Cost of Living in Jena, LA
Population 4,139 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jena offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $158,000 — costs less than 1.8 times median household income of $85,955, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Jena lies roughly 105 miles north of the nearest major metro, Lafayette. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Lafayette's $251,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jena
The median home value in Jena is $157,900 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,955/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 78.1°F and lows of 53.8°F. Overall, Jena has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Jena 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 64 | 72 | 78 | 85 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 89 | 80 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 47 | 53 | 61 | 68 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 53 | 43 | 38 |
| Precip" | 5.77 | 4.82 | 5.44 | 4.92 | 4.38 | 4.91 | 4.03 | 3.54 | 3.64 | 4.88 | 5.19 | 5.61 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jena, LA?
Jena has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jena, LA?
The median gross rent in Jena is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jena?
The median home value in Jena is $157,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jena?
The median household income in Jena is $85,955 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jena, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jena is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Jena, LA affordable?
Yes, Jena is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jena?
Jena has average high temperatures of 78.1°F and average lows of 53.8°F. Annual precipitation is 57.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jena at a Glance
- Population
- 4,139
- Median Income
- $85,955
- Home Value
- $157,900
- Median Rent
- $922/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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