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Population Review

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is 223,699 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Louisiana. The median household income is $49,944, the median home value is $224,500, and the median age is 31.8.

The population has declined 3.7% since 2010 (229,374 → 220,907).

223,699

Population

2573

People / sq mi

$49,944

Median Income

$224,500

Median Home Value

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Baton Rouge covers 86.9 sq mi of land at 2573 people per square mile.

About Baton Rouge, LA

The poverty rate is what most separates Baton Rouge from the typical city: 18.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Baton Rouge is a city in Louisiana with a population of 223,699. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Louisiana in the country, at #2 by population.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,944, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 18.6%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $224,500, with typical rent around $1,044.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 35.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Baton Rouge: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.

Baton Rouge city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Baton Rouge city had a population of 229,374 in 2010 and 220,907 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 229,374 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.

2010 · 229K20102024
Baton Rouge city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

220,907

Population (2024)

229,374

Population (2010)

229,374

Peak (2010)

-0.26%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010229,374
2011228,643
2012228,889
2013228,346
2014227,851
2015227,202
2016226,686
2017224,414
2018222,190
2019220,236
2020226,275
2021224,115
2022221,770
2023220,773
2024220,907

Race & Ethnicity

White36.2%
Black or African American51.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$49,944

Median Household Income

$33,415

Per Capita Income

18.6%

Poverty Rate

5.5%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$224,500

Median Home Value

$1,044

Median Rent

46.9%

Owner-Occupied

Education

87.5%

High School+

35.8%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.5%

Drive Alone

75.0%

Public Transit

7.1%

Work From Home

21.1 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

18.7%

Foreign Born

90.3%

Non-English at Home

4.0%

Veterans

16.3%

With Disability

89.3%

Health Insurance

92.8%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management28.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services12.5%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.8%
Construction6.6%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.7%
Manufacturing5.0%
Public Administration4.9%
Information4.9%
Retail Trade3.6%
Transportation & Warehousing2.4%
Agriculture & Mining1.2%

Largest cities in Louisiana

Largest counties in Louisiana

Part of Louisiana

Metro areas in Louisiana

City rankings

Common questions about Baton Rouge, LA

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a population of 223,699 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Louisiana.

The median household income in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $49,944, with 18.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $224,500, with median monthly rent at $1,044 and a homeownership rate of 46.9%.

The median age in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is 31.8 years. The population is 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

The population has declined 3.7% since 2010 (229,374 → 220,907).


Baton Rouge city, LA Climate

Baton Rouge city, LA has an average annual temperature of 19.9°C (68°F) and receives about 1597 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

19.9°C

Avg Temp

1597

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

0°10°20°30°40°157mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Baton Rouge city, LA — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January10° / 51°149 mm
February12° / 54°131 mm
March16° / 61°131 mm
April20° / 68°136 mm
May24° / 75°133 mm
June27° / 80°133 mm
July28° / 82°157 mm
August28° / 82°148 mm
September26° / 78°128 mm
October20° / 69°98 mm
November16° / 60°116 mm
December12° / 53°137 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Baton Rouge city, LA

The most comfortable months to visit Baton Rouge city, LA are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

OctoberAprilMay

Where to stay near Baton Rouge

Visiting or relocating to Baton Rouge, LA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Baton Rouge

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.