New Orleans, LA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
371,853
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,631/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
195,552
0.4% year-over-year change

New Orleans population

How many people live in New Orleans

New Orleans is home to 371,853 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of New Orleans locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
371,853
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
174,992
Female
52.9%
196,861
Value Percent YoY change
Male 174,992 47.1% -1.3%
Female 196,861 52.9% -0.9%
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 New Orleans is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.2% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
30.2%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 60,897 16.4% -2.2%
15 to 24 45,755 12.3% 0.1%
25 to 44 112,205 30.2% -2.4%
45 to 64 89,079 24% -2.3%
Over 65 63,917 17.2% 3.3%
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

In New Orleans, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 31.2% of locals are Caucasian, 54.6% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 343,339 92.3% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,937 4.3% -2.7%
Non-citizens 12,577 3.4% 0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
31.2%
Black or African American
54.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 115,882 31.2%
Black or African American 203,053 54.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,060 0.3%
Asian 10,406 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 58 0%
Two or more races 31,219 8.4%
Other 10,175 2.7%

Households in New Orleans

A peek inside New Orleans households

New Orleans has 155,821 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.1% are families, while the remaining 51.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
155,821
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
80,925
Family households
74,896
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 80,925 51.9% -0.7%
Family households 74,896 48.1% 1.8%
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 New Orleans

The housing landscape of New Orleans

New Orleans's housing consists of 195,552 units, with 46% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
195,552
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 89,990 46%
1 unit, attached 19,407 9.9%
2 units 28,986 14.8%
3 or 4 units 15,590 8%
5 to 9 units 8,955 4.6%
10 to 19 units 8,531 4.4%
20 to 49 units 7,841 4%
50 or more units 15,259 7.8%
Mobile home 941 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 52 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,306
61.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Orleans

In New Orleans, the median construction year is 1960. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 61,327 31.4% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14,351 7.3% 4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22,671 11.6% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 20,043 10.2% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25,704 13.1% -5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16,384 8.4% 7.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,240 3.2% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,963 7.6% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12,563 6.4% 12.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,306 0.7% 61.4%
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.

New Orleans occupancy rates

Out of the 155,821 occupied housing units in New Orleans, 51.2% are owner-occupied, while 48.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
155,821
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
76,077
Owner occupied
79,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 76,077 48.8% -0.8%
Owner occupied 79,744 51.2% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
20.3%
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.

New Orleans housing costs

Housing costs in New Orleans come to a median of $1,328 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,251.

Median housing costs per month
$1,328/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 New Orleans
$1,251/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 New Orleans

New Orleans education at a glance

About 28.9% of the population in New Orleans went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.3% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11,084 3.7% 8.0%
High school diploma 86,362 28.9% -3.0%
College diploma 69,041 23.1% -3.2%
Associate degree 15,799 5.3% 7.3%
Bachelor's degree 63,606 21.3% -0.6%
Graduate degree 52,758 17.7% 0.9%
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 New Orleans

How much people earn in New Orleans

The average annual household income in New Orleans was $91,690 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,631, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Orleans
$91,690/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Orleans
$56,631/year
2.3% year-over-year change

New Orleans income by age

In New Orleans, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,314. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,902 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,078 in earnings. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,499 2.0%
25 - 44 $66,314 0.5%
45 - 64 $61,902 6.7%
Over 65 $41,078 1.4%
Above poverty level
275,002
Below poverty level
79,822
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 275,002 77.5% -1.3%
Below poverty level 79,822 22.5% -1.7%

Average renter income in New Orleans

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Orleans, their median household income was $31,793 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,793
Rent-to-income ratio
47.2%
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 New Orleans

Workforce and job types in New Orleans

The job market in New Orleans is powered by 170,586 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.8% run their own businesses, 58.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
170,586
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
148,337
Blue collar
22,249
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 148,337 87% -1.8%
Blue collar 22,249 13% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.8%
Private companies
58.3%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 20,138 11.8% -3.5%
Private companies 99,494 58.3% -3.4%
Governmental workers 25,462 14.9% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 25,492 14.9% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
7.5%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Orleans stands at 7.5%, 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 New Orleans

How people get around in New Orleans

In New Orleans, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 70.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 118,604 70.7% -3.6%
Taxicab 1,240 0.7% 31.2%
Bus or trolleybus 6,493 3.9% 1.0%
Subway or elevated 95 0.1% N/A
Railroad 97 0.1% 120.5%
Ferryboat 109 0.1% 9.0%
Motorcycle 375 0.2% 0.8%
Bicycle 2,896 1.7% -12.6%
Walk 9,524 5.7% -1.4%
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 New Orleans by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
70115 31,183 13,890 $90,182 $146,740
70116 10,404 5,950 $52,306 $89,957
70117 25,652 11,779 $45,764 $71,622
70118 36,072 12,831 $63,750 $120,298
70119 37,253 18,142 $53,143 $76,827
70122 35,253 15,178 $49,455 $72,810
70124 21,778 8,362 $121,228 $180,619
70112 3,490 2,327 $19,395 $59,718
70113 9,387 3,830 $39,333 $74,777
70114 22,659 9,512 $43,493 $62,566

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FAQs about New Orleans demographics 

What is the total population of New Orleans?

New Orleans has a total population of 371,853 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 -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Orleans?

The gender ratio in New Orleans is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (174,992 residents)
  • 52.9% females (196,861 residents)

What is the median age in New Orleans?

The median age in New Orleans is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Orleans?

The age distribution in New Orleans is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (60,897 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (45,755 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.2% (112,205 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (89,079 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (63,917 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Orleans?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Orleans is as follows:
  • White: 31.2% (115,882 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54.6% (203,053 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,060 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (10,406 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (58 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (31,219 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (10,175 residents)

What percentage of the population in New Orleans are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in New Orleans.

How many housing units are there in New Orleans?

There are 195,552 housing units in New Orleans, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Orleans and what is the average household size?

New Orleans has a total of 155,821 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Orleans?

New Orleans has a median household income of $56,631, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Orleans?

The employment rate is 92.5% in New Orleans, with a workforce of 170,586 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87% (148,337 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13% (22,249 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.8% (20,138 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.3% (99,494 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (25,462 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.9% (25,492 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