Is Marrero Safe, Pros and cons of living in Marrero
Marrero, Louisiana, is a census-designated place located in Jefferson Parish, just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. It offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to a major urban center. The community is characterized by its diverse population and a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many.
The climate in Marrero is typical of the Gulf Coast region, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Residents can expect a good amount of rainfall throughout the year. Understanding these basic environmental factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to the area.
Is it Safe to Live in Marrero?
Assessing the safety of any community involves looking at various crime statistics. In Marrero, the overall crime rate is higher than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is approximately 1 in 43 (NeighborhoodScout). This rate is higher than 77% of other cities and towns in Louisiana.
Specifically, Marrero experiences a higher-than-average rate of property crime, with a rate of 20 per 1,000 residents. Motor vehicle theft is also a notable concern, with a rate that is significantly above the national average for communities of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime rates, while also above average when compared to similar-sized communities, are less of a concern than property crimes.
Housing Costs in Marrero
Median Home Prices
The housing market in Marrero presents a mixed picture, with recent trends showing a decrease in median home prices. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Marrero was $175,000, a decrease of 22.0% compared to the previous year (Redfin). Homes in Marrero tend to sell faster than in the previous year, with an average of 42 days on the market compared to 84 days last year.
The median home value in Marrero is approximately $189,864 (Livability.com). The median sale price per square foot is $143, which is a decrease of 2.1% from the previous year (Redfin). While prices have seen a year-over-year decline, the market indicates a degree of activity with a higher number of homes sold in March compared to the previous year.
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Marrero offers a range of options with varying price points. The average rent in Marrero is $1,575 as of April 2026, which is 21.25% lower than the national average (Zillow). The monthly rent for an apartment in Marrero averages around $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,476 for a two-bedroom unit (RentCafe). Houses for rent in Marrero are generally more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,050 (Zumper).
The rental market shows some fluctuation, with a slight month-over-month decrease in average rent of -0.1% as of March 31, 2026 (Zillow). However, year-over-year, the average rent has seen a slight increase of 1.1% (Zillow). Available rentals in Marrero range from $780 to $5,000, indicating a diverse market to suit different budgets.
Cost of Living and Economic Factors
Cost of Living Index
Marrero’s overall cost of living is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Housing expenses are notably lower, by about 11% below the national average (Payscale). Utility prices are also more affordable, running about 6% lower than the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are approximately 7% lower than the national average.
However, some categories show expenses closer to or above the national average. Healthcare in Marrero is about 5% higher than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are slightly lower, by about 4% compared to the national average. The overall cost of living in Marrero is 5% lower than the national average (Payscale).
Income and Employment
The economic landscape of Marrero includes a median household income of $41,402 (World Population Review). The average per capita income is $39,346 (World Population Review). The poverty rate in Marrero is 22.99%, which is significantly higher than the national average (World Population Review).
As of April 2026, the average annual salary in Marrero is $47,784, equating to approximately $22.97 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, salary ranges can vary significantly, with most salaries falling between $33,000 and $60,750 annually. Some of the highest-paying jobs in Marrero include those in construction, cardiac sonography, and Airbnb ownership.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Louisiana, as of February 2026, was 4.3 percent, which is also the national average for that month (U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee). Over the past 12 months, Louisiana has seen a net loss of 1,600 payroll jobs, though the unemployment rate has remained unchanged (U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee).
Specific unemployment data for Marrero is not readily available, but the state-level figures provide a general economic context. The labor force participation rate in Louisiana was 58.7 percent in February 2026, ranking it 45th nationally (U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee).
Major Employers and Job Market
Marrero’s job market is influenced by its proximity to New Orleans and the presence of local businesses. Key employers in the broader South Louisiana region include those in healthcare, such as Ochsner Lafayette General, and in sectors like manufacturing and oil and gas (South Louisiana Economic Development). While specific major employers within Marrero are not detailed in the provided data, large retail and healthcare facilities are often significant contributors to local employment.
Within Marrero, notable employers include Wynhoven Healthcare Center and West Jefferson Medical Center, which are significant healthcare providers (Zippia). Other businesses like Walmart, McDonald’s, and various retail chains also contribute to the local job market (Indeed.com). The diversity of employers suggests a varied job market, though detailed industry breakdowns for Marrero itself are limited.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Rainfall
Marrero experiences a subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature throughout the year is around 79°F, with average lows around 62°F (Livability.com). Summer months can see temperatures regularly reach into the 90s, accompanied by high humidity.
The area receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, averaging around 63 inches (Livability.com). Monthly rainfall averages vary, with June, July, and August typically seeing the highest amounts, often exceeding 6 inches per month (Time and Date). Snowfall is very rare, with an average of 0 inches per year (Livability.com).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The weather in Marrero is heavily influenced by its coastal location. Summers are hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon (National Weather Service). Spring and fall offer more temperate weather, often considered the most pleasant seasons.
Winters are generally mild, with average January highs around 62°F and lows around 48°F (Time and Date). While freezing temperatures are infrequent, occasional cold snaps can occur. The National Weather Service provides daily forecasts and warnings for the region, crucial for staying informed about severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms.
Education in Marrero
School Ratings and Performance
Marrero is served by the Jefferson Parish School District. Within Marrero, Marrero Academy for Advanced Studies is a public elementary school with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. State test scores indicate that 87% of its students are proficient in math and 87% in reading (Niche). The school has received an overall Niche grade of A-minus and is recognized as one of the most diverse public elementary schools in Louisiana.
L.H. Marrero Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, only 21% of students are proficient in math and 32% in reading. This school has an overall Niche grade of B-minus (Niche). The Niche rankings for schools are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and student/parent reviews.
Educational Demographics
The educational attainment levels in Marrero show a significant portion of the population with a high school diploma or equivalent (34% nationally, 26% in Marrero) (Niche). However, a substantial percentage of residents have less than a high school diploma (22% in Marrero compared to 10% nationally) (Niche). A smaller percentage holds bachelor’s degrees (10% in Marrero, 22% nationally) or master’s degrees or higher (4% in Marrero, 14% nationally) (Niche).
These statistics highlight a diverse educational landscape within the community. The student-teacher ratios at local schools are generally within acceptable ranges, but performance metrics vary significantly between different educational levels.
Demographics of Marrero
Population and Diversity
Marrero is home to approximately 32,540 residents (Census data). The population is diverse, with a significant African American community making up about 48% of the residents, followed by White residents at approximately 30% (Niche). Hispanic residents constitute about 10% of the population, with smaller percentages identifying with other races or multiple races (Niche).
The gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females, with 54.9% identifying as female and 45.1% as male (Census data). The median age in Marrero is 39.3 years, which is slightly higher than the national median age of 38.9 years (Census Reporter).
Age and Household Composition
The age distribution in Marrero indicates a significant portion of the population in older age brackets, with 20.2% being 65 or older. Adults between 25 and 64 make up a substantial part of the population, with 23.1% in the 25-44 range and 23.6% in the 45-64 bracket (Point2Homes). Approximately 19.3% of the population are children under 15 (Point2Homes).
Marrero has around 12,668 households, with an average of three members per household (Point2Homes). A majority of these, 67%, are owner-occupied households, while 33% are renter-occupied (RentCafe). This suggests a community with a strong base of homeowners.