Cost of Living in Fort Polk South, LA

Population 8,056 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

89
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fort Polk South is a smaller Louisiana community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,790 and housing costs give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Fort Polk South lies roughly 85 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Beaumont — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Beaumont's typical home runs $159,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 89

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fort Polk South

Median rent runs $1,175/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,790/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 78.5°F and lows of 56.6°F. Overall, Fort Polk South has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Rent
$1,175/mo
11% below avg
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$816
2 BR
$988
3 BR
$1,280
4 BR
$1,513
0

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,175
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,789/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
12.7 min
53% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.0%
Carpooled
8.1%
Walked
11.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
14.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 4.5%
Avg local rate 5.1%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,790
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,722
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
34% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Labor Force Participation
79.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.3%
Graduate degree 9.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 22.9
Male median age 22.8
Female median age 23.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.5°F
Avg Low
56.6°F
Annual Precip
58.8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626572798691939389817062
Low °F 404349566471737267574741
Precip" 5.624.915.285.324.735.334.613.804.254.924.795.28

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Polk South, LA?

Fort Polk South has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Polk South, LA?

The median gross rent in Fort Polk South is $1,175 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Polk South?

The median household income in Fort Polk South is $62,790 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Polk South, LA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Polk South is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is Fort Polk South, LA affordable?

Yes, Fort Polk South is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Fort Polk South?

Fort Polk South has average high temperatures of 78.5°F and average lows of 56.6°F. Annual precipitation is 58.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.