What to know when moving to Metairie, LA
Metairie at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 49% of the population are renters and the median household income is $70,187.
- The Major Draw:
- The median gross rent is $1,145, making it accessible compared to many nearby areas.
- The Reality Check:
- 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Expect an annual rainfall of 44.4 inches, so plan accordingly for wet days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Metairie, nearly 37.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a relatively educated community. The area has a balanced housing market, with 49% of its residents renting their homes, indicating a mix of both homeowners and renters. With an average median household income of $70,187, it's a financially stable community, albeit with a poverty rate of 13.8%. The climate features 44.4 inches of rainfall annually, making it essential to prepare for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a city with strong public transit options, as only 0.6% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,145, while the median home value is $313,300, making homeownership a more significant investment.
- 37.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated character.
- The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, indicating some economic challenges.
- 49% of residents are renters, highlighting a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Louisiana indicates some challenges, although trends show improvement in certain areas.
- Violent crime rate: 466 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly above the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 1,879 incidents per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 53.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Metairie offers access to a range of educational institutions, reflecting a commitment to higher education in the region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 28
- Nearby options include Blue Cliff College and Herzing University-New Orleans, among others.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Jefferson Parish experiences a humid subtropical climate with an annual average precipitation of 44.4 inches, leading to about 77 rainy days each year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- New Orleans City Park (4.8 stars, 19,862 reviews)
- Audubon Park (4.7 stars, 8,783 reviews)
- Lafreniere Park (4.7 stars, 4,573 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Employment in Jefferson Parish shows a steady job market with a relatively low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7% as of December 2025.
- Employment figures stand at 201,300 individuals.
- The labor force is approximately 209,079.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.