Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mer Rouge, LA
Considering a move to Mer Rouge, LA? This small town of about 550 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $89,000 and average rents near $650. Commutes are short at just over 21 minutes, and the area enjoys a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year. While crime rates are higher than average, Mer Rouge features a close-knit community and access to local healthcare and schools. If you value low housing costs and a slower pace of life, Mer Rouge may be a great fit.
Demographics - Mer Rouge, LA
Demographics - Mer Rouge, LA
Mer Rouge is a small, close-knit community of 550 people with a median age of just over 40. The town is racially diverse, with roughly equal proportions of White and Black residents, and a balanced gender ratio. English is the primary language spoken, making it easy for most newcomers to settle in.
Population:
550
Density:
315 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
44.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mer Rouge, LA?
The cost of living in Mer Rouge is notably low, with a median home value of $89,000 and average rent around $650 per month. Utilities and groceries are also affordable, making this an attractive option for those seeking to stretch their budget. State taxes remain moderate, further supporting a cost-effective lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$89,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
53.2
Utilities:
99.8
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
91.3
Miscellaneous:
86.7
Crime
Is Mer Rouge, LA a safe place to live?
While Mer Rouge maintains a welcoming small-town feel, both violent and property crime rates are above average for its size, with a 1 in 294 chance of violent crime and 1 in 49 for property crime. New residents should be mindful of safety measures and local law enforcement resources. The community remains engaged in efforts to improve safety for all residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,020
Crime Index:
2,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Mer Rouge, LA year-round?
Residents of Mer Rouge enjoy a mild Southern climate with warm summers reaching highs near 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 35°F. The town receives plenty of sunshine, with 62% of days being sunny, and experiences generous annual rainfall around 54.5 inches. Seasonal transitions are comfortable, supporting outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The neighborhood in Mer Rouge features moderate household incomes, with the median at $41,200, but a higher-than-average poverty rate of 21.8%. Educational attainment is solid, with over 81% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher. Commute times are short, and public transportation is not commonly used, reflecting the town's rural setting.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,700
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
21.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Mer Rouge, LA?
Education in Mer Rouge includes access to the Morehouse Magnet School, which serves about 450 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.8. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available nearby at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, just 30 miles away. The community values educational attainment, reflected in local graduation rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Morehouse Magnet School
Street:
1001 West Madison Ave
Phone:
318-281-5038
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Colleges
Name:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
City:
Monroe
State:
LA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Mer Rouge is anchored by Morehouse General Hospital in nearby Bastrop, and approximately 88% of residents have health insurance. The area offers 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, providing a reasonable level of local care. Emergency and general medical services are readily accessible for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Morehouse General Hospital
Address:
323 W Walnut Ave, Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone:
(318) 283-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mer Rouge, LA?
Mer Rouge offers an affordable housing market, with the median home price at $89,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental rates are low, and vacancy rates are moderate, making it relatively easy to find housing. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates contribute to a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$89,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Mer Rouge residents are managed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Monroe. The office provides a full range of DMV services, with convenient online access via the state’s ExpressLane website. Residents benefit from having both in-person and digital options for their motor vehicle needs.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1111 N 19th St, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone:
1-877-368-5463
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.