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City Report · LA

Ponchatoula

Pop. 7,808·5th most expensive in Louisiana·Ponchatoula rents are up 10.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,769/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.2%
Month-over-Month
+3.2%
vs US Median
-$196
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Ponchatoula · $1,769
More affordable than 56% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
41% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,769/mo, rent takes about 41% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$71,000/yr
Local median income
$51,161/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Ponchatoula's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$940
1 BR
$940
2 BR
$1,220
3 BR
$1,510
4 BR+
$1,620
Research median
$1,220/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,228/yr
At $1,769/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.2% YoY, +3.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Ponchatoula, LA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
7,808
Median income
$51,161
Median age
44
Renters
24%
Age distribution
21.8%
14.7%
25.1%
19.5%
18.8%
Under 1821.8%
18–3414.7%
35–5425.1%
55–6419.5%
65+18.8%
Gender
46.2%
53.8%
Male46.2%
Female53.8%
Race & ethnicity
61.9%
31.9%
White61.9%
Black31.9%
Hispanic3.7%
Asian0.9%
Other1.6%
Education (25+)
34.9%
29.9%
23.9%
No HS diploma11.3%
HS diploma34.9%
Some college29.9%
Bachelor's+23.9%
Housing tenure
76%
24%
Owner76%
Renter24%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Ponchatoula, LA has changed in 5 years

Income
$36,706 → $51,161
up 39.4%
Population
7,729 → 7,808
up 1.0%
Renter share
22.1% → 24%
+1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
17.9% → 23.9%
+6.0 pts

On the earnings side, the typical household in Ponchatoula, LA now reports about $51,161, up from $36,706 in 2021. Census counts show Ponchatoula, LA adding about 79 residents over the five-year window, up 1.0% on net. The renter share has risen from 22.1% to 24%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 17.9% to 23.9% across the same window.

Community

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View Ponchatoula rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Ponchatoula on your salary?

At $1,769/mo, how Ponchatoula rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Ponchatoula rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Ponchatoula. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Ponchatoula

About renting in Ponchatoula, LA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Ponchatoula is $1,769/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $940/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,220/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $940/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,510/mo.

At 41% of local median household income ($51,161/yr), Ponchatoula ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Ponchatoula an affordable city for renters?

Ponchatoula is considered stretched for renters. At $1,769/mo, rent takes approximately 41% of the local median household income ($51,161/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Ponchatoula significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Ponchatoula?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $71,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,769/mo in Ponchatoula. The local median household income is $51,161/yr, meaning the typical Ponchatoula household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Ponchatoula?

Rent in Ponchatoula has increased 10.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Ponchatoula rent compare to other cities in Louisiana?

Ponchatoula is one of the pricier cities in Louisiana for rent, ranking #5 out of 46 tracked cities at $1,769/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Ponchatoula?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Ponchatoula ($1,769/mo): Hammond ($1,295/mo), Covington ($1,552/mo), Kenner ($1,629/mo).

What percentage of Ponchatoula residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 24% of Ponchatoula households are renters, while 76% are owner-occupied. Ponchatoula leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Ponchatoula rent compare to the national average?

Ponchatoula's median rent of $1,769/mo is $196 (10%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Louisiana, it ranks #5 out of 46 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
41%
STRETCHED

At $1,769/mo, rent takes ~41% of Ponchatoula's median household income ($51,161/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Ponchatoula 41%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.85–4.25%
Run the Ponchatoula affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

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Public schools near Ponchatoula, LA

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