Mer Rouge, LA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
437
-31.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,583/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
291
2.5% year-over-year change

Mer Rouge population

How many people live in Mer Rouge

Mer Rouge is home to 437 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Mer Rouge locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
437
-31.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
219
Female
49.9%
218
Value Percent YoY change
Male 219 50.1% -30.0%
Female 218 49.9% -33.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mer Rouge is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.4% are children under 15, then 5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.4%
15 to 24
5%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
33.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 41 9.4% -77.8%
15 to 24 22 5% -8.3%
25 to 44 111 25.4% -27.0%
45 to 64 116 26.5% -15.3%
Over 65 147 33.6% 4.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

As for race, 58.6% of locals are Caucasian, 37.1% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 437 100% -31.6%
Racial breakdown
White
58.6%
Black or African American
37.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 256 58.6%
Black or African American 162 37.1%
Asian 1 0.2%
Two or more races 18 4.1%

Households in Mer Rouge

A peek inside Mer Rouge households

Mer Rouge has 229 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.2% are families, while the remaining 52.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
229
-4.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
121
Family households
108
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 121 52.8% 37.5%
Family households 108 47.2% -28.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mer Rouge

The housing landscape of Mer Rouge

Mer Rouge's housing consists of 291 units, with 75.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
291
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 219 75.3%
5 to 9 units 17 5.8%
20 to 49 units 14 4.8%
50 or more units 2 0.7%
Mobile home 39 13.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mer Rouge

In Mer Rouge, the median construction year is 1961. About 22.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 65 22.3% 32.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 25 8.6% 47.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 51 17.5% -5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 15.8% 109.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10 3.4% -50.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 65 22.3% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11 3.8% -15.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7 2.4% -75.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 3.8% 37.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mer Rouge occupancy rates

Out of the 229 occupied housing units in Mer Rouge, 55.9% are owner-occupied, while 44.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
229
-4.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
101
Owner occupied
128
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 101 44.1% -2.9%
Owner occupied 128 55.9% -5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
21.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mer Rouge housing costs

Housing costs in Mer Rouge come to a median of $705 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $775.

Median housing costs per month
$705/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mer Rouge
$775/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mer Rouge

Mer Rouge education at a glance

About 54.6% of the population in Mer Rouge went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.5% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 2.8% 0.0%
High school diploma 214 54.6% -12.3%
College diploma 68 17.4% 3.0%
Associate degree 41 10.5% -12.8%
Bachelor's degree 38 9.7% -42.4%
Graduate degree 20 5.1% 33.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mer Rouge

How much people earn in Mer Rouge

The average annual household income in Mer Rouge was $71,924 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,583, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mer Rouge
$71,924/year
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mer Rouge
$56,583/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Mer Rouge income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,393 overall. Overall, 75.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $58,393 51.4%
Over 65 $35,789 N/A
Above poverty level
286
Below poverty level
92
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 286 75.7% -11.2%
Below poverty level 92 24.3% -61.7%

Average renter income in Mer Rouge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Mer Rouge, their median household income was $22,931 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,931
Rent-to-income ratio
40.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Mer Rouge

Workforce and job types in Mer Rouge

The job market in Mer Rouge is powered by 176 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.3% run their own businesses, 66.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
176
-17.0% year-over-year change
White collar
120
Blue collar
56
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 120 68.2% -21.1%
Blue collar 56 31.8% -6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
15.3%
Private companies
66.5%
Governmental workers
11.9%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 27 15.3% -6.9%
Private companies 117 66.5% -25.0%
Governmental workers 21 11.9% 16.7%
Not for profit companies 11 6.2% 22.2%
Unemployment rate
11.1%
10.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mer Rouge stands at 11.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mer Rouge

How people get around in Mer Rouge

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 156 88.6% -22.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Mer Rouge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
71261 1,171 672 $0 $46,083

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FAQs about Mer Rouge demographics 

What is the total population of Mer Rouge?

Mer Rouge has a total population of 437 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -31.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mer Rouge?

The gender ratio in Mer Rouge is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (219 residents)
  • 49.9% females (218 residents)

What is the median age in Mer Rouge?

The median age in Mer Rouge is 58.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mer Rouge?

The age distribution in Mer Rouge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.4% (41 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5% (22 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (111 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (116 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.6% (147 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mer Rouge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mer Rouge is as follows:
  • White: 58.6% (256 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.1% (162 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.1% (18 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mer Rouge are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Mer Rouge.

How many housing units are there in Mer Rouge?

There are 291 housing units in Mer Rouge, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mer Rouge and what is the average household size?

Mer Rouge has a total of 229 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mer Rouge?

Mer Rouge has a median household income of $56,583, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mer Rouge?

The employment rate is 88.9% in Mer Rouge, with a workforce of 176 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.2% (120 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.8% (56 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.3% (27 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.5% (117 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.9% (21 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (11 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025