Special Interest
Housing in St. James Parish
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in St. James Parish averages $903/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Louisiana median of $1,064 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 38% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for St. James Parish FMR Area are $818 for a studio, $823 for 1‑bedroom, $1,080 for 2‑bedroom, $1,502 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,542 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $177 increase for a 2-bedroom in St. James Parish shows a 20% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for St. James Parish was 5.1% in 2024, compared to Louisiana at 4.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
