Is Harvey Safe, Pros and cons of living in Harvey

Harvey, Louisiana, is a community located in Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans. It offers a blend of suburban living with convenient access to the amenities of a larger city. This area is characterized by its diverse population and a developing economic landscape, making it a point of interest for those considering a move to the Greater New Orleans region.

The decision to relocate to any new city involves careful consideration of various factors, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and climate. Understanding these aspects can provide a clearer picture of what life in Harvey might be like for potential residents. This guide aims to offer a comprehensive overview to assist in making an informed choice.

Is it Safe to Live in Harvey?

Harvey, Louisiana, presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that are higher than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Harvey is reported to be 63.27 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes are also notably elevated, with a rate of 6.018 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). These statistics suggest that residents face a greater risk of crime compared to many other communities in the United States.

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Harvey varies by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others. For instance, the southwest part of the city is considered the safest by residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). However, even in the safest neighborhoods, the overall crime rate remains a significant concern. NeighborhoodScout reports that Harvey ranks in the 4th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 4% of U.S. cities.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Harvey is a significant issue, with rates considerably higher than national averages. According to AreaVibes, violent crimes in Harvey are 51% higher than the national average. CrimeGrade.org further details that the violent crime rate is 6.018 per 1,000 residents annually. This indicates a substantial risk for residents, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime ranging from 1 in 113 in eastern neighborhoods to 1 in 261 in the southwest, as reported by CrimeGrade.org.

Property Crime Trends

Property crime also contributes to Harvey’s higher-than-average crime rates. AreaVibes reports that property crime in Harvey is 36% higher than the national average. NeighborhoodScout highlights that a significant portion of crime in Harvey is property crime, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Harvey is one in 38, which translates to a rate of 26 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Harvey

The cost of living in Harvey, Louisiana, is generally lower than the national average, offering a degree of affordability for its residents. The overall cost of living index in Harvey is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average of 100 (according to AreaVibes). This figure suggests that while some expenses might be comparable to national trends, the overall cost of maintaining a household is more favorable.

Housing costs are a significant factor in the cost of living, and in Harvey, they are notably lower than the national average. The median home price in Harvey is 16.5% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Zillow reports the average home value in Harvey as $229,313 as of March 31, 2026, which is up 11.7% over the past year (according to Zillow). Median housing costs are around $1,132 per month (according to Point2Homes).

Housing Market and Rental Prices

The housing market in Harvey shows a median listing price of $240,000 (according to Realtor.com® and realtor.com®). As of March 31, 2026, the average rent in Harvey was $1,301 (according to Zillow), and the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types was $1,600 as of March 2026 (according to Zumper). These figures indicate a varied rental market, with apartments generally being more affordable than houses.

Apartment rents in Harvey vary by size, with studios averaging around $974, one-bedroom apartments at $1,164, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,250 per month (according to Zillow). Houses for rent in Harvey have a higher average monthly cost of $1,900 (according to Trulia). The median gross rent in Harvey is $1,190 per month (according to Point2Homes).

Utilities and Transportation Costs

Utility prices in Harvey are also more affordable compared to the national average. Utility prices are 6% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are 7% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). These savings on essential services can contribute to a lower overall cost of living for residents.

Job Market and Economy

Harvey’s job market reflects a diverse range of employment opportunities, with key sectors contributing to its economic activity. The average annual salary in Harvey is approximately $46,000 per year, or $22.12 per hour (according to Zippia). However, other sources provide different figures, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average annual salary of $37,850 as of April 26, 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Harvey stands at 7% (according to Point2Homes). This figure is higher than the statewide unemployment rate for Louisiana, which was 4.3% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts). A higher unemployment rate can indicate a more competitive job market for those seeking employment.

Major Employers and Industries

Employment in Harvey is diverse, with the most common job groups including Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Other Services, Except Public Administration (according to Data USA). Major employers in Jefferson Parish, which includes Harvey, likely encompass a range of industries to support the local economy.

Average Salaries and Wages

Salaries in Harvey can vary significantly by occupation and experience level. While Zippia reports an average of $46,000 annually, ZipRecruiter notes a lower average of $37,850 annually as of April 2026, with most salaries ranging between $30,367 and $45,104 (according to ZipRecruiter). Factory workers, for example, earn an average salary of $34,754 annually, which is 5% lower than the national average for this role (according to ERI SalaryExpert).

Climate and Weather

Harvey, Louisiana, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature is around 79°F, with an average low of 61°F (according to Livability.com). The region receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with an average of 65 inches (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).

Summer months in Harvey, from May to September, can be uncomfortably humid. The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures reaching 92°F and lows around 76°F. July is also a very warm and wet month, with an average of 17.8 days experiencing precipitation (according to Weather & Climate).

Seasonal Temperatures

Throughout the year, temperatures in Harvey generally range from 44°F to 92°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The cool season lasts from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures below 68°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 47°F and highs of 63°F. Conversely, the warm season extends from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 85°F.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Harvey receives substantial rainfall, with an annual average of 65 inches (according to Livability.com). Precipitation includes rain and other forms of liquid precipitation. July is the wettest month, with an average of 223 mm of rainfall spread across approximately 22 rainy days (according to Weather & Climate). The driest month is November, with around 74 mm of rainfall over about 7 rainy days (according to Weather & Climate).

Demographics and Population

Harvey, Louisiana, is a diverse community with a population of approximately 20,915 residents as of the latest Census data (according to Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The population has seen a slight decrease of -3.7% year-over-year (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Harvey is 41.6 years (according to World Population Review).

The racial makeup of Harvey is diverse, with a significant Black or African American population. According to Census Dots, the population is 43.6% Black, 25.8% White, and 20.1% Hispanic. Other racial groups include Asian (8.0%), Multiracial (2.4%), and Native American/Other (0.1%) (according to Census Dots).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Harvey’s racial and ethnic diversity is notable when compared to the state of Louisiana. The percentage of Black residents in Harvey is considerably higher than the state average (43.6% in Harvey versus 30.5% in Louisiana) (according to Census Dots). Similarly, the Hispanic population share in Harvey is significantly higher than the state’s (20.1% in Harvey versus 7.2% in Louisiana) (according to Census Dots).

Citizenship in Harvey is primarily composed of US-born individuals. As of 2024, 89.5% of Harvey residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.2% (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population in Harvey is 15.6%, which is approximately the same as the national average (according to Data USA).

Age and Household Structure

The median age in Harvey is 41.6 years, with 37.2 years for males and 43.3 years for females (according to World Population Review). The population distribution shows about 18.1% are children under 15, and 17.2% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). Harvey has 8,421 households, with an average of 2 members per household, and 60% of these are family households (according to Point2Homes).

Education and Schools

Educational opportunities in Harvey are provided through local school districts, serving the K-12 population. While specific school ratings for Harvey were not detailed in the provided search results, general educational attainment in the area can be inferred from broader demographic data. Approximately 44.5% of the population in Harvey has attended high school, while 23.9% have pursued college studies (according to Point2Homes).

Compared to state and national averages, Harvey’s educational attainment shows some differences. The percentage of residents with a high school education is slightly less than the rate in Louisiana (87.3%) and the United States (89.6%) (according to Census Reporter). This suggests that while a portion of the population has pursued higher education, a significant segment has completed high school.

School District Information

Harvey is part of the Jefferson Parish Public School System. Information regarding the specific performance and ratings of individual schools within Harvey is best obtained directly from the school district or through specialized educational rating websites like Niche, which were not detailed in the search results.

Adult Education and Attainment

The adult population in Harvey shows a varied level of educational attainment. While a significant portion has completed high school, the pursuit of college studies is also evident (according to Point2Homes). For those looking to advance their education or skills, resources within the greater New Orleans area would likely offer more extensive options.

Pros and Cons of Living in Harvey

Living in Harvey, Louisiana, offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that potential residents should consider. The community provides a more affordable cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing, and offers proximity to the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

However, the higher crime rates are a significant concern that may deter some individuals and families. The job market, while present, may present challenges with a higher unemployment rate and varying average salary figures. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to Harvey.

Advantages of Harvey

One of the primary advantages of living in Harvey is its relatively lower cost of living, especially concerning housing expenses. The median home price and average rent are below national averages, making it a more accessible option for many. Additionally, Harvey’s location provides convenient access to the amenities, job market, and cultural attractions of New Orleans.

Disadvantages of Harvey

The most significant disadvantage of Harvey is its elevated crime rates, which are higher than both national and state averages for both violent and property crimes (according to AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). This can impact the sense of security and quality of life for residents. The unemployment rate in Harvey also stands at 7%, which is higher than the state average of 4.3% (according to Point2Homes and USAFacts).