Cost of Living in Jonesboro, LA

Population 4,092 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Jonesboro run well below national norms — a median of $36,458 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $84,000). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 65 miles east of Shreveport, Jonesboro is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Shreveport's $178,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 54

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

About the Cost of Living in Jonesboro

The median home value in Jonesboro is $84,000 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $709/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,458/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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, Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$84,000
72% below avg
Median Rent
$709/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.9x
Favors buying
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 49.5%
Renter-occupied 50.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$709
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,323/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
18.6 min
31% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.8%
Carpooled
5.8%
Walked
2.7%
Work from home
6.7%

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
$36,458
51% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,393
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
64% below avg
Poverty Rate
36.8%
Labor Force Participation
37.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.6%
Graduate degree 1.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.7
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 39.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
17.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
2,263
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, LA?

Jonesboro has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Jonesboro, LA?

The median gross rent in Jonesboro is $709 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Jonesboro?

The median home value in Jonesboro is $84,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Jonesboro?

The median household income in Jonesboro is $36,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Jonesboro, LA?

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

Is Jonesboro, LA affordable?

Yes, Jonesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

Jonesboro at a Glance

Population
4,092
Median Income
$36,458
Home Value
$84,000
Median Rent
$709/mo
Unemployment
1.7%
Sales Tax
9.5%
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🗺️ County data for Louisiana

Explore county-level cost of living data

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