Relocation Guide

Moving to LaPlace?

The heart of Louisiana's River Parishes — affordable homes, refinery-powered incomes, and a 35-minute commute to New Orleans. Here's your complete relocation guide.

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LaPlace Quick Stats

Key numbers for anyone considering a move to LaPlace, Louisiana.

~28,500
Population
$190,000
Median Home Price
4% Below
Cost of Living vs National Avg
$68,028
Median Household Income
35 min
To Downtown New Orleans
$1,097/mo
Median Rent

Why People Move to LaPlace

Refinery incomes, New Orleans access, and a community that feels like family.

⛽️
High-Paying Refinery Jobs
Marathon Petroleum's Garyville Refinery — one of the largest in the U.S. — along with DuPont, Shell Chemical, and ArcelorMittal provide well-paying industrial careers right in the parish.
🏠
Affordable for the Metro
A median home price of $190,000 is substantially below New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner. You get more house for your money while staying within commuting distance.
🚗
Easy New Orleans Commute
Just 30 miles west of downtown NOLA via I-10. Commute to Kenner, the airport corridor, or the CBD in 35–45 minutes while enjoying suburban space and quiet.
💰
Above-Average Income
Median household income of $68,028 exceeds both the state ($53,571) and gets close to the national average. Industrial wages drive strong purchasing power here.
🎶
River Parishes Culture
The Andouille Festival, Bonfire on the Levee tradition, and Cajun/Creole cuisine give LaPlace a cultural identity that's distinctly Louisiana. Known as the "Andouille Capital of the World."
🌳
Outdoor Access
Lake Pontchartrain fishing, Manchac Swamp tours, and easy access to the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area make LaPlace a base camp for outdoor enthusiasts.

LaPlace Cost of Living Breakdown

How LaPlace compares to statewide and national averages.

CategoryLaPlaceLouisiana AvgNational Avg
Median Home Price$190,000$253,100$368,581
Cost of Living Index9693100
Median Household Income$68,028$53,571$75,149
Median Rent$1,097/mo$906/mo$1,200/mo
Property Tax0.53%0.53%1.1%
Income TaxFlat 3%Varies 0–13%

Where to Live in LaPlace & St. John Parish

LaPlace and the surrounding River Parishes communities offer diverse residential options.

Central LaPlace

The largest residential area in the parish with a full range of housing from starter homes to larger subdivisions. Close to shopping, schools, and the I-10 corridor for commuters.

Reserve

A quieter community just east of LaPlace with a more rural feel. Lower prices and larger lots make it popular with families looking for space.

Garyville

Adjacent to the Marathon refinery. Convenient for industrial workers, with affordable homes and a tight-knit community. Short commute to work.

Lions / Mt. Airy

Small communities west of LaPlace along the river. Even more affordable with a countryside atmosphere, yet still within easy reach of I-10 and parish amenities.

LaPlace Schools & Education

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates 14 public schools serving the entire parish. Key schools include:

  • East St. John High School — the primary high school for LaPlace students
  • East St. John Preparatory Academy — a magnet program focused on college readiness
  • Emily C. Watkins Elementary — well-rated primary campus in LaPlace
  • Lake Pontchartrain Elementary — popular school in a lakeside setting

Private & Parochial Options

The parish also offers three parochial schools and one private school for families seeking alternative education options. Southeastern Louisiana University in nearby Hammond provides higher education access.

LaPlace Employment & Economy

Top Employers

  • Marathon Petroleum (Garyville Refinery) — one of the largest refineries in the U.S., a dominant employer
  • DuPont — operates a significant chemical manufacturing facility in the area
  • Shell Chemical Company — petrochemical operations in the River Parishes industrial corridor
  • ADM Growmark — agricultural processing
  • ArcelorMittal (formerly Bayou Steel) — steel manufacturing
  • St. John the Baptist Parish School Board — major public-sector employer

Key Industries

The River Parishes industrial corridor — stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge along the Mississippi — hosts some of the densest petrochemical infrastructure in the world. This drives above-average wages for the area. Healthcare, education, and retail provide additional employment. LaPlace's I-10 location also makes it viable for New Orleans commuters.

How to Buy a Home in LaPlace

Strong incomes paired with affordable prices make LaPlace one of the best value markets near New Orleans.

First-Time Buyer Programs
Grants, DPA & special programs

With above-average incomes and a median price of $190,000, many LaPlace buyers qualify for conventional loans with competitive rates. FHA remains popular for first-time buyers. Some surrounding areas qualify for USDA zero-down financing. Get a free quote to see which program fits your situation.

Pros & Cons of Living in LaPlace

An honest look at life in the River Parishes.

✅ Pros

  • 🟢 High-paying refinery and chemical plant jobs
  • 🟢 Affordable housing — $190K median vs $368K national
  • 🟢 35-minute commute to New Orleans
  • 🟢 Above-average median household income ($68K)
  • 🟢 Rich Cajun/Creole culture and festivals
  • 🟢 Low property tax rate (0.53%)

❌ Cons

  • 🔴 Hurricane and flood risk — Hurricane Ida (2021) caused major damage
  • 🔴 Industrial air quality concerns in the "Chemical Corridor"
  • 🔴 Property insurance premiums higher due to storm history
  • 🔴 I-10 traffic congestion during peak commute hours
  • 🔴 Limited nightlife and dining compared to New Orleans

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other locations? Check out these nearby relocation guides.

Frequently Asked Questions About LaPlace

LaPlace is an excellent choice for families and professionals who want affordable housing with a short commute to New Orleans. The median home price is around $190,000, household income is above the state average at $68,028, and the River Parishes offer a tight-knit community feel with big-city access.
LaPlace is approximately 30 miles (35-45 minutes) west of downtown New Orleans via I-10. Many residents commute to New Orleans, Kenner, and the airport corridor for work.
The median home value in LaPlace is approximately $190,000, which is below both the Louisiana state average of $253,100 and the national average of $368,581.
Marathon Petroleum's Garyville Refinery is the area's dominant employer and one of the largest refineries in the US. Other major employers include DuPont, Shell Chemical, ADM Growmark, and ArcelorMittal.
LaPlace is served by the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, which operates 14 public schools. Notable schools include East St. John Preparatory Academy and Emily C. Watkins Elementary.
Yes. LaPlace was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Flood insurance and wind coverage are important considerations when buying a home here. However, ongoing levee improvements and drainage projects are strengthening protections.

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