Louisiana is worth considering in 2026 if you're looking for affordable homes, good job opportunities, and a place with plenty of life and character.
Louisiana offers a lot to enjoy. Good food, live music, and local festivals bring people together. Homes are generally cheaper than in many other states, and you'll find jobs in healthcare, energy, shipping, and manufacturing.
A good home price is a great start, but moving to another state also means thinking about your everyday life. You'll also need to consider your monthly bills, job opportunities, and how comfortable you'll feel once you've settled in.
So if you're still deciding where to move in the USA, let's look at what Louisiana offers, what living here really costs, and what you should know before making it your new home.
- Moving to Louisiana at a Glance
- Louisiana Relocation Quick Facts
- Pros and Cons of Living in Louisiana
- Louisiana Population and Migration Trends
- Best Places to Live in Louisiana
- Compare Louisiana's Major Cities
- Cost of Living in Louisiana
- Taxes and Insurance in Louisiana
- Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Louisiana?
- Crime and Safety in Louisiana
- Louisiana Weather and Climate
- Healthcare in Louisiana
- Schools and Colleges in Louisiana
- Transportation and Commuting in Louisiana
- Is Louisiana Right for Your Situation?
- How Much Does It Cost to Move to Louisiana?
- Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Louisiana
- FAQs
- Our Research and Data Process
Moving to Louisiana at a Glance
Is Louisiana a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Louisiana offers affordable homes, friendly communities, great food, and a lively culture. The state also has jobs in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and shipping.
Is Moving to Louisiana Worth It?
Yes, Louisiana is worth considering if you want lower home prices and a lively lifestyle. Still, high insurance costs, flooding, and summer electricity bills affect your budget.
Who Is Louisiana Best Suited For?
Louisiana suits families looking for affordable homes, young professionals in healthcare and energy, and people who enjoy music, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Who Might Not Enjoy Living in Louisiana?
People who dislike hot, humid weather or worry about hurricanes and flooding might find Louisiana challenging. Those who prefer cooler weather and reliable public transportation might also struggle.
Louisiana Relocation Quick Facts
| Category | Louisiana Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Capital | Baton Rouge |
| Largest Cities | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Bossier City |
| Population | 4.62 million |
| Population Growth | -0.9% since 2020 |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) |
| Climate Type | Humid Subtropical |
| Average Living Costs | $35,750/year (single adult, after taxes) |
| Home Prices | $213,867 |
| Average Rent | $1,500/month |
| Median Household Income | $65,139/year |
| State Income Tax | 3% |
| State Sales Tax | 5% |
| Property Tax | 0.55% |
Pros and Cons of Living in Louisiana
Pros
- Home prices are lower than in many states.
- Jobs in energy, healthcare, shipping, and manufacturing.
- Mild winters with very little snow.
- Famous Cajun food, live music, and festivals.
- Low property taxes help homeowners save.
- Fishing, boating, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Public universities and technical colleges offer career training.
Cons
- Homeowners insurance is expensive.
- Average wages are lower than the U.S. average.
- Summers are hot, humid, and rainy.
- Hurricanes and flooding pose serious risks.
- State and local sales taxes add to everyday costs.
- A car is needed in most areas.
- Specialist healthcare is harder to reach in rural areas.
Louisiana Population and Migration Trends
Louisiana’s population has dropped slightly since 2020, but some parishes are still growing as new residents move in. These trends show where Louisiana is gaining people and which states newcomers are coming from.
How Many People Live in Louisiana?
Best Places to Live in Louisiana
Louisiana has great places to live, whether you want good jobs, affordable homes, better schools, or a quiet neighborhood.
Lafayette
Lafayette has great Cajun food, live music, and festivals, plus jobs in healthcare and energy. Over 1 million people visit the area each year.
Baton Rouge
It’s a good place to build a career, with government jobs, major hospitals, and work opportunities at LSU.
New Orleans
New Orleans has plenty of restaurants, live music, and festivals. Hotels and tourism also offer jobs and ways to earn money.
Mandeville
Families like Mandeville for its good schools, quiet neighborhoods, parks, and shopping. The median household income is $94,405.
Lake Charles
Lake Charles offers jobs in energy and chemical plants, along with fishing, boating, and local events.
Bossier City
Bossier City has peaceful neighborhoods, shopping, and jobs near Barksdale Air Force Base. The median household income is $55,819.
Compare Louisiana's Major Cities
| City | Population | Growth | Monthly Living Cost | Median Home Price | Average Rent | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 362.2K | -5.7% | $2,989 | $319K | $1,650 | $61,048 |
| Baton Rouge | 222.8K | -1.7% | $3,176 | $279K | $1,462 | $61,235 |
| Shreveport | 175.9K | -6.2% | $2,950 | $197.9K | $1,425 | $54,579 |
| Lafayette | 123.3K | +1.6% | $2,861 | $254.9K | $1,650 | $52,125 |
| Lake Charles | 82.7K | -2.7% | $3,105 | $250K | $1,262 | $56,638 |
| Bossier City | 63.3K | +0.9% | $2,950 | $285K | $1,875 | $54,579 |
Cost of Living in Louisiana
Louisiana is cheaper than the national average, but housing, transportation, and insurance still take up a big part of your budget.
Housing Costs
Louisiana has cheaper homes than the national average. But buyers also need to budget for homeowners insurance, flood coverage, and storm repairs.
Housing is Louisiana’s biggest saving, but insurance costs more.
Average home values in Louisiana are 41.6% lower than the U.S. average, while housing rents are 36.9% lower. Electricity rates are also lower, but heavy air-conditioning use increases summer bills.
| Housing Expense | Latest Cost |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $213,867 |
| Median sale price | $253,262 |
Everyday Monthly Costs
Louisiana vs. the U.S. Average
Taxes and Insurance in Louisiana
Louisiana has a low 3% flat income tax and low property taxes. But the state’s high sales taxes, homeowners insurance, and flood coverage add to everyday expenses.
| Expense | Current Rate or Cost |
|---|---|
| State income tax | 3% flat rate |
| State sales tax | 5% |
| Average combined state + local sales tax | 10.13% |
| State grocery tax | 0% on qualifying groceries; local taxes may apply |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.55% |
| Homeowners insurance | $432.08/month |
| Flood insurance | $92.83/month |
Louisiana’s Overall Tax Burden Compared With Nearby States
Tax burden shows how much of residents’ income goes toward state and local taxes, including property, income, sales, and excise taxes.
| State | Overall Tax Burden | Property | Income | Sales & Excise | Difference vs. Louisiana | Per $100K Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 8.82% | 1.84% | 1.73% | 5.25% | Baseline | Baseline |
| Mississippi | 8.84% | 2.59% | 1.65% | 4.60% | +0.02 pts | +$20 |
| Arkansas | 8.44% | 1.59% | 1.81% | 5.04% | -0.38 pts | -$380 |
| Alabama | 7.93% | 1.40% | 2.17% | 4.36% | -0.89 pts | -$890 |
| Texas | 7.69% | 3.43% | 0.00% | 4.27% | -1.13 pts | -$1,130 |
| Florida | 6.27% | 2.52% | 0.00% | 3.74% | -2.55 pts | -$2,550 |
| Tennessee | 6.21% | 1.60% | 0.00% | 4.61% | -2.61 pts | -$2,610 |
How Expensive Is It to Live in Louisiana?
Louisiana has affordable housing and lower basic living costs than many states. But the income you need depends on your household size and where you choose to live.
| Household | Living Wage | Basic Monthly Budget | Annual Income Before Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $20.37/hour | $2,979 | $42,378 |
| Couple, both working | $14.36/hour each | $4,384 | $59,719 combined |
| Family of four, two working parents | $23.79/hour each | $7,327 | $98,949 combined |
Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Louisiana?
Healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and transportation offer some of the best job opportunities in Louisiana.
Louisiana’s Top Career Industries
Top career fields by pay. Compare median annual earnings across Louisiana’s major career fields.
| Career Field | Leading Industries | Median Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Energy, manufacturing, healthcare | $100,430 |
| Engineering | Oil and gas, chemical plants, construction | $93,560 |
| Technology | Software development, IT, cybersecurity | $76,650 |
| Healthcare | Hospitals, clinics, medical services | $69,940 |
| Finance | Banking, insurance, business services | $65,300 |
Which Industry Fits Your Career?
| Industry | When You Work In | Common Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nursing, patient care, or medical services | Registered nurse, medical technician, physical therapist |
| Energy & Manufacturing | Oil and gas, chemical plants, or production | Chemical engineer, plant operator, industrial mechanic |
| Technology | Software, IT support, or cybersecurity | Software developer, IT specialist, cybersecurity analyst |
| Construction | Engineering, building, or skilled trades | Civil engineer, electrician, welder |
| Transportation & Logistics | Shipping, ports, trucking, or warehousing | Truck driver, logistics coordinator, warehouse supervisor |
Crime and Safety in Louisiana
Louisiana has higher violent and property crime rates than the national average, but both have declined since 2023. Safety also varies by city and neighborhood.
Is Louisiana a Safe Place to Live?
Louisiana has some safer communities, but its statewide crime rates remain above national levels. In 2025, the state recorded 515.1 violent crimes and 1,966.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Both rates were lower than in 2023.
Louisiana Violent and Property Crime Trends
Louisiana has seen fewer reported violent and property crimes since 2023.
| Crime Measure | 2025 Rate per 100K | Change From 2023 | Compared With U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 515.1 | -8.4% | Higher |
| Property Crime | 1,966.4 | -24.5% | Higher |
| Overall Crime | 2,481.5 | -21.6% | Higher |
| Murder | 8.7 | -40.4% | Higher |
| Robbery | 29.9 | Declining | Lower |
| Burglary | 326.2 | Declining | Higher |
Safest Cities and Communities in Louisiana
| Community | Violent Crime per 100K | Property Crime per 100K | Recent Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandeville | 130.2 | 1,233.4 | Violent crime down 2.9%; property crime down 1.4% |
| Covington | 171.8 | 1,013.7 | Violent crime up 18%; property crime up 2.1% |
| Broussard | 194.6 | 2,153.5 | Violent crime up 13.1%; property crime up 34.9% |
| Slidell | 256.6 | 2,284.8 | Violent crime down 17.5%; property crime down 12.2% |
| Thibodaux | 257.0 | 2,975.2 | Violent crime down 29.5%; property crime up 7.6% |
Road Safety and Traffic Fatalities
Louisiana recorded 766 traffic deaths in 2025, up 1.7% from 2024.
Louisiana Weather and Climate
Louisiana has hot, humid summers, mild winters, and plenty of rain year-round.
Warm & Rainy
Temperatures rise, bringing frequent rain, thunderstorms, and occasional tornadoes.
Hot & Humid
Daytime highs often exceed 90°F, with high humidity, heavy rain, and intense heat.
Warm & Pleasant
Temperatures gradually cool, but hurricanes and tropical storms remain a concern.
Mild & Cool
Days are generally mild, with chilly nights, occasional frost, and rare snow or ice.
What Else to Expect
| Weather Period | Typical Conditions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | Rare, especially near the coast | Occasional snow and icy roads in northern Louisiana. |
| Rainfall | 57.2 inches annually | Rain year-round, heavier in the south. |
| Thunderstorms | Frequent throughout the year | Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. |
| Hurricane Season | June through November | Strong winds, storm surge, and flooding. |
| Tornado Season | Cooler months and spring | Tornadoes and damaging storms. |
| Flooding Risk | Coastal and low-lying areas | Flash floods and rising river levels. |
Which Parts of Louisiana Face the Greatest Weather Risks?
- Southern Louisiana faces the highest risk of hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding.
- Central Louisiana faces severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
- Northern Louisiana faces tornadoes, severe storms, and occasional winter ice.
- Areas along major rivers face flooding when water levels rise after heavy rain.
Healthcare in Louisiana
Louisiana has major hospitals across the state that offer advanced treatment and specialist care. Rural residents often travel to larger cities for medical services.
Best Hospitals and Medical Centers
The 2026 Newsweek and Statista Best-in-State Hospitals rankings recognize 20 Louisiana hospitals.
| Rank | Hospital | City | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ochsner Medical Center | New Orleans | Advanced specialty care and surgery |
| #2 | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center | Baton Rouge | Heart care and emergency services |
| #3 | Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center | Lafayette | Heart care and surgical services |
| #9 | Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center | Lafayette | Cancer care and general surgery |
| #12 | CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital | Lake Charles | Emergency and general medical care |
| #14 | Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics | Lafayette | Specialty clinics and hospital care |
Rural Healthcare Availability
Rural Louisiana has fewer specialists and maternity services. Residents need to travel to larger hospitals for childbirth, specialist appointments, and advanced treatment.
| Rural Healthcare Measure | Latest Available Figure |
|---|---|
| Rural counties served by those hospitals | 42 of 58 |
| Rural hospitals offering labor and delivery services | 25% |
| Women 30+ minutes from a birthing hospital | 12.1% statewide |
| All hospital beds per 10,000 residents | 31.4 statewide |
| Dentists per 10,000 residents | 4.69 statewide |
Schools and Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana’s public schools have improved graduation rates and reading performance, while student attendance remains a concern.
Best-Rated School Districts
These five districts lead Niche’s latest 2027 Louisiana school district rankings.
| Rank | District | Niche Grade | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Zachary Community Public Schools | A+ | 5,494 |
| #2 | Ascension Parish Public Schools | A | 23,743 |
| #3 | Lincoln Parish Public Schools | A | 5,601 |
| #4 | St. Charles Parish Public Schools | A | 8,756 |
| #5 | West Feliciana Parish Public Schools | A | 2,145 |
Louisiana Colleges and Universities
Louisiana has public universities, private colleges, and community and technical colleges. Students can pursue degrees in medicine and other career fields.
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University (LSU) | Baton Rouge | Engineering, business, agriculture |
| Tulane University | New Orleans | Medicine, public health, law |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette | Engineering, nursing, computer science |
| Louisiana Tech University | Ruston | Engineering, technology, business |
| Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge | Nursing, engineering, agriculture |
Transportation and Commuting in Louisiana
Most Louisiana residents need a car for work, shopping, and daily travel. Highways connect major cities, but public transportation is mainly available in a few other cities.
| Transportation Area | Louisiana Data |
|---|---|
| Main interstates | I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, I-55, I-59 |
| Public transportation | RTA, CATS, SporTran, Lafayette Transit |
| Walking and cycling | Better in downtown areas and college neighborhoods |
| Busiest airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) |
| Level 2 charging ports | 433 |
| DC fast-charging ports | 436 |
Do You Need a Car in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana is largely car-dependent, with limited public transportation outside major cities. New Orleans has buses and streetcars, while Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette have local bus services.
Is Louisiana Right for Your Situation?
Moving to Louisiana With a Family
Yes, especially in Zachary, Mandeville, and Youngsville, where families find good schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Moving to Louisiana as a Young Professional
Yes, if you work in healthcare, energy, technology, or engineering. Baton Rouge and Lafayette offer career options.
Moving to Louisiana as a Single Person
Yes, if you enjoy live music, festivals, food, and an active social life. New Orleans and Lafayette offer more entertainment, though living costs differ.
Moving to Louisiana for Retirement
Yes, with careful planning. Affordable homes and mild winters are appealing.
Moving to Louisiana for College
Yes, especially for students interested in engineering, healthcare, business, or technology. LSU, Tulane, UL Lafayette, and Louisiana Tech offer different programs, tuition costs, and career opportunities.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Louisiana?
Moving to Louisiana from another state costs $1,570 to $7,550 for a 2–3-bedroom home with full-service movers, based on 2026 interstate moving estimates.
Estimated Moving Costs to Louisiana
- Nearby State $1,570–$4,330Mississippi to Louisiana246 miles
- Mid-Distance Move $2,100–$5,220Texas to Louisiana622 miles
- Cross-Country Move $3,390–$7,550California to Louisiana1,958 miles
Moving Costs by Service Type
Your moving costs depend on the service you choose. Full-service movers handle everything, while rental trucks and moving containers cost less if you're willing to do some of the work yourself.
| Moving Service | Estimated Cost | What You're Paying For | Detailed Cost Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $1,570–$7,550 | Loading, transportation, and unloading | Full-Service Moving Costs |
| Moving Containers | $1,040–$4,310 | Container delivery and transport; you load it | Moving Container Costs |
| Rental Trucks | $300–$2,470 | Truck rental; fuel and driving are extra | Moving Truck Rental Costs |
| Labor-Only Movers | $498–$2,418 | Loading or unloading; no truck included | Labor-Only Moving Costs |
Moving Cost to Louisiana From Your State
Pick the state you're moving from to see what a 2–3-bedroom move to Louisiana usually costs.
Note: These costs are estimates for moving a 2–3-bedroom home to Louisiana. Actual prices depend on your location, moving date, and services. Full-service, container, and truck rental costs are estimates, not final quotes. Labor-only rates are hourly for two movers and don't include transportation.
See moving costs from all 47 states
| Moving Route | Distance (Miles) | Full-Service Movers | Moving Container | Truck Rental | Labor-Only (2 Movers/Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Louisiana | 390 | $3,642 | $1,716 | $719 | $138/hr |
| Arizona to Louisiana | 1,490 | $6,212 | $3,114 | $2,064 | $132/hr |
| Arkansas to Louisiana | 370 | $3,578 | $1,686 | $694 | $144/hr |
| California to Louisiana | 2,170 | $7,196 | $3,828 | $2,846 | $136/hr |
| Colorado to Louisiana | 1,190 | $5,776 | $2,802 | $1,718 | $144/hr |
| Connecticut to Louisiana | 1,520 | $6,254 | $3,146 | $2,098 | $138/hr |
| Delaware to Louisiana | 1,290 | $5,922 | $2,904 | $1,834 | $142/hr |
| Florida to Louisiana | 460 | $3,853 | $1,817 | $809 | $128/hr |
| Georgia to Louisiana | 550 | $4,128 | $1,948 | $924 | $129/hr |
| Idaho to Louisiana | 1,970 | $6,906 | $3,618 | $2,616 | $154/hr |
| Illinois to Louisiana | 770 | $4,798 | $2,266 | $1,206 | $144/hr |
| Indiana to Louisiana | 840 | $5,012 | $2,368 | $1,297 | $138/hr |
| Iowa to Louisiana | 920 | $5,256 | $2,484 | $1,398 | $157/hr |
| Kansas to Louisiana | 760 | $4,768 | $2,252 | $1,193 | $134/hr |
| Kentucky to Louisiana | 770 | $4,798 | $2,266 | $1,206 | $143/hr |
| Maine to Louisiana | 1,800 | $6,662 | $3,442 | $2,422 | $166/hr |
| Maryland to Louisiana | 1,210 | $5,804 | $2,822 | $1,742 | $138/hr |
| Massachusetts to Louisiana | 1,630 | $6,414 | $3,262 | $2,224 | $148/hr |
| Michigan to Louisiana | 1,100 | $5,647 | $2,707 | $1,617 | $136/hr |
| Minnesota to Louisiana | 1,190 | $5,776 | $2,802 | $1,718 | $152/hr |
| Mississippi to Louisiana | 170 | $2,968 | $1,396 | $438 | $146/hr |
| Missouri to Louisiana | 670 | $4,494 | $2,122 | $1,078 | $142/hr |
| Montana to Louisiana | 1,910 | $6,822 | $3,556 | $2,546 | $177/hr |
| Nebraska to Louisiana | 920 | $5,256 | $2,484 | $1,398 | $156/hr |
| Nevada to Louisiana | 2,070 | $7,052 | $3,724 | $2,732 | $132/hr |
| New Hampshire to Louisiana | 1,640 | $6,428 | $3,272 | $2,236 | $153/hr |
| New Jersey to Louisiana | 1,360 | $6,022 | $2,978 | $1,914 | $142/hr |
| New Mexico to Louisiana | 1,100 | $5,647 | $2,707 | $1,617 | $148/hr |
| New York to Louisiana | 1,510 | $6,242 | $3,136 | $2,086 | $147/hr |
| North Carolina to Louisiana | 960 | $5,378 | $2,542 | $1,449 | $137/hr |
| North Dakota to Louisiana | 1,490 | $6,212 | $3,114 | $2,064 | $181/hr |
| Ohio to Louisiana | 950 | $5,348 | $2,528 | $1,436 | $136/hr |
| Oklahoma to Louisiana | 620 | $4,341 | $2,049 | $1,014 | $128/hr |
| Oregon to Louisiana | 2,410 | $7,544 | $4,082 | $3,122 | $136/hr |
| Pennsylvania to Louisiana | 1,250 | $5,862 | $2,862 | $1,788 | $143/hr |
| Rhode Island to Louisiana | 1,590 | $6,356 | $3,222 | $2,178 | $152/hr |
| South Carolina to Louisiana | 770 | $4,798 | $2,266 | $1,206 | $132/hr |
| South Dakota to Louisiana | 1,300 | $5,937 | $2,917 | $1,847 | $164/hr |
| Tennessee to Louisiana | 560 | $4,158 | $1,962 | $937 | $137/hr |
| Texas to Louisiana | 480 | $3,914 | $1,846 | $834 | $126/hr |
| Utah to Louisiana | 1,620 | $6,399 | $3,251 | $2,213 | $144/hr |
| Vermont to Louisiana | 1,670 | $6,472 | $3,304 | $2,272 | $179/hr |
| Virginia to Louisiana | 1,090 | $5,632 | $2,694 | $1,604 | $142/hr |
| Washington to Louisiana | 2,490 | $7,662 | $4,164 | $3,214 | $146/hr |
| West Virginia to Louisiana | 920 | $5,256 | $2,484 | $1,398 | $162/hr |
| Wisconsin to Louisiana | 1,030 | $5,544 | $2,632 | $1,534 | $142/hr |
| Wyoming to Louisiana | 1,260 | $5,877 | $2,873 | $1,799 | $162/hr |
Get a Moving Estimate for Your New Home in Louisiana
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to enter your moving details and get a more specific estimate.
Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Louisiana
When researching potential moving companies in Louisiana, confirm whether they cover local or long-distance moves, plus packing and storage.
Get quotes from at least three companies so you can compare movers by price, services, and customer reviews. Review delivery timelines, potential extra charges, and included services before you choose the right moving company.
You should also account for packing, paperwork, and pickup dates in your long-distance moving checklist.
The companies below are worth considering for your move to Louisiana.
Top picks for you
View all ↗
Find Movers for Your Move to Louisiana From Another State
When Is the Best Time to Move to Louisiana?
Late fall or early spring is a good time to move to Louisiana. Cooler weather makes loading and unloading easier, especially compared with the hot, humid summer. Once you pick a season, build your moving timeline around it so you have enough time to prepare.
Best Day and Time for Moving
Tuesday through Thursday are usually quieter days for moving companies. An early morning start is also a good idea, giving you more time to finish before the afternoon heat.
FAQs
Our Research and Data Process
We created this guide to answer the common questions people have before moving to Louisiana. Most of the information comes from government agencies, official public records, and other primary sources. For information that changes more frequently, such as rent, home prices, insurance costs, and moving costs, we also use reliable first-party institutions and established market-data sources to provide the latest available information.
Data Sources Used
We prioritize primary and official sources whenever reliable data is available.
| Source Type | Approx. Share Used | Main Data Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government sources | 46% | Population, employment, income, economic conditions, crime, weather, natural hazards, transportation, migration, energy, and road safety |
| State and local government sources | 26% | Taxes, schools, licensing, transportation, healthcare, public safety, and state-specific regulations |
| First-party institutions and market sources | 18% | Housing, rent, insurance, hospitals, universities, utilities, and moving costs |
| Reputable secondary sources | 10% | Rankings, comparisons, and supporting market context |
- Our public data sources commonly include: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- For state-specific information, we use the Louisiana state agencies, county and city governments, public school systems, transportation authorities, public universities, and other official local institutions. Official state and local government websites can also be located through the USA.gov state and local government directory. USAGov
- For local public transportation data, we also use individual transit authorities and the Federal Transit Administration's National Transit Database, which provides profiles for reporting transit agencies across the country.
How Data Was Compared
We make comparisons using the same source, time period, geographic level, and measurement method whenever possible. When a useful figure is not published directly, we calculate it from the underlying data. For example:
- Population growth = percentage change between two comparable population estimates
- Cost difference = state or city value compared with the relevant U.S. benchmark
- Tax difference = percentage-point or percentage difference between locations
- Crime rate = reported offenses adjusted for population
- Employment change = change in employment between comparable reporting periods
- Monthly cost = annual cost divided by 12 when only an annual figure is published
How Cities and Communities Were Evaluated
We do not evaluate cities based on a single statistic. Instead, we consider several factors that matter when choosing where to live:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Jobs & income | 25% |
| Housing & living costs | 20% |
| Crime & safety | 20% |
| Schools & family needs | 15% |
| Healthcare | 10% |
| Transportation | 5% |
| Lifestyle & recreation | 5% |
How Local Experience Was Collected
We do not present invented firsthand experience as fact. Local context comes from official city and county governments, school districts, transportation agencies, hospitals, universities, economic-development organizations, public services, and resident-facing market data.
How Facts Were Checked
We check the latest available information before adding important statistics to a guide. For major topics such as population, employment, taxes, crime, education, transportation, weather, and public safety, we prioritize government agencies and other primary sources.
We also check repeated statistics throughout the guide so that the same metric uses the same value, year, definition, and source wherever it appears.
If two figures measure different things, such as median home value and typical home value, they are labeled separately rather than treated as the same statistic.
Data Limitations
Not every dataset updates at the same time. A 2026 article may still contain the latest official 2024 or 2025 data when that is the newest release available.
Market figures such as rent, home prices, insurance, and mover costs can also change faster than government statistics. These numbers should be treated as current benchmarks rather than guaranteed prices.
