Louisiana Housing Market Trends
Real-time market data powered by Zillow Research. Last updated: 2026-04-02
New Orleans' housing market is recovering from years of insurance-driven affordability challenges, with many buyers finding value in historic neighborhoods that have undergone post-Katrina renovation. Baton Rouge's market benefits from steady government and university employment, offering reliable appreciation without the volatility of New Orleans. Lake Charles is rebuilding after hurricane damage, creating opportunities for buyers willing to invest in a recovering market. The state's insurance crisis, driven by hurricane exposure and insurer insolvencies, remains the single largest challenge for Louisiana homebuyers.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: Zillow Research, U.S. Census
Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Louisiana?
The Louisiana housing market is showing balanced conditions.
home values have been essentially flat (-0.2%) over the past year. there are currently 935 homes on the market.
Median Home Value
$208,930
Zillow Home Value Index
Year-over-Year
-0.2%
Home value change
5-Year Change
+3.1%
Since 2021
Median Rent
$1,213/mo
Zillow Observed Rent Index
Active Listings
935
Homes for sale
Home Value Trends
5-year Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for Louisiana vs. national average. ZHVI reflects the typical home value in the 35th-65th percentile range.
Rent Trends
Average rent in Louisiana: $1,213/mo (+3.7% YoY)
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
With a median home value of $208,930 and average rent of $1,213/mo, the price-to-rent ratio in Louisiana is 14.4. A ratio under 15 generally favors buying.
Run Full Rent vs. Buy CalculatorTop Markets in Louisiana
Explore housing data for 12 metro areas in Louisiana. Click any market for detailed trends and analysis.
New Orleans, LA
$254,906
Avg rent: $1,577/mo
Baton Rouge, LA
$241,806
Avg rent: $1,354/mo
Hammond, LA
$218,323
Avg rent: $1,307/mo
Ruston, LA
$216,055
Avg rent: $1,047/mo
Lake Charles, LA
$197,009
Avg rent: $1,155/mo
Lafayette, LA
$195,023
Avg rent: $1,389/mo
DeRidder, LA
$189,091
Avg rent: $978/mo
Houma, LA
$175,246
Avg rent: $1,317/mo
Shreveport, LA
$174,207
Avg rent: $1,301/mo
Natchitoches, LA
$169,457
Alexandria, LA
$161,993
Avg rent: $984/mo
Fort Polk South, LA
$159,790
Avg rent: $1,234/mo
Continue Learning About Louisiana
Market data provided by Zillow Research. Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) are trademarks of Zillow, Inc.