The 5 Best Places
to Live in Louisiana

2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Louisiana

Methodology Brief
Ocity.org’s definitive 2026 ranking evaluates Louisiana’s top ten cities through a weighted algorithm prioritizing resident well-being and economic viability. The analysis synthesizes three critical datasets: Safety (weighted 40%, based on violent crime rates per 100,000 residents), Affordability (weighted 30%, based on median rent for a one-bedroom unit), and Economic Output (weighted 30%, based on median household income). This methodology eliminates subjective preference, focusing solely on statistical performance to identify the most optimized locations for living.

Top 3 Winners Deep Dive

Rank #1: Kenner
Kenner secures the top position through a statistically significant trifecta of performance metrics. The city’s primary advantage is its safety-optimized profile, with a violent crime rate of 639/100k—a figure matched only by its top-tier peers but supported by a more favorable population density. Economically, Kenner demonstrates high-yield potential with a median income of $68,166, the highest in the ranking, which provides substantial purchasing power. This economic output is further amplified by exceptional affordability; a median rent of $865 for a one-bedroom unit means residents allocate a lower percentage of income to housing compared to other top performers. The combination of superior income, statistically controlled safety, and high affordability creates a data-driven environment for financial and personal security.

Rank #2: Metairie CDP
Metairie CDP achieves the second position by mirroring Kenner’s core statistical strengths, albeit on a larger scale. It presents a safety-optimized environment with a violent crime rate of 639/100k, identical to the top-ranked city. Its economic profile is robust, with a median income of $65,465, placing it firmly in the upper echelon of the dataset. The cost of living is a key differentiator; a median rent of $865 is exceptionally low relative to the income level, creating a high-yield financial scenario for residents. While its population of 136,597 is larger than Kenner’s, the data indicates that the core safety and economic metrics scale effectively, making it a statistically sound alternative for those preferring a slightly larger urban footprint without sacrificing performance.

Rank #3: Lafayette
Lafayette earns the third rank by delivering a strong, balanced performance across all weighted categories. It maintains the safety-optimized benchmark seen in the top two, with a violent crime rate of 639/100k. The city’s economic engine is solid, with a median income of $61,258, providing a stable financial foundation. While its rent of $921 is marginally higher than Kenner and Metairie, it remains highly affordable relative to the income level. Lafayette’s distinction lies in its population of 121,452, which offers a more substantial urban environment than Kenner while retaining a cost structure significantly lower than the state’s major metropolitan areas. The data confirms it as a high-yield option for residents seeking a blend of economic opportunity, safety, and affordability in a mid-sized city.

The 'Hidden Gem': Alexandria
For residents prioritizing the highest value proposition—maximizing income while minimizing cost—Alexandria (Rank #6) emerges as the dataset’s hidden gem. While it ranks sixth overall due to a lower median income ($47,357), its affordability metrics are unmatched. The median rent of $757 is the lowest among the top 10, resulting in an optimal housing cost-to-income ratio. Furthermore, it maintains the same safety-optimized violent crime rate of 639/100k as the top three cities. For budget-conscious households or those seeking to maximize disposable income, Alexandria offers a statistically superior value, delivering core safety and the most favorable cost of living in the ranking.

Full Rankings Table