Is Chalmette Safe, Pros and cons of living in Chalmette

Chalmette, a census-designated place in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of community charm and accessibility to the larger New Orleans metropolitan area. Its history is deeply intertwined with the region’s heritage, providing a distinct cultural backdrop for its residents. The area is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a place where neighbors often know each other and community events are a regular occurrence.

The community’s layout and infrastructure have been shaped by its proximity to natural waterways and its historical development. Residents often enjoy a lifestyle that balances suburban tranquility with the vibrant energy of nearby New Orleans. This positioning allows for a diverse range of activities and experiences, from local festivals to exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the wider region.

Is it Safe to Live in Chalmette?

Chalmette experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 42% above the national average, with violent crimes being 55% higher than the national average (according to FBI crime data). This means that residents have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Chalmette.

When considering safety, it’s important to note that Chalmette is safer than only 11% of cities in the United States. While the overall crime rate has decreased by 11% year over year, it remains a significant factor for potential residents to consider. Property crime rates are also elevated, with a rate of 39% above the national average (according to FBI crime data).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes in Chalmette are notably higher than the national average, contributing significantly to the overall crime statistics. The violent crime rate is 55% above the national average (according to FBI crime data). This includes offenses such as assault, robbery, and other acts of violence.

Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Chalmette varies by neighborhood. However, the overall rate indicates a need for heightened awareness and community safety initiatives. The town’s violent crime rate is 5.813 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes also present a concern in Chalmette, with rates that are higher than the national average. Property crimes, including burglary and vehicle theft, are 39% above the national average (according to FBI crime data). This aspect of crime in Chalmette affects a significant portion of the community.

The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Chalmette is approximately 1 in 44, or a rate of 23 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout). While property crime rates have seen a decrease year over year, they remain a prevalent issue.

Cost of Living in Chalmette

Chalmette offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living in Chalmette is approximately 5% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This figure is influenced by various expense categories, with some being significantly lower than the national benchmarks.

Housing expenses in Chalmette are notably lower, standing at 11% below the national average (according to Payscale). This affordability extends to utilities, which are 6% lower than the national average, and transportation costs, which are 7% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). These savings can contribute to a more comfortable financial situation for residents.

Housing Costs

The housing market in Chalmette presents a more affordable picture compared to many other areas. The median home value in Chalmette was approximately $207,226 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). This figure has seen a decrease of 2.4% over the past year.

For those interested in renting, the median rent for an apartment in Chalmette was around $1,448 per month as of March 2026, which represents an increase of 8.83% compared to the previous year (according to RentCafe). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $1,500 as of April 2026 (according to Zillow), and a median rent of $1,309 as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com).

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Chalmette provides a key insight into the economic landscape for its residents. As of May 2026, the average annual salary in Chalmette is approximately $45,336, which equates to about $21.80 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This median salary range typically falls between $32,479 and $55,105 annually.

In terms of household income, the median household income in Chalmette was $54,904 in 2024 (according to CUBIT). Households led by residents aged 25 to 44, who are typically in the early to mid-stages of their careers, report a median income of $68,214 (according to Point2Homes). Despite these figures, 20.8% of Chalmette families live below the poverty line (according to CUBIT).

Job Market and Major Employers

Chalmette’s job market is influenced by a mix of local businesses and larger regional employers. The unemployment rate in Chalmette, LA, is currently 90.02% employment rate (according to BestNeighborhood.org). This indicates a generally stable job market for those actively seeking employment.

Major employers in the area include Chalmette Refining, which is the largest private employer in St. Bernard Parish, employing 500 individuals and 200 contractors on-site (according to Chalmette Refining). Other significant employers include Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (according to Indeed.com).

Key Industries

The economy of Chalmette and the surrounding St. Bernard Parish is significantly supported by its industrial sector, particularly in oil and gas. Chalmette Refining is a major player, contributing substantially to the local economy through employment and tax revenue (according to Chalmette Refining). This refinery has a significant daily crude oil processing capacity.

Other industries that contribute to the local job market include retail and service sectors, with companies like Walmart and McDonald’s being prominent. Nunez Community College also plays a role in the local economy, not only as an educational institution but also as an employer and a provider of workforce development programs (according to Zippia).

Climate in Chalmette

Chalmette experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, cool, and windy winters. The temperature typically varies between 48°F and 90°F throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 35°F or exceeding 95°F (according to WeatherSpark). This climate profile is typical for the Gulf Coast region.

The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is approximately 65.81 inches (according to Plantmaps). July is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 5.5 inches, while October tends to be the driest, with around 3.2 inches of rain (according to WeatherSpark).

Seasonal Temperatures

Summers in Chalmette are long and oppressive, lasting from May to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 78°F (according to WeatherSpark). Winters are short and mild, from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F.

January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 48°F and highs of 62°F (according to WeatherSpark). The transitional seasons of spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, making them pleasant times to experience the local climate.

Education in Chalmette

Chalmette is served by the St. Bernard Parish school district, which includes several public schools catering to different grade levels. The district’s schools show a range of performance, with some schools noted for their strengths and others facing challenges.

Chalmette High School is a large institution within the district, performing solidly and ranking in the top 50% of Louisiana high schools. It boasts a four-year graduation rate of 83.2% and a 3.3% dropout rate, both of which are better than the district and state averages (according to SchoolDigger). Lacoste Elementary School is a standout, ranking in the top 30% of Louisiana elementary schools with a 4 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

School Performance

The performance of schools in Chalmette varies, with Lacoste Elementary School being a high-performing institution. It demonstrates strong test scores, with 76% of students proficient in English Language Arts and 66% in Mathematics (according to SchoolDigger). Chalmette High School also performs well, generally on par with or slightly better than district and state averages in key metrics like graduation rates.

Conversely, schools like Chalmette Elementary School and Arlene Meraux Elementary School lag behind in performance metrics. At the high school level, Chalmette High School ranks better than 50.8% of high schools in Louisiana (according to SchoolDigger). The overall testing rank for Chalmette public schools is an average of 5/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Louisiana public schools.

Demographics of Chalmette

Chalmette is home to a diverse population with a median age of 35.2 years (according to CUBIT). The racial makeup of Chalmette is primarily Caucasian (51.6%) and Black or African American (27.4%), with a Hispanic or Latino population comprising 13.2% (according to CUBIT).

The population of Chalmette is approximately 22,616 residents as of the most current U.S. Census data (according to CUBIT). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49% male and 51% female residents (according to Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, 91.6%, are U.S.-born citizens, while 2.6% are naturalized citizens (according to Point2Homes).

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Chalmette is around 22,616 individuals, with a projected decrease to 22,148 by 2026 (according to CUBIT). The age distribution shows that adults between 25 and 44 make up the largest segment at 30.4% of the population. Children under 15 account for 21.6%, followed by those aged 45 to 64 at 22.3% (according to Point2Homes).

The median age of 35.2 years suggests a community with a substantial working-age population. The distribution indicates a mix of younger families and established adults within the community.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Chalmette’s racial and ethnic composition includes a majority of White residents at 51.6%, followed by Black or African American residents at 27.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population constitutes 13.2% of the residents (according to CUBIT). Other racial groups, including Asian and those identifying with two or more races, make up smaller percentages of the population.

The diversity of Chalmette reflects the broader demographic trends of the region. Understanding this composition is key to appreciating the cultural nuances of the community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Chalmette

Chalmette offers a compelling mix of affordability and community spirit, making it an attractive place to live. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing and transportation, which can lead to significant savings for residents (according to Payscale). The community is known for its friendly atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of neighborliness.

However, potential residents should be aware of the higher-than-average crime rates, particularly for violent crimes, which are a notable concern (according to FBI crime data). While the job market offers opportunities, the average salary may be modest compared to national standards, and a significant portion of families live below the poverty line (according to CUBIT).

Advantages of Chalmette

One of the primary advantages of living in Chalmette is its affordability, especially concerning housing costs. The median home price is significantly lower than the national average, and rental prices are also competitive (according to Zillow and RentCafe). This makes it a more accessible option for individuals and families looking to own a home or find affordable rental accommodation.

The community’s strong sense of togetherness and its proximity to New Orleans are also significant draws. Residents can enjoy a quieter suburban lifestyle while still having easy access to the cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options of a major city. The local climate, while hot and humid in the summer, is generally mild in the winter.

Disadvantages of Chalmette

The most significant disadvantage of Chalmette is its elevated crime rate. Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average, requiring residents to be vigilant about their safety (according to FBI crime data). This can be a deterrent for those prioritizing a low-crime environment.

Another consideration is the average salary, which is lower than in many other areas, and the presence of poverty within a portion of the population (according to CUBIT). While the cost of living is lower, the income levels may not always align to provide a high standard of living for everyone.