Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hessmer, LA
Considering a move to Hessmer, LA? This small town of 760 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $98,000 and average rents around $670. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and a high percentage of sunny days, making outdoor activities attractive year-round. Commute times are short at 26.5 minutes on average. While crime rates are higher than average, the town’s close-knit community, local school, and proximity to healthcare and higher education in nearby Alexandria round out the lifestyle for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Hessmer, LA
Demographics - Hessmer, LA
Hessmer is a small, close-knit Louisiana community with a population of 760 and a median age of 38.4. Most residents identify as White (over 80%), with a notable Black minority and a low percentage of non-English speakers. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a moderately dense layout, appealing to those seeking a quieter, friendly environment.
Population:
760
Density:
1,025 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
15.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hessmer, LA?
The cost of living in Hessmer is significantly lower than the national average, with a median home value of $98,000 and typical rents around $670 per month. Utilities and groceries are also affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and retirees. State income tax rates range from 2% to 6%, contributing to the area’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$915
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$315
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
6%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
92.6
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Hessmer, LA a safe place to live?
Hessmer experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime chance of 1 in 35 and a violent crime chance of 1 in 238. While the community is welcoming, residents should remain aware of local safety trends when considering a move. The town's crime index reflects these concerns, but many appreciate the close community ties.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,880
Crime Index:
3,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Hessmer, LA year-round?
Hessmer enjoys mild winters with lows around 39°F and hot, humid summers reaching up to 92°F. With over 60 inches of annual rainfall and 63% sunny days, residents experience a mix of warm weather and occasional heavy showers. The climate supports outdoor activities for much of the year.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Local households in Hessmer have a median income of $41,500, with a noticeable poverty rate of 22.1%. Most residents commute about 26.5 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The area is characterized by strong community bonds and a mix of working families and retirees.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$48,300
Per Capita Income:
$21,900
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.3%
Education
How are the schools in Hessmer, LA?
Hessmer is served by a local public elementary school with about 340 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio, supporting personalized learning. For higher education, residents are within easy reach of Louisiana State University at Alexandria, located just 28 miles away. The area provides strong educational foundations for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Hessmer Elementary School
Street:
4104 Golden Rod Rd
Phone:
318-563-4516
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Colleges
Name:
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
City:
Alexandria
State:
LA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Hessmer residents have access to Avoyelles Hospital just minutes away in Marksville, offering general and emergency care. The area has a moderate physician availability at 1.9 per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance. Healthcare services are accessible and reliable for a town of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avoyelles Hospital
Address:
4231 LA-114, Marksville, LA 71351
Phone:
(318) 253-8611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
70.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hessmer, LA?
The local housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $98,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 70%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have appreciated slightly over the past year. Hessmer offers accessible housing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Hessmer residents are provided by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in Alexandria, located about 30 minutes away. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other needs either in person or online through the state's ExpressLane portal. The DMV is accessible by phone and offers comprehensive support for local drivers.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2221 N. Bolton Ave., Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone:
318-487-5399
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.