Louisiana housing costs at a glance
| Louisiana | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $217,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.56% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.6% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $5,028 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
Louisiana home for $217,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $1,097 + property tax $108 + insurance $419 = about $1,625 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Louisiana property tax
Louisiana homes are assessed at 10% of market value, and the homestead exemption removes the first $75,000 of market value from most parish taxes. That keeps the average effective rate low, about 0.56%. Parishes reassess every four years.
Insurance is the big cost in Louisiana
- Homeowners insurance: about $5,000 a year on average for $300,000 of dwelling coverage, among the highest in the US; in south Louisiana many owners rely on Louisiana Citizens, the insurer of last resort.
- Flood insurance is separate and often required by lenders in flood zones.
- No state transfer tax; only recording fees apply (New Orleans adds a small transfer fee).
Other states
See also the Louisiana paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
How much is homeowners insurance in Louisiana?
About $5,000 a year on average for $300,000 of dwelling coverage, before flood insurance.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Louisiana home?
On a $217,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $1,097; with property tax at 0.6% and average insurance the total is about $1,625 a month.
What is the Louisiana homestead exemption?
It exempts the first $75,000 of market value of your primary residence from most parish property taxes.
Does Louisiana have a transfer tax?
No state transfer tax; only recording fees, plus a small transfer fee in New Orleans.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Louisiana Tax Commission
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026