Cost of Living in Minden, LA

Population 11,604 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

47
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Minden run well below national norms — a median of $29,597 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $117,000). Around 35% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Minden is about 30 miles east of Shreveport, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Shreveport's $178,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 61

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

About the Cost of Living in Minden

The median home value in Minden is $116,700 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $803/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,597/year is 60% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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, Minden has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$116,700
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$132,543
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$803/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.1x
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 53.8%
Renter-occupied 46.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$803
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,417/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
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.1%
Carpooled
5.7%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
0.2%
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
$29,597
60% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,444
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
34.6%
Labor Force Participation
46.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.8%
Graduate degree 4.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.7
Male median age 34.7
Female median age 41.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91%
4-Year Graduation Rate
19.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
14
Public schools
5,941
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Minden, LA?

Minden has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.

What is average rent in Minden, LA?

The median gross rent in Minden is $803 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Minden?

The median home value in Minden is $116,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Minden?

The median household income in Minden is $29,597 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Minden, LA?

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

Is Minden, LA affordable?

Yes, Minden is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.

Minden at a Glance

Population
11,604
Median Income
$29,597
Home Value
$116,700
Median Rent
$803/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Sales Tax
9.5%
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