Louisiana · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Hammond, LA

The median household in Hammond, LA earns $48,166 a year ($4,014/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,099/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $43,960 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 15.5% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$48,166$4,014 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,099HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)84.5-15.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate13.5¢per kWh · EIA Residential LA
Census Population21,539Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Hammond, LA

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,099Monthly market rent
Share of gross income27.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$43,960To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,204At 30% of $48,166
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Hammond, LA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hammond, LA MSA. 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 Hammond, LA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$831$9,972$33,24020.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$848$10,176$33,92021.1%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,099$13,188$43,96027.4%
3-Bedroom Home$1,372$16,464$54,88034.2%
4-Bedroom Home$1,455$17,460$58,20036.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Hammond, LA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Hammond, LA

Based on the local median household income of $48,166/year ($4,014/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,007/moRent ($1,099 2-BR), utilities (~$121/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,204/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 84.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$803/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.

$48,166
$15,000$100,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$48,166
Net 83%
Fed 7%
LA 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$39,823After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,319Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,532Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,600 / yr
Louisiana state income tax$1,059 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,685 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hammond, LA

What is the median household income in Hammond, LA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Hammond, LA is $48,166 per year (approximately $4,014 per month).

What is the average rent in Hammond, LA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Hammond, LA are $831 for a studio, $848 for 1 bedroom, $1,099 for 2 bedrooms, $1,372 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,455 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Hammond, LA is 84.5 (15.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,099/month) in Hammond, LA requires a minimum gross household income of $43,960 per year ($3,663 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $48,166/year ($4,014/month) in Hammond, LA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,007/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,204/month to discretionary spending, and $803/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Hammond, 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.