Is Gardere Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gardere
Gardere, Louisiana, is a census-designated place located in East Baton Rouge Parish, part of the larger Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area. This community, also known as Riverland, offers a blend of suburban living with proximity to urban amenities. Gardere is characterized by its diverse population and a median age that skews younger, suggesting a dynamic community atmosphere.
The area presents a unique profile for potential residents, with a housing market that offers both rental and ownership opportunities. Its cost of living and employment landscape are key factors for those considering a move. Understanding these aspects is crucial for anyone planning to establish roots in Gardere.
Is it Safe to Live in Gardere?
Gardere’s crime rates are a significant consideration for prospective residents. Overall crime in Gardere is reported to be 9% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 19% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). There is a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Gardere, and the area is considered safer than only 19% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).
Despite these statistics, year-over-year crime in Gardere has decreased by 11% (as reported by AreaVibes). While specific crime statistics directly from the FBI for Gardere are not always publicly available, the area’s safety trends align with the broader Baton Rouge metropolitan area. Crime maps indicate that incidents are often concentrated in specific districts, and community engagement along with law enforcement efforts play a role in overall safety (as reported by DoorProfit).
Property Crimes
Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle break-ins, are noted as being prevalent in certain neighborhoods within Gardere (as reported by DoorProfit). These types of offenses contribute to the overall crime rate and are a common concern for residents in many communities.
Violent Crimes
While less frequent than property crimes, incidents of assault and robbery do occur in Gardere (as reported by DoorProfit). These occurrences highlight the importance of remaining aware of one’s surroundings and taking necessary personal security measures.
Cost of Living and Housing in Gardere
The cost of living in Gardere presents a mixed picture, with housing costs being a notable factor. The median rent in Gardere is reported to be $1,157 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $2,100 per month (as reported by Redfin) and a median monthly rent of $837 (as reported by Livability.com).
The median home value in Gardere is approximately $243,300 (as reported by Data USA and Niche). This is significantly lower than the national average median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Gardere is around 43% (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Market Trends
The rental market in Gardere shows some fluctuation, with one report indicating the average rent price was $887 last month, an increase of $67 month-over-month (as reported by Redfin). Another source notes a median rent of $1,157 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is approximately 31.5%, indicating the portion of earnings typically allocated to housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes).
Home Prices and Value
Gardere’s median listing price is around $235,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes for sale in Gardere have seen a year-over-year decrease in the median sales price by 14.22% (as reported by Redfin). The median property value has also seen a decrease of 2.91% from the previous year, standing at $243,300 (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Employment in Gardere
The employment landscape in Gardere is influenced by several key industries and a fluctuating job market. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Gardere declined by 2.82%, with the total number of employees decreasing from 6.23k to 6.06k (as reported by Data USA).
The most common sectors for employment among Gardere residents include Retail Trade (885 people), Educational Services (702 people), and Construction (686 people) (as reported by Data USA). In terms of job groups, Sales & Related Occupations (724 people), Construction & Extraction Occupations (721 people), and Management Occupations (486 people) are the most prevalent (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Gardere are not detailed, the broader Baton Rouge region benefits from industries such as petrochemicals, healthcare, digital media, and education (as reported by Instawork). Major employers in the wider East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas include institutions like LSU, ExxonMobil Chemical Company, and BASF Corporation (as reported by Work | Better in BTR, Baton Rouge Area Chamber Investor Directory, and Ascension Economic Development Corporation). These larger entities provide significant employment opportunities within the region.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Gardere is reported at 4.9% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure represents the share of the workforce actively seeking employment. For the state of Louisiana, the unemployment rate was 4.3% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts).
Climate and Weather in Gardere
Gardere experiences a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The summers are long and oppressive, with temperatures often in the 80s and rarely dropping below the mid-70s. The average daily high temperature during the hot season, which runs from mid-May to late September, exceeds 85°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).
Winter in Gardere is short and cold, with temperatures typically in the 50s. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 44°F and highs around 62°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The average annual precipitation in Gardere is approximately 60 inches (as reported by Livability.com), with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, though January tends to be the wettest month (as reported by IDcide).
Average Temperatures
The average temperature year-round in Gardere hovers around 67.1°F (as reported by IDcide). The warmest month is July, with an average high of 90°F and a low of 74°F, while January sees average temperatures ranging from 44°F to 62°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).
Rainfall Patterns
Gardere receives an average of about 60 inches of rain annually (as reported by Livability.com). The distribution is fairly consistent, though January can see higher rainfall amounts, with an average of 5.94 inches (as reported by IDcide). The climate is generally wet and partly cloudy throughout the year (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).
Education and Schools in Gardere
The public schools serving Gardere are part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools system. Niche ranks Gardere’s public schools as above average (as reported by Niche). However, specific school performance data indicates varying levels of proficiency.
For the 2026 school year, there are two public elementary schools serving Gardere, with Idea Innovation ranked as the top public elementary school in the neighborhood (as reported by Niche). These schools have an average math proficiency score of 5% and a reading proficiency score of 14%, which are below the state averages (as reported by Niche).
Public School Performance
The public elementary schools in Gardere have a minority enrollment of 95% of the student body, predominantly Black students, which is higher than the state average (as reported by Niche). While the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools district receives an overall rating, individual school performance metrics are crucial for assessing educational quality.
School District Overview
The East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools district is rated 3.69 out of 5 on Niche, based on millions of reviews and key statistics (as reported by Niche). Ranking factors for school districts include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality.
Demographics of Gardere
Gardere is a community with a population of approximately 12,223 residents (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and Niche). The median age in Gardere is 25.8 years (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and Niche), indicating a relatively young population. The racial makeup is diverse, with African Americans forming the largest group at 44.9% (as reported by Point2Homes), followed by White residents at 24.1% (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche), and a significant Hispanic population at 26.7% (as reported by Data USA and Niche).
The population is composed of about 49.8% males and 50.2% females (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 29% of residents are children under 15, with another 19.5% in the 15 to 24 age group, highlighting a substantial youth demographic (as reported by Point2Homes).
Population Breakdown
Gardere has a total population of 12,223 people (as reported by Point2Homes). The community has seen a slight year-over-year population change of 0.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). Looking ahead, the projected population for Gardere in 2026 is 12,579, assuming an annual growth rate of 1.5% (as reported by Cubit Planning).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The ethnic landscape of Gardere is predominantly African American and Hispanic. African Americans constitute about 44.9% of the population, while Hispanic residents make up 26.7% (as reported by Data USA and Niche). White residents account for approximately 24.1% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Gardere
Gardere offers a unique blend of affordability and community, alongside challenges that potential residents should consider. The cost of housing, particularly home prices, is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by Data USA). The median age of 25.8 years suggests a vibrant, youthful energy within the community (as reported by Point2Homes).
However, the area faces higher-than-average crime rates, particularly for violent crimes, which is a significant concern (as reported by AreaVibes). While recent data shows a decrease in overall crime, the elevated rates compared to national averages warrant careful consideration. The public school performance, with low proficiency scores, may also be a deterrent for families prioritizing educational outcomes.
Affordability and Housing Costs
One of the primary advantages of living in Gardere is its affordability, especially concerning housing. The median home value is substantially lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This affordability extends to rental costs, though there are varying reports on the exact median rent (as reported by Point2Homes, Redfin, and Livability.com).
Community and Demographics
Gardere is a diverse community with a large African American and Hispanic population, and a median age that skews young (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and Niche). This demographic profile can contribute to a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The area is described as having a dense suburban feel, with most residents renting their homes (as reported by Niche).
Safety and Crime Concerns
The higher-than-average crime rates, especially violent crime, are a significant drawback for Gardere (as reported by AreaVibes). While crime has seen a year-over-year decrease, the statistics remain a point of caution for those prioritizing safety. Residents should be aware of prevalent property crimes and the occurrence of violent incidents (as reported by DoorProfit).
Educational Opportunities
The public schools in Gardere, while rated as above average by Niche (as reported by Niche), exhibit low proficiency scores in math and reading (as reported by Niche). This factor may present a challenge for families with school-aged children who are seeking highly-rated educational institutions with strong academic performance metrics.