,753/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $891/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,536/year, spending $891/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How St. James Parish Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,165/month, St. James Parish ranks #4 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Louisiana — pricier than 72% of all US cities in our data.
The St. James Parish Rental Market
The St. James Parish, LA area has a population of about 19,797 and 15% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in St. James Parish, LA have risen by $244/month (26.5%) over the past year, from $921 to $1,165. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in St. James Parish, LA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,640. The local median household income of $64,536 exceeds that threshold by $28,896, making St. James Parish relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
St. James Parish, LA has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 1.3 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is St. James Parish, LA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in LAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $1,096 | $1,229 | $1,480 | $1,900 | — |
| Assumption Parish | $758 | $762 | $932 | $1,242 | — |
| Baton Rouge | $992 | $1,014 | $1,149 | $1,456 | — |
| Lafayette | $835 | $971 | $1,092 | $1,375 | — |
| Shreveport | $832 | $926 | $1,045 | $1,380 | — |
| Slidell | $1,074 | $1,164 | $1,354 | $1,745 | — |
Rent or Buy in St. James Parish?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real St. James Parish data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in St. James Parish
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in St. James ParishSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in LASee how St. James Parish ranks statewide
⚖️Compare St. James ParishSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋LA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections