Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$87,299$7,275 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: West Baton Rouge 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.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,032 | $12,384 | $41,280 | 14.2% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,064 | $12,768 | $42,560 | 14.6% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,204 | $14,448 | $48,160 | 16.6% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,511 | $18,132 | $60,440 | 20.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,943 | $23,316 | $77,720 | 26.7% |
See dedicated rental breakdown for West Baton Rouge Parish, LA →
50/30/20 Living Budget in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Based on the local median household income of $87,299/year ($7,275/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 West Baton Rouge Parish, LA
What is the median household income in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA is $87,299 per year (approximately $7,275 per month).
What is the average rent in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in West Baton Rouge 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 West Baton Rouge Parish, LA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in West Baton Rouge 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 West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,204/month) in West Baton Rouge 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 West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $87,299/year ($7,275/month) in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,637/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,182/month to discretionary spending, and $1,455/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in West Baton Rouge 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.