RentData

Average Rent in Tensas Parish, LA Rents rising 9.9% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in LA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,992

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

Market Overview

Tensas Parish, LA has rental prices ranging from $666/month to $1,318/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $816/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $36,074/year, spending $816/month on a 1-bedroom represents 27% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tensas Parish Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $903/month, Tensas Parish ranks #44 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in Louisiana — more affordable than 75% of all US cities in our data.

The Tensas Parish Rental Market

The Tensas Parish, LA area has a population of about 3,992 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 Tensas Parish, LA have risen by $81/month (9.9%) over the past year, from $822 to $903. 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 Tensas Parish, LA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,640. The local median household income of $36,074 exceeds that threshold by $3,434, making Tensas Parish relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Tensas Parish, LA has an unemployment rate of 8.4%, 4.5 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 FY2025
Studio
$666
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$816
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$903
9.9% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$1,265
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$1,318
Expensive
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Tensas Parish

Is Tensas 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
$36,120/year
Local median income: $36,074
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $903/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 Tensas Parish?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Tensas Parish data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$903/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $903/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Tensas 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

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Tensas Parish

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Tensas Parish

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in LA

See how Tensas Parish ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Tensas Parish

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

📋LA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections