Cost of Living in Grambling, LA

Population 5,302 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Grambling run well below national norms — a median of $17,670 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $176,000). Rental affordability is stretched — $518/month works out to about 35% of median household income, above the 30% "cost-burdened" line.

Grambling is about 65 miles east of Shreveport, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Shreveport's $178,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 39

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

About the Cost of Living in Grambling

The median home value in Grambling is $176,000 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $518/month, 61% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $17,670/year is 76% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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%. Overall, Grambling has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$176,000
42% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$190,898
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$518/mo
61% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.3x
Favors renting
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
Owner-occupied 33.6%
Renter-occupied 66.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$518
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,132/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
18.3 min
32% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.6%
Carpooled
8.6%
Walked
5.1%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
25.2%

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
$17,670
76% below avg
Per Capita Income
$11,533
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
2% below avg
Poverty Rate
58.5%
Labor Force Participation
40.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.3%
Graduate degree 18.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 21.1
Male median age 20.3
Female median age 21.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
1
Public schools
477
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Grambling, LA?

Grambling has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Grambling, LA?

The median gross rent in Grambling is $518 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Grambling?

The median home value in Grambling is $176,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Grambling?

The median household income in Grambling is $17,670 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Grambling, LA?

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

Is Grambling, LA affordable?

Yes, Grambling is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

Grambling at a Glance

Population
5,302
Median Income
$17,670
Home Value
$176,000
Median Rent
$518/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Sales Tax
9.5%
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