RentData

Average Rent in St. Mary Parish, LA Rents rising 4.9% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 48,455

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

St. Mary Parish, LA has rental prices ranging from $762/month to $1,622/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $767/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,768/year, spending $767/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How St. Mary Parish Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,006/month, St. Mary Parish ranks #10 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in Louisiana — pricier than 65% of all US cities in our data.

The St. Mary Parish Rental Market

The St. Mary Parish, LA area has a population of about 48,455 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in St. Mary Parish, LA have risen by $47/month (4.9%) over the past year, from $959 to $1,006. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in St. Mary Parish, LA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,680. The local median household income of $51,768 exceeds that threshold by $21,088, making St. Mary Parish relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

St. Mary Parish, LA has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2025
Studio
$762
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$767
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,006
4.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,314
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,622
Average
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Is St. Mary Parish, LA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$40,240/year
Local median income: $51,768
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,006/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in LAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
New Orleans$1,071$1,236$1,478$1,889
Assumption Parish$805$830$926$1,298
Baton Rouge$1,063$1,081$1,222$1,528
Lafayette$740$930$1,052$1,322
Shreveport$767$892$1,017$1,317
Lake Charles$871$877$1,144$1,383

Rent or Buy in St. Mary Parish?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real St. Mary Parish data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,006/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,006/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in St. Mary Parish

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in St. Mary Parish

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in St. Mary Parish

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in LA

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⚖️Compare St. Mary Parish

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📋LA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections