Average Rent in St. Mary Parish, LA↑ Rents rising 4.9% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 48,455
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in LAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
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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💵Rent Affordability in St. Mary ParishSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in LASee how St. Mary Parish ranks statewide
⚖️Compare St. Mary ParishSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋LA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections