RentData

Average Rent in St. Mary Parish, LA↑ Rents rising 5.3% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 48,455

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

St. Mary Parish, LA has rental prices ranging from $757/month to $1,633/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $762/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,768/year, spending $762/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 $997/month, St. Mary Parish ranks #13 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Louisiana — more affordable than 70% 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 $50/month (5.3%) over the past year, from $947 to $997. 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 $30,480. The local median household income of $51,768 exceeds that threshold by $21,288, 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 FY2027
Studio
$757
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$762
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$997
↑5.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,321
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,633
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
$39,880/year
Local median income: $51,768
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $997/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in LAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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. 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
$997/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: $997/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

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋LA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections