What to know when moving to New Orleans, LA
TL;DR: New Orleans at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A low median household income of $23,052 with 90.3% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The National WWII Museum, rated 4.8 stars with over 29,000 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 38.4%, which is notably high.
- Commute:
- Only 3.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,063 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
New Orleans is a place where a striking 90.3% of residents are renters, and the community is characterized by a significant poverty rate of 38.4%. With 43.8% of the population holding a bachelor's degree, it attracts a mix of students and younger professionals. The area sees around 110 rainy days per year, so plan on some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a place with a strong public transit system, as only 3.6% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,063, making it relatively affordable compared to other urban areas.
- Median home value is $398,400, which reflects the high rental percentage in the area.
- 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is high at 38.4%, which may affect local services.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects state-level statistics for Louisiana, where both violent and property crimes are notably high compared to national averages. However, there has been a positive trend in crime reduction over the past few years.
- Violent crime rate: 466 per 100,000, which is 43.3% higher than the national rate.
- Property crime rate: 1,879 per 100,000, which is 21.5% higher than the national average.
- 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
New Orleans has access to a variety of educational institutions, contributing to its educated population. There are a total of 28 postsecondary institutions in the region, providing ample opportunities for higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 28
- Notable institutions include Dillard University, Loyola University New Orleans, and Delgado Community College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
New Orleans experiences significant rainfall, with an annual total of 87.9 inches and about 110 rainy days per year. This means you might want to invest in a good umbrella!
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- The National WWII Museum - 4.8 stars (29,333 reviews)
- New Orleans City Park - 4.8 stars (19,862 reviews)
- Audubon Park - 4.7 stars (8,783 reviews)
- Louis Armstrong Park - 4.5 stars (7,313 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orleans Parish, the job market shows signs of stability with a moderate unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 4.3% as of December 2025.
- Total employment: 169,311 individuals.
- Labor force participation: 176,940 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
Where do people move from New Orleans?
People move long distance from New Orleans to popular cities like Houston TX, Los Angeles CA and New York NY.
See all popular local, long distance and international moving routes from New Orleans here.