Is Westwego Safe, Pros and cons of living in Westwego
Westwego, a city steeped in history and situated along the Mississippi River, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Its name, possibly derived from the westward journeys of the 19th century, hints at its historical significance as a transportation hub. The city has evolved from its early roots in fisheries and shrimping to become a residential community that retains a connection to its past while looking toward the future.
This exploration delves into the practical aspects of living in Westwego, covering safety, cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these facets provides a comprehensive picture for anyone considering Westwego as their next home. The information gathered aims to offer clarity and insight into the daily life and opportunities available in this Louisiana city.
Is it Safe to Live in Westwego?
Westwego presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are higher than the national average. The city’s overall crime rate is considered considerably higher than in most communities across America, regardless of size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means that residents and potential movers should be aware of the safety landscape when considering Westwego.
Specifically, violent crime in Westwego occurs at a rate higher than in many comparable communities nationwide. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 242, or 4 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also remains a concern, with a rate of 20 per 1,000 population, translating to a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of property crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Westwego is generally lower than the national average. Westwego, Louisiana’s cost of living is 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This figure is influenced by various expense categories, offering a more nuanced view of affordability.
Housing expenses in Westwego are notably lower than the national average, standing at 11% less (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are also more affordable, being 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also favorable, at 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Westwego is more affordable compared to the national average, though healthcare costs are slightly higher. Housing expenses are 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs, however, are 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The median home price in Westwego was approximately $177,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). However, recent data from March 2026 indicates a median sale price of $129,000 (as reported by Redfin). This suggests a dynamic real estate market with recent price fluctuations.
Rental Market
Rental prices in Westwego are significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for renters. The average rent in Westwego, LA is $906 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This is 45% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month.
For those seeking specific arrangements, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $906 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages approximately $1,175 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). A three-bedroom rental could cost $1,409 or more per month.
Job Market and Economy
Westwego’s economy is characterized by a diverse employment landscape, with a significant portion of its workforce engaged in professional and administrative roles. In Westwego, 75.4% of the working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of employment is within private companies, with governmental and non-profit sectors also contributing.
The unemployment rate in Westwego is quite low, indicating a stable job market. The unemployment rate stands at 2.7% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is below the typical range of 4% to 5% often considered standard, suggesting strong job prospects and a thriving local economy.
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Westwego are not detailed, the broader New Orleans region boasts a robust economy with leaders in various industries. Southeast Louisiana is home to industry-leading employers in health sciences, supply chain, and logistics (as reported by GNO, Inc.). The region also features significant players in energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
Companies such as Cornerstone Chemical are noted in the Westwego area, involved in the production of intermediate chemicals. Other industries contributing to the regional economy include fisheries, shrimping, and seafood canning, reflecting the area’s historical economic base.
Climate and Weather
Westwego experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Gulf Coast region, with warm, wet summers and mild winters. The average high temperature is around 79°F, with an average low of 62°F (as reported by Livability.com). This generally pleasant weather allows for year-round outdoor activities.
The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually. Westwego experiences an average annual rainfall of 62 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 0 inches per year, characteristic of its southern latitude.
Education and Schools
The public schools serving Westwego are part of the Jefferson Parish Public School System, and generally receive above-average ratings. Niche.com ranks the public schools in Westwego as above average (as reported by Niche). This indicates a positive educational environment for families with children.
Within the Jefferson Parish Public School System, several elementary schools serve Westwego, including Isaac G. Joseph Elementary School. Middle school students are typically zoned for Worley Middle School, while high school students attend Higgins High School (as reported by Wikipedia). There are also private school options available, such as Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic School.
Demographics
Westwego is a city with a population of approximately 8,335 residents, characterized by a diverse racial makeup and a median age that skews slightly older. The racial composition includes a majority of White residents, followed by Black or African American residents, with smaller percentages of Asian and multiracial populations (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and Westwego, Louisiana Population 2026). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female residents.
The median age in Westwego is around 44 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the middle to older age brackets, with about 18% of residents being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic suggests a community with a stable, established population.
Income and Household Statistics
The average annual household income in Westwego was reported as $66,435 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes). However, the median household income was $46,261 (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and Westwego, Louisiana Population 2026), reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year. The poverty rate in Westwego is 20.2%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Westwego, Louisiana Population 2026 and Data USA).
Regarding housing tenure, 51.4% of housing units in Westwego are owner-occupied, while 48.6% are rented (as reported by Point2Homes). The average household size is about 2 members (as reported by Westwego, LA ZIP Codes, Map and Demographics).