Moving to Louisiana statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Louisiana?

Approximately 69,464 people moved to Louisiana in 2023, while 101,180 moved out. This represents a significant net loss of 31,716 residents. Roughly 56 people moved out of the state per day between 2022 and 2023, the third-highest rate in the nation.

While Louisiana did gain international migrants over the same period, domestic migration remains negative. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Louisiana ranked as the 41st most desired state to move to.

Top cities that people moved to in Louisiana

Louisiana ranked as the 48th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, as its poor economy, safety and quality of life scores hold it back. However, with housing costs over 40% below the national median, the state does offer desirable affordability.

Those moving to the Bayou State are choosing from a diverse set of locations in both the north and south. Central — a Baton Rouge suburb — attracted the most new residents, adding 218 individuals (0.7% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Ruston and Bossier City — both located in the north of the state — also added to their populations.

While Louisiana’s cities lack migration overall, the top four people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Louisiana?

While there is an overall lack of people moving to Louisiana, affordability is the primary factor motivating both young professionals and retirees to move. Home prices and the cost of living are well below average, making it easy for would-be residents to transition from more expensive states. However, to take advantage of these prices, movers are also focused on job hunting.

The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health, and government. Collectively, these industries employ just under 53% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is also education and health services, growing by 3.5% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Louisiana housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,296.67 and a median home sale price of $253,700, Louisiana renters and homeowners can expect to pay a significant 40% less than the national median for housing.

Louisiana also has the fourth lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.56%. The tax rate here is less than half that of 18 states, including Massachusetts. In 2021, the most expensive parish was Orleans Parish, where residents paid an average of $1,947 in property taxes. Conversely, the most affordable county was Allen Parish, where residents paid as little as $200 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Louisiana

Louisiana’s cost-of-living index is 92, making it the 14th most affordable state in the union. Gas prices are also less than the national average ($3.26) at $3.02 per gallon, in part due to the state’s proximity to major Gulf Coast and Texas oil production. However, Louisiana only ranks as the 28th most green state, partly due to a lack of waste recycled.

Though Louisiana does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is only $56,301. That means the typical household here earns more than 25% less than the national median of $75,358. While unemployment (4%) is similar to the national average of 4.2%.

Overall, Louisiana’s below-average cost of living might help offset costs but can still be a major challenge when considering the low median household income. Would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in Louisiana?

An estimated 4,573,749 people live in Louisiana as of 2023, making it the 25th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population decline of 14,274 people compared to 2022.

Louisiana’s population skews female, with women accounting for 51.1% and men accounting for 48.9% of residents. In 2023, approximately 2.34 million Louisiana residents were female, and 2.23 million were male.

On average, Louisiana's population is also slightly younger (38.4 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 26.4% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Louisianans, representing 62.6% of the population (2.86 million people). The state also has one of the largest Black populations in the U.S., representing 32.6% of the population (about 1.49 million people). This is followed by a much smaller share of Hispanic residents, who account for 7.3% of the population.

Tips for moving to Louisiana

Not sure how to start your move to Louisiana? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Though Louisiana ranks among the top 15 most affordable states by cost of living and has median home sale prices well below the national median, a low median household income can make living expenses a challenge. Additional costs will vary based on where you choose to move, generally being more expensive in major cities like New Orleans. To get a better sense of expenses in your new area, check out the resources available on Louisiana.gov.

2. Learn about the job market

With diverse job openings available, including opportunities in health care and hospitality in major cities and manufacturing and agriculture in rural areas, Louisiana offers something for everyone. However, do keep in mind that wages here are generally lower than the national average, and many local industries rely on seasonal work. Before moving, you can explore relevant job openings through online job boards and the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

3. Prepare for the humid climate

Louisiana is known as the Bayou State for a reason, as it’s home to hot, humid summers and heavy rainfall. Winters are generally mild, but freezing conditions aren’t unheard of. To prepare, we recommend investing in weather-appropriate clothing, reliable air conditioning and a plan for severe weather. You can stay updated on forecasts and emergency alerts through the National Weather Service website.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

Louisiana’s location in the southern Gulf Coast might come with stunning beach views, but it also means the state is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. Tornado season peaks between March and May, while the hurricane season runs from June through November. When severe storms occur, low-lying areas in southern Louisiana are particularly vulnerable to storm surges and rising water levels. If you’re moving to the state, always look at a flood zone map before you decide to purchase a home. Resources like the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness website can help you develop an emergency plan and stay informed.

5. Understand transportation options

While Louisiana offers some public transportation options in major cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the majority of the state is car- (or boat-) dependent. Owning a vehicle will likely be necessary, and equipping tires that can handle muddy, wet terrain will also make travel easier. Check the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development website to learn about road conditions, traffic patterns and available transit options.

6. Embrace the culture and history

From Creole cuisine to jazz music, the Bayou State offers one of the most rich, unique cultures in the United States. Whether you choose to live in historic New Orleans or somewhere surrounded by pristine wetlands, there’s something for everyone to explore. Visit Explore Louisiana to learn more about the state’s vibrant offerings.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Louisiana, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.