Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$65,531$5,461 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in St. James Parish, LA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: St. James Parish, LA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for St. James Parish, 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.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $697 | $8,364 | $27,880 | 12.8% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $702 | $8,424 | $28,080 | 12.9% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $921 | $11,052 | $36,840 | 16.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,281 | $15,372 | $51,240 | 23.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,315 | $15,780 | $52,600 | 24.1% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in St. James Parish, LA
Based on the local median household income of $65,531/year ($5,461/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Louisiana with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in St. James Parish, LA
What is the median household income in St. James Parish, LA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in St. James Parish, LA is $65,531 per year (approximately $5,461 per month).
What is the average rent in St. James Parish, LA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in St. James Parish, LA are $697 for a studio, $702 for 1 bedroom, $921 for 2 bedrooms, $1,281 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,315 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in St. James Parish, LA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in St. James Parish, LA is 92.6 (7.4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in St. James Parish, LA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($921/month) in St. James Parish, LA requires a minimum gross household income of $36,840 per year ($3,070 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in St. James Parish, LA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $65,531/year ($5,461/month) in St. James Parish, LA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,730/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,638/month to discretionary spending, and $1,092/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in St. James 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.