City Report · LA

West Monroe

Pop. 12,729·42nd most expensive in Louisiana·Rents have been falling, good time to negotiate
Median rent (all units)
$1,122/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.8%
Month-over-Month
-2.8%
vs US Median
-$840
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
West Monroe · $1,122
More affordable than 95% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what West Monroe's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,122/mo
Expected by trend
$1,201/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Monroe's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$820
1 BR
$820
2 BR
$1,070
3 BR
$1,370
4 BR+
$1,420
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,070/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,122 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$13,464/yr
At $1,122/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.8% YoY, -2.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

West Monroe, LA is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 22% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,729
Median income
$49,386
Median age
35.4
Renters
55.3%
Age distribution
26.4%
22.8%
24.1%
17.1%
Under 1826.4%
18–3422.8%
35–5424.1%
55–649.6%
65+17.1%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
52%
41.1%
White52%
Black41.1%
Hispanic10.2%
Asian0.9%
Education (25+)
14.9%
32.4%
30.7%
22%
No HS diploma14.9%
HS diploma32.4%
Some college30.7%
Bachelor's+22%
Housing tenure
44.7%
55.3%
Owner44.7%
Renter55.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How West Monroe, LA has changed in 5 years

Income
$38,865 → $49,386
up 27.1%
Population
13,103 → 12,729
down 2.9%
Renter share
55.6% → 55.3%
-0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
22.5% → 22%
-0.5 pts
Median age
38.9 → 35.4
-3.5 yrs

Median household income climbed from $38,865 to $49,386 between 2021 and 2024, a 27.1% shift. Census counts show West Monroe, LA losing about 374 residents over the five-year window, down 2.9% on net.

Community

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View West Monroe rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Monroe on your salary?

At $1,122/mo, how West Monroe rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

West Monroe rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Monroe

About renting in West Monroe, LA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in West Monroe is $1,122/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $820/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,070/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $820/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,370/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($49,386/yr), West Monroe ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Monroe an affordable city for renters?

West Monroe is considered affordable for renters. At $1,122/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($49,386/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Monroe falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in West Monroe?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $45,000/year (~$22/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,122/mo in West Monroe. The local median household income is $49,386/yr, meaning the typical West Monroe household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Monroe?

Rent in West Monroe has decreased 2.8% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does West Monroe rent compare to other cities in Louisiana?

West Monroe is one of the more affordable cities in Louisiana for rent, ranking #42 out of 46 tracked cities at $1,122/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than West Monroe?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than West Monroe ($1,122/mo): Pineville ($998/mo), Alexandria ($1,111/mo), Leesville ($1,113/mo).

What percentage of West Monroe residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 55.3% of West Monroe households are renters, while 44.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, West Monroe has a strong rental market.

How does West Monroe rent compare to the national average?

West Monroe's median rent of $1,122/mo is $840 (43%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Louisiana, it ranks #42 out of 46 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,122/mo, rent takes ~27% of West Monroe's median household income ($49,386/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Monroe 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.85–4.25%
Run the West Monroe affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near West Monroe, LA

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