Louisiana · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Natchitoches Parish, LA

The median household in Natchitoches Parish, LA earns $46,292 a year ($3,858/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $925/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,000 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 11.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$46,292$3,858 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$925HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)88.2-11.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate13.5¢per kWh · EIA Residential LA
Census Population36,693Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$925Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,157At 30% of $46,292
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Natchitoches Parish, LA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Natchitoches Parish, LA. 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 Natchitoches Parish, LA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$634$7,608$25,36016.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$705$8,460$28,20018.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$925$11,100$37,00024%
3-Bedroom Home$1,146$13,752$45,84029.7%
4-Bedroom Home$1,373$16,476$54,92035.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Natchitoches Parish, LA →

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

Based on the local median household income of $46,292/year ($3,858/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,929/moRent ($925 2-BR), utilities (~$121/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,157/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 88.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$772/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.

$46,292
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$46,292
Net 83%
Fed 7%
LA 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$38,373After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,198Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,476Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.1%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,375 / yr
Louisiana state income tax$1,003 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,541 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Natchitoches Parish, LA

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Natchitoches Parish, LA is $46,292 per year (approximately $3,858 per month).

What is the average rent in Natchitoches Parish, LA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Natchitoches Parish, LA are $634 for a studio, $705 for 1 bedroom, $925 for 2 bedrooms, $1,146 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,373 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Natchitoches Parish, LA is 88.2 (11.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($925/month) in Natchitoches Parish, LA requires a minimum gross household income of $37,000 per year ($3,083 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $46,292/year ($3,858/month) in Natchitoches Parish, LA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,929/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,157/month to discretionary spending, and $772/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Natchitoches 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.