Louisiana / Rapides County

Moving to Rapides, LA

Thinking of making a move to Rapides, LA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rapides, LA

Considering a move to Rapides, LA? This welcoming community of 131,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $980. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rapides's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rapides, LA

Rapides has a population of 131,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 61% White, 32% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
131,000
Density
130 per sq mi
Median Age
38.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
61.0%
Black
31.5%
Asian
1.8%
Others
5.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rapides, LA?

The cost of living in Rapides is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$175,000
Gross Rent
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,390
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
95.2
Housing
75.8
Utilities
104.6
Transportation
95.0
Health Care
93.1
Miscellaneous
92.0

Crime

Is Rapides, LA a safe place to live?

Rapides is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 510 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Louisiana.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
510
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,460
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Rapides, LA year-round?

Rapides experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 93°F and cold winters dipping to 41°F. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
41°F
Max
63°F

Summer

Min
73°F
Max
93°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
58.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,000 and a low poverty rate of 20.8%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$58,000
Family Income
$71,500
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$39,500
Income Female
$30,500
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Non English Speakers
7.9%
Rent
$980
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
22.4%

Education

How are the schools in Rapides, LA?

Rapides offers quality education options, with public schools like Alexandria Senior High School and Peabody Magnet High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Louisiana State University of Alexandria and Central Louisiana Technical Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Alexandria Senior High School
Street
800 Oden St
Phone
318-445-7661
Students
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Peabody Magnet High School
Street
2727 Jones Ave
Phone
318-448-3701
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.9

Private Schools

Name
St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School
Street
2211 E Texas Ave
Phone
318-445-1544
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
City
Alexandria
State
LA
Distance
6 miles
Students
3,200
Name
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
City
Alexandria
State
LA
Distance
5 miles
Students
2,500

Healthcare

Rapides residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Brentwood Hospital and Cabrini Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 87.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Brentwood Hospital
Address
1006 W 7th St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone
(318) 442-5908
Type
Behavioral Health
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Cabrini Hospital
Address
3330 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone
(318) 487-1122
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
87.4%
Health Care Index
62.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rapides, LA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Rapides offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$980
Owner Occupied Rate
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
1.1%

DMV Information

Residents of Rapides handle vehicle services through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Baton Rouge. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Louisiana
Department
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address
7979 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone
1-225-925-6146

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.

FAQs About Moving to Rapides, LA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rapides, review the core fields on this page: population 131,000, median home value $175,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $980, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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