IncomeBy County

Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+0% vs. Louisiana average
$55,339
Median Household Income
$39,698
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,339
+0% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,698
+1% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
18.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Louisiana
#31 / 64
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Orleans Parish Compares

Orleans Parish$55,339
Louisiana Average$55,250
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,339
Median Household Income
$39,698
Per Capita Income
$296,400
Median Home Value
18.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Orleans Parish

Income Verdict

Orleans Parish has a median household income of $55,339 and per capita income of $39,698 — a gap of $15,641, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

Median gross rent of $1,211/month represents about 26.3% of monthly household income in Orleans Parish, approaching the 30% cost-burden threshold.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $55,339, residents of Orleans Parish likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $39,698 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Orleans Parish earns approximately 0.2% above the Louisiana state median household income of $55,250, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Orleans Parish matches state but trails nation

Orleans Parish households earn $55,339 annually, approximately 26% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The parish matches Louisiana's state median of $55,250, reflecting its role as an economic hub but still lagging national prosperity.

Aligns with Louisiana's statewide median income

Orleans Parish's median household income of $55,339 essentially matches the Louisiana state median of $55,250, positioning it at the midpoint of parish-level earnings. Per capita income of $39,698 significantly exceeds the state average of $29,702, indicating higher-earning workers boost the aggregate.

Outpaces most adjacent parishes regionally

Orleans Parish's median household income of $55,339 exceeds Ouachita Parish ($51,241) and Rapides Parish ($55,946), establishing it as a mid-tier economic performer. The parish ranks above lower-income neighbors but below high-earning Plaquemines Parish ($82,874).

Housing costs consume rising share of income

Orleans Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 26.3% approaches the 30% affordability ceiling, indicating housing costs are rising faster than incomes. With median home values at $296,400, homeownership requires substantial down payments and income stability.

Diversify wealth beyond New Orleans's boom-bust cycles

Orleans Parish residents should build diversified investment portfolios to weather the region's economic volatility and tourism dependency. Consider retirement accounts, index funds, and real estate diversification outside the parish to reduce concentration risk and build long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Orleans Parish, Louisiana?
The median household income in Orleans Parish, Louisiana is $55,339, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Orleans Parish?
The per capita income in Orleans Parish is $39,698, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $55,339.
How does Orleans Parish compare to the Louisiana average?
Orleans Parish's median household income of $55,339 is higher than the Louisiana state average of $55,250. The per capita income is $39,698, compared to the state average of $29,702.
What is the per capita income in Orleans Parish, Louisiana?
The per capita income in Orleans Parish, Louisiana is $39,698, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Orleans Parish income higher than the Louisiana average?
Orleans Parish's median household income of $55,339 is higher than the Louisiana average of $55,250. This difference of $89 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Orleans Parish rank for income in Louisiana?
Orleans Parish ranks #31 out of 64 counties in Louisiana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,339 and per capita income of $39,698, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Orleans Parish

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Your income is above the Orleans Parish median

County median: $55,339 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+0%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Orleans Parish MedianAbout equal
vs. Louisiana AverageAbout equal
vs. National Median▼ 26% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.8x

Your monthly income ($4,612) vs. median rent ($1,211/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$55,344
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$55,355
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Wythe County
Virginia
$55,359
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Ohio
$55,360
+0%
Hill County
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$55,313
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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