Affordable & Income-Based Housing in New Orleans

Affordability in New Orleans

The median monthly rent in New Orleans is $1,251 and the median household income is $56,631 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Renters make up 49% of New Orleans households, reflecting a city where affordable housing options are in steady demand.

Safety

According to the New Orleans Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, New Orleans had a violent crime rate of 1,361 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies define and report crimes.

When evaluating safety, visiting a neighborhood at different times of day and speaking with current residents can offer helpful firsthand perspective alongside any published figures.

Getting Around New Orleans

The areas around assisted properties in New Orleans score well for walking and biking, with moderate public transit options, according to Walk Score.

• Walk Score: 71 - Very Walkable
• Transit Score: 43 - Some Transit
• Bike Score: 83

These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing properties tracked on this page, not the city as a whole.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 77 public schools across 72 districts serve New Orleans, including 42 elementary, 1 middle, 31 high schools, and 3 other campuses. Ratings and quality vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for their specific address.

Cost of Living in New Orleans

The median household income in New Orleans is $56,631 per year, and the median monthly rent across all rentals is $1,251, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. Affordable and income-based housing can help renters whose costs would otherwise strain that income.

• Median household income: $56,631/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median monthly rent (all rentals): $1,251/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 49% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)

Lease Lantern tracks 26 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in New Orleans, totaling 2,527 units. Eligibility and rent limits vary by property and program type.

Environment and Flood Risk

All 26 HUD-assisted properties in New Orleans have been mapped for flood zone exposure. Of those, 3 properties fall within a high-risk flood zone. Renters considering any of these properties should ask management about flood insurance requirements and the property's specific flood zone designation.