Cost of Living in Brownsville, LA
Population 3,996 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brownsville's median household income of $26,971 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (32% here). At 16.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Brownsville lies roughly 95 miles east of the nearest major metro, Shreveport. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Shreveport's $178,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brownsville
The median home value in Brownsville is $73,100 — 76% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $809/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $26,971/year is 64% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Brownsville has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.
Brownsville has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brownsville, LA?
Brownsville has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brownsville, LA?
The median gross rent in Brownsville is $809 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville is $73,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville is $26,971 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brownsville, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brownsville is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Brownsville, LA affordable?
Yes, Brownsville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.
Brownsville at a Glance
- Population
- 3,996
- Median Income
- $26,971
- Home Value
- $73,100
- Median Rent
- $809/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.3%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data