Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rapides, LA
Thinking of moving to Rapides, LA? With a population of about 130,000, Rapides offers affordable living, with median home prices around $172,500 and average rents near $900. The area enjoys a warm Southern climate with 66% sunny days, and commute times are short at around 21 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Rapides features strong healthcare options and a selection of public and private schools, making it an accessible option for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Rapides, LA
Demographics - Rapides, LA
Rapides, Louisiana is home to approximately 130,000 residents, with a diverse community where 61.5% identify as White and 32.2% as Black. The median age is 37.6, and the area features a nearly balanced gender ratio alongside a modest percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a welcoming and varied cultural environment.
Population:
130,000
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
32.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rapides, LA?
Rapides offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values at $172,500 and average rents around $900, making it attractive for homebuyers and renters alike. Everyday expenses are generally lower than the national average, especially housing, though utilities can run a bit higher.
Median House Value:
$172,500
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
6%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
70.3
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
96.5
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
89.7
Crime
Is Rapides, LA a safe place to live?
While Rapides has a higher-than-average crime rate, with a violent crime chance of 1 in 174 and property crime at 1 in 34, many neighborhoods remain safe with proactive community involvement. Awareness and local engagement can help residents mitigate risks and enjoy a strong sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
575
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,525
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 174
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Rapides, LA year-round?
Rapides enjoys a warm Southern climate, experiencing mild winters in the upper 30s to low 60s and hot, humid summers reaching into the low 90s. The area benefits from about 66% sunny days annually and receives ample rainfall, contributing to its lush landscapes.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Residents of Rapides typically enjoy short commute times averaging 21.5 minutes and a close-knit community feel. The median household income is $48,500, though the area faces a 21.5% poverty rate, and most locals rely on personal vehicles rather than public transport.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$60,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$40,400
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.6%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Rapides, LA?
Rapides offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-attended public high schools such as Pineville and Peabody Magnet, as well as several private school options. For higher education, Louisiana State University at Alexandria and local technical colleges serve thousands of students within short driving distances.
Public Schools
Name:
Pineville High School
Street:
1511 Line St
Phone:
318-445-8236
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Peabody Magnet High School
Street:
2727 Jones Ave
Phone:
318-445-3126
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Savior Menard Central High School
Street:
4603 Coliseum Blvd
Phone:
318-445-8233
Students:
750
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
City:
Alexandria
State:
LA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
City:
Alexandria
State:
LA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Rapides is anchored by major facilities like Rapides Regional Medical Center and Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area has a good supply of physicians (2.2 per 1,000 residents), and nearly 88% of locals have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rapides Regional Medical Center
Address:
211 4th St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone:
(318) 769-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital
Address:
3330 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone:
(318) 487-1122
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rapides, LA?
The Rapides housing market is considered affordable, with a median home price of $172,500 and a high homeownership rate of 68.3%. Renters benefit from average two-bedroom rents around $900 and a moderate vacancy rate, making housing accessible for a wide range of budgets.
Median Home Price:
$172,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in Alexandria provides essential licensing and vehicle registration services for Rapides residents. Conveniently located on Coliseum Blvd, the DMV offers in-person assistance as well as online services via expresslane.org.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5606 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone:
(318) 487-5335
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.