Louisiana · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Ascension Parish, LA

The median household in Ascension Parish, LA earns $91,549 a year ($7,629/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,204/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $48,160 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.2% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$91,549$7,629 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,204HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.8-9.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate13.5¢per kWh · EIA Residential LA
Census Population130,314Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Ascension Parish, LA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,204Monthly market rent
Share of gross income15.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$48,160To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,289At 30% of $91,549
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ascension Parish, LA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Baton Rouge, LA HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Ascension Parish, LA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,032$12,384$41,28013.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,064$12,768$42,56013.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,204$14,448$48,16015.8%
3-Bedroom Home$1,511$18,132$60,44019.8%
4-Bedroom Home$1,943$23,316$77,72025.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Ascension Parish, LA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Ascension Parish, LA

Based on the local median household income of $91,549/year ($7,629/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,815/moRent ($1,204 2-BR), utilities (~$121/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,289/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,526/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Louisiana

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Louisiana state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$91,549
$35,000$185,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$91,549
Net 77%
Fed 12%
LA 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$70,875After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,906Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,726Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate22.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$11,311 / yr
Louisiana state income tax$2,360 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$7,004 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Louisiana with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ascension Parish, LA

What is the median household income in Ascension Parish, LA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ascension Parish, LA is $91,549 per year (approximately $7,629 per month).

What is the average rent in Ascension Parish, LA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ascension Parish, LA are $1,032 for a studio, $1,064 for 1 bedroom, $1,204 for 2 bedrooms, $1,511 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,943 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Ascension Parish, LA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ascension Parish, LA is 90.8 (9.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Ascension Parish, LA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,204/month) in Ascension Parish, LA requires a minimum gross household income of $48,160 per year ($4,013 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ascension Parish, LA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $91,549/year ($7,629/month) in Ascension Parish, LA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,815/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,289/month to discretionary spending, and $1,526/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ascension Parish, LA?

Residential electricity rates in Louisiana average 13.5¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $121 per month.