What to know when moving to Slidell, LA
TL;DR: Slidell at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 27.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $69,816, providing a solid economic foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 14.6%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% use public transit, so plan on a car for getting around.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,400/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Slidell has a population of about 39,385, with a diverse mix of residents. The community features a relatively high education level, with over 31% of individuals holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, the area also has a significant rental market, with nearly 30% of residents renting their homes, indicating a mix of lifestyles and living situations. The local climate brings about 101 rainy days a year, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a robust public transit system, as only 0.4% of the population commutes using it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,400, which is reasonable compared to the median home value of $227,200.
- 31.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a community with a college-educated populace.
- The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, which may impact economic diversity in the area.
- Renter percentage is 27.4%, suggesting that homeownership is slightly less common.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects state-level statistics for Louisiana. Overall, property crime has seen a decline of 33.5% since 2022, while violent crime has dropped by 27.6%. Although improvements are noted, both property and violent crime rates remain higher than the national averages.
- Violent crime: 466 per 100k, which is 43.3% higher than the national rate.
- Property crime: 1,879 per 100k, exceeding the national rate by 21.5%.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 53.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education includes two postsecondary institutions nearby: Delta College-Slidell Campus and Northshore Technical Community College, both contributing to local higher education opportunities.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Slidell experiences an average of 51.2 inches of rain annually, spread over about 101 rainy days. This climate supports a variety of parks and outdoor activities for residents.
- Heritage Park - 4.7 stars (1,446 reviews)
- Altitude Trampoline Park Slidell - 4.3 stars (846 reviews)
- John Slidell Park - 4.5 stars (710 reviews)
- Camp Salmen Nature Park - 4.6 stars (483 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in St. Tammany Parish features a labor force of about 131,788, with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of December 2025. This indicates a relatively stable employment environment.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5%
- Employed: 127,161
- Labor force: 131,788
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.