Wealth Index
Less wealthy than 90% of states in US
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a state's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Wealthiest and Least Wealthy Counties in Louisiana
- Ascension Parish (113% of U.S. avg)
- St. Charles Parish (106% of U.S. avg)
- St. Tammany Parish (106% of U.S. avg)
- East Carroll Parish (51% of U.S. avg)
- Madison Parish (62% of U.S. avg)
- Claiborne Parish (63% of U.S. avg)
Ranked by the Map AI Wealth Index, which combines income, employment, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Louisiana | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $60,029 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $54,233 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 4.0% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 9.4% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Louisiana is about 23% lower than in US. Income has been growing slower in Louisiana (4.0%/yr) than in US (5.1%/yr).
About 9% of adults in Louisiana earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the US average of 13%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Louisiana grew by 41.8% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $60,029 in 2023. That's an average of about 4.0% per year.
Economic Inequality in Louisiana | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Louisiana | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.586 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $63,825 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $46,053 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 27.8% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Louisiana, it is 0.586, higher than US's 0.570, so income is less evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 39% more than women's income in Louisiana. Over a 35-year career, a 39% wage gap accumulates to roughly $622,020 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Louisiana has narrowed from about 32% to 28% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $3,413 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Louisiana | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 6.3% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 7.2% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 21 | 22 |
Approximately 135,687 people are unemployed in Louisiana.
The average commute time in Louisiana is 21 minutes, shorter than the 22 minutes in US.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Louisiana has fallen from 8.0% to 6.3% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Louisiana has an overall wealth index grade of C, making it about on par with the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Louisiana.
How Rich Is Louisiana?
Louisiana has a wealth index grade of C. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a C grade means residents are close to the U.S. average. The median household income is $60,029, about 23% lower than the US average of $78,145.
What is the current median household income in Louisiana?
As of 2023, the median household income in Louisiana is $60,029.
What was the median household income in Louisiana in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Louisiana was $60,029.
What was the median household income in Louisiana in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Louisiana was $50,994.
What is the Gini coefficient in Louisiana?
The Gini coefficient in Louisiana is 0.586. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is higher than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed less equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Louisiana?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Louisiana has narrowed from about 32% to 28% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $3,413 since 2009.