Cost of Living in Walker, LA

Population 6,385 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023

77
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Walker offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $222,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $84,912, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

Walker sits roughly 15 miles east of Baton Rouge — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Baton Rouge's $225,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 73
Rent 85

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

About the Cost of Living in Walker

The median home value in Walker is $221,500 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,114/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,912/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Walker has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$221,500
27% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$249,817
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,114/mo
15% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,610/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.6x
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 77.0%
Renter-occupied 23.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,114
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,728/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
26.6 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.7%
Carpooled
3.5%
Work from home
7.8%

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
$84,912
14% above avg
Per Capita Income
$32,066
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
Labor Force Participation
61.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 4.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.2
Male median age 27.3
Female median age 36.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
36.8%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
258
PM2.5 days
106
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Walker, LA?

Walker has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.

What is average rent in Walker, LA?

The median gross rent in Walker is $1,114 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Walker?

The median home value in Walker is $221,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Walker?

The median household income in Walker is $84,912 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Walker, LA?

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

Is Walker, LA affordable?

Yes, Walker is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.