Special Interest
Housing in Rapides Parish
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Rapides Parish averages $950/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 34% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Rapides Parish FMR Area are $788 for a studio, $843 for 1‑bedroom, $1,075 for 2‑bedroom, $1,452 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,647 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $125 increase for a 2-bedroom in Rapides Parish shows a 13% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Rapides Parish was 4.1% in 2024, compared to Louisiana at 4.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
