Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Barre, LA
Thinking of moving to Port Barre, LA? With a friendly small-town population of just over 2,000 and a median home price around $112,000, Port Barre offers affordable living and a laid-back Cajun lifestyle. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and a cost of living well below the national average. Commutes are short at about 24 minutes, local schools are community-centered, and healthcare is close by in neighboring Opelousas. Explore this cozy Louisiana town for budget-friendly housing, plenty of sunshine, and Southern hospitality.
Demographics - Port Barre, LA
Demographics - Port Barre, LA
Port Barre is a close-knit community of about 2,000 residents, with a median age of 36.7 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White (80%) with a notable Black population (17%), and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives it a small-town feel while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
2,014
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
17.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Barre, LA?
Port Barre boasts a cost of living index of 83.5, well below the national average, making it an affordable choice for families and individuals. Median home values are around $112,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are just $790. Residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, making day-to-day expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
6%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
58.1
Utilities:
90.3
Transportation:
89.9
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Port Barre, LA a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Port Barre is higher than average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 42 and violent crime at 1 in 249. While most residents feel comfortable, it is advisable to take standard safety precautions. The overall crime index reflects the need for awareness, but many find the community supportive and watchful.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
402
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,360
Crime Index:
2,762
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 249
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Barre, LA year-round?
Port Barre experiences mild winters with lows around 40°F and hot, humid summers reaching up to 92°F. The area sees about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly two-thirds of the year. This climate supports a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for recreation year-round.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of Port Barre have a median household income of about $45,900, and the community maintains a strong sense of connection despite a 23.7% poverty rate. Most people commute about 24 minutes to work, and public transportation is rarely used. The town's education level shows that over 75% have completed high school, reflecting a solid foundation for families.
Median Income:
$28,200
Household Income:
$45,900
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$24,800
Poverty Rate:
23.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
24.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.7%
Bachelors or More:
8.4%
Education
How are the schools in Port Barre, LA?
Public education in Port Barre includes a high school and an elementary school, both with manageable student-to-teacher ratios around 15-16, fostering community-focused learning. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are easily accessible at nearby colleges like Louisiana State University at Eunice and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, both less than 30 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Port Barre High School
Street:
846 Saizan Ave
Phone:
337-585-7256
Students:
485
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Port Barre Elementary School
Street:
199 Elementary School Rd
Phone:
337-585-7258
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana State University at Eunice
City:
Eunice
State:
LA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
City:
Lafayette
State:
LA
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
16,400
Healthcare
Healthcare access is convenient, with Opelousas General Health System just a short drive away for emergency and general medical needs. The area has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 87% of locals have health insurance coverage. Overall, healthcare services are accessible and reliable for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Opelousas General Health System
Address:
539 East Prudhomme Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone:
(337) 948-3011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Barre, LA?
Port Barre's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $112,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year, and rental options are available with an average rent of $790 for a two-bedroom. The market is stable, with low foreclosure and moderate vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
DMV services for Port Barre residents are provided by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in nearby Opelousas. The office offers driver's licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Residents benefit from convenient access to all standard DMV resources.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1635 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone:
1-225-925-6146
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.