Is Jeanerette Safe, Pros and cons of living in Jeanerette
Jeanerette, Louisiana, nestled in the heart of Acadiana, offers a glimpse into a region rich with history and a distinctive cultural tapestry. Known as “Sugar City,” its economy has historically been tied to the sugarcane industry, with remnants of its past visible in its architecture and traditions. The city presents a unique blend of rural charm and small-town community life, appealing to those who value a slower pace and close-knit relationships.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Jeanerette, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about whether Jeanerette aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.
Is it Safe to Live in Jeanerette?
Jeanerette’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with overall crime rates being near the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, violent crime in Jeanerette occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar size across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 285, equating to a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Conversely, property crime in Jeanerette is below the national average, meaning you are less likely to be a victim of arson, motor vehicle theft, larceny, or burglary compared to most communities in the U.S. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 207 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Some residents consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
Jeanerette offers a notably affordable housing market, with a median home value of approximately $93,926 (as reported by Zillow). This figure is significantly lower than the national median home value, which stands around $350,000 (as reported by Kurby AI). The median listing price per square foot in the 70544 ZIP code is $105 (as reported by realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Jeanerette also tend to be more accessible. The median rent is around $758 (as reported by DoorBase), with a range for homes, condos, and townhomes from $595 to $5,750, averaging $2,136 per month (as reported by ApartmentHomeLiving.com). This affordability extends to overall living expenses, with Jeanerette’s cost of living being 3% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economic Landscape
The employment landscape in Jeanerette shows an unemployment rate of 5.7% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average salary in Jeanerette is approximately $23.11 per hour or $48,063 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Major employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
Historically, Jeanerette’s economy was heavily reliant on the sugarcane industry, with manufacturers of sugarcane cultivation and processing equipment being prominent. Today, additional sources of income include oil and natural gas, salt, carbon black, a garment distribution center, and fishing (as noted by Wikipedia). Companies like McDonald’s, UPS, Dollar General, and Chevron have a presence in the area (as listed on Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Jeanerette experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and oppressive summers, with winters being short, cold, and windy. It is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round (as described by myPerfectWeather). The average temperature throughout the year ranges from 45°F to 90°F, rarely falling below 31°F or exceeding 94°F (as noted by myPerfectWeather).
The warmest month is typically July, with average high temperatures around 89°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 45°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual average precipitation in Jeanerette is about 65 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with June being the wettest month, receiving an average of 8 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and School System
Jeanerette is served by the Iberia Parish Public Schools system. Jeanerette Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 (as reported by Jeanerette Senior High School). The school ranks within the bottom 50% of all schools in Louisiana for overall test scores, with math proficiency in the bottom 50% and reading proficiency in the top 50% (as reported by Jeanerette Senior High School). Math proficiency is between 15-19%, and reading proficiency is between 35-39% (as reported by Jeanerette Senior High School).
St. Charles Street Elementary School is another public school in Jeanerette, serving students in kindergarten through 6th grade. It has shown improvement in its statewide ranking and has mathematics proficiency rates above the Iberia Parish and Louisiana state averages (as noted by SchoolDigger.com). Chitimacha Day School, a Bureau of Indian Affairs sponsored school, is located southwest of Jeanerette.
Demographics and Community Profile
Jeanerette is home to approximately 4,655 residents, according to the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population has seen a decrease, with projections indicating a continued decline. The racial makeup is predominantly Black or African American, comprising about 71.8% of the population, followed by White residents at 22.8% (as reported by CensusDepth).
The median age in Jeanerette is 38.5 years (as reported by CensusDepth). The median household income was $43,438 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a poverty rate of 38.67% (as reported by CensusDepth). The community offers a suburban-rural mix feel, with most residents owning their homes (as noted by Niche).
Major Employers and Industries
Historically, Jeanerette was a significant hub for the sugar industry, with companies like the Jeanerette Lumber and Shingle Company being major employers (as detailed by the Jeanerette Landmark Society). Today, the economic base has diversified to include sectors such as oil and natural gas, salt, carbon black, garment distribution, and fishing.
Key employment sectors for Jeanerette residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Companies such as Chevron and various manufacturing firms also contribute to the local job market (as indicated by Indeed.com and other business listings).
Cost of Living Comparison
Jeanerette stands out for its affordability, with a cost of living that is 3% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are particularly attractive, being 14.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Jeanerette a compelling option for those looking to reduce their expenses.
The overall cost of living in Jeanerette is also 61% lower than Louisiana’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This includes lower expenses for food, energy, transportation, and healthcare compared to national averages (as reported by Salary.com). These savings can significantly impact an individual’s or family’s budget.
Climate Details: Temperatures and Rainfall
Jeanerette’s climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July reaches around 89°F, while the average low in January is about 45°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Temperature variations between day and night are generally limited, with summer differences reaching up to 18°F and winter differences around 19°F (as noted by IDcide).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 65 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with June typically being the wettest month, averaging around 7 inches (as reported by IDcide). This consistent rainfall contributes to the lush, green landscape of the region.
Demographic Breakdown: Age, Gender, and Race
The population of Jeanerette is approximately 4,655 people, with a median age of 38.5 years (as reported by CensusDepth). The gender distribution shows about 56.2% female and 43.8% male residents (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, 26.2%, is under the age of 18, while 16.7% are 65 years or older (as reported by Wikipedia).
The racial composition of Jeanerette is notably diverse. Black or African American residents form the largest group at approximately 71.8%, followed by White residents at 22.8%. American Indian and Alaska Native residents make up about 2.5% of the population (as reported by CensusDepth).