Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Baton Rouge, LA
Considering a move to Baton Rouge, LA? With a population of 221,453, Baton Rouge offers affordable housing (median price around $219,000 and typical rent at $1,010), and a lower-than-average cost of living. Commute times are reasonable at about 22.5 minutes, and the city enjoys a warm climate with 61% sunny days. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the city is home to major hospitals, Louisiana State University, and a vibrant culture. Explore local schools, community features, and more below to see if Baton Rouge is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Baton Rouge, LA
Demographics - Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge is home to over 221,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 32.6 and a diverse community where Black residents make up just over half the population. The city has a balanced gender ratio and 10% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
221,453
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.6
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
38.5%
Black:
53.0%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA?
Baton Rouge offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $219,000 and average rent around $1,010 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the city’s cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$219,000
Gross Rent:
$1,010
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
77.5
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
98.3
Health Care:
92.7
Miscellaneous:
89.8
Crime
Is Baton Rouge, LA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Baton Rouge are higher than national averages, with a 1 in 86 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 20 chance for property crime. Residents should be aware of safety concerns and consider neighborhood-specific crime statistics when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,161
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,932
Crime Index:
6,093
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 86
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 20
Weather
What is the weather like in Baton Rouge, LA year-round?
Baton Rouge enjoys a warm climate with mild winters, hot summers, and plenty of sunshine—over 60% of days are sunny. The city receives significant annual rainfall, averaging more than 61 inches, which supports lush greenery but can bring occasional storms.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
61.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Baton Rouge neighborhoods offer a mix of incomes, with a median household income of $48,500 and a poverty rate of 23.6%. Most residents (87%) have completed high school, and the average commute is a manageable 22.5 minutes, with limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$62,300
Per Capita Income:
$29,400
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$33,500
Poverty Rate:
23.6%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,010
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
34.3%
Education
How are the schools in Baton Rouge, LA?
Baton Rouge offers a variety of educational options, including highly regarded public and private schools as well as major universities like LSU and Southern University. With 34% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and several schools earning strong reputations, families have ample choices for quality education.
Public Schools
Name:
Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Street:
2825 Government St
Phone:
225-383-0520
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Westdale Middle School
Street:
5650 Claycut Rd
Phone:
225-924-1308
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge
Street:
3200 Woodland Ridge Blvd
Phone:
225-753-3180
Students:
940
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana State University (LSU)
City:
Baton Rouge
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
35,000
Name:
Southern University and A&M College
City:
Baton Rouge
State:
LA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major healthcare facilities like Our Lady of the Lake and Baton Rouge General, along with a strong physician presence at 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance, ensuring broad coverage and access to care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
Address:
5000 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone:
(225) 765-6565
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Address:
3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone:
(225) 387-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Baton Rouge, LA?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $219,000 and about half of residents owning their homes. Rental options are plentiful, and the market has seen modest appreciation with low foreclosure rates, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$219,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,010
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Baton Rouge’s Office of Motor Vehicles is conveniently located on Independence Blvd and provides essential services such as driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. Residents can access information and make appointments online through the Louisiana ExpressLane website.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
7979 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone:
225-925-6146
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.