Cost of Living in Morgan City, LA

Population 11,208 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Morgan City is a smaller Louisiana community of around 11000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,729 and housing costs ($146,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Morgan City is about 50 miles south of Baton Rouge, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Baton Rouge's $225,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 66

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

About the Cost of Living in Morgan City

The median home value in Morgan City is $146,100 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $861/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,729/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 77.7°F and lows of 62.1°F. Overall, Morgan City has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$146,100
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$127,826
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$861/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.1x
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 63.5%
Renter-occupied 36.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$861
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,475/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
26.4 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.6%
Carpooled
8.1%
Walked
2.4%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
3.0%

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
$56,729
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,452
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
63% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.4%
Labor Force Participation
59.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.1%
Graduate degree 5.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.6
Male median age 42.1
Female median age 41.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.7°F
Avg Low
62.1°F
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626571778389909188817264
Low °F 464855627075777673645347

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Morgan City, LA?

Morgan City has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Morgan City, LA?

The median gross rent in Morgan City is $861 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Morgan City?

The median home value in Morgan City is $146,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Morgan City?

The median household income in Morgan City is $56,729 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Morgan City, LA?

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

Is Morgan City, LA affordable?

Yes, Morgan City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Morgan City?

Morgan City has average high temperatures of 77.7°F and average lows of 62.1°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Morgan City at a Glance

Population
11,208
Median Income
$56,729
Home Value
$146,100
Median Rent
$861/mo
Unemployment
7.8%
Avg High Temp
77.7°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
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