RANK #754 / 996 · POP 454,369 · LA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, is distinguished by its role as the state capital and home to Louisiana State University (LSU), giving it a distinctive collegiate atmosphere. Located in southeast Louisiana along the Mississippi River, the parish is a blend of urban and suburban environments. Commutes within the parish can be challenging due to traffic congestion, though public transit options like the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) exist, and efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and explore alternative transportation. The community offers various outdoor recreation opportunities, including numerous parks, lakes for paddling and fishing, and miles of hiking and biking trails, such as those found at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
Life in East Baton Rouge Parish offers a mix of cultural heritage and urban energy, attracting families, young professionals, and retirees. The economy is diverse, with major employers in sectors like healthcare, education, and petrochemicals. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and emerging technology, with a focus on fostering innovation and a skilled workforce through institutions like LSU and Southern University. Efforts are also underway to revitalize underserved areas through strategic planning and community engagement, aiming to improve economic development and quality of life for all residents.
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
ExxonMobil Polyolefins Plant Expansion
ExxonMobil
|
$500M | Completed |
|
Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center (BTR1)
Amazon
|
$200M | Operating |
|
EAST Battery Storage Project
Undisclosed (part of MISO interconnection queue)
|
$39M | Planned |
|
Katoen Natie Baton Rouge Polymers Terminal Expansion
Katoen Natie Baton Rouge, LLC
|
$25M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
East Baton Rouge Parish has a Boom Town Index score of 24/100, ranking #754 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.5% and a median household income of $62,083, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in East Baton Rouge Parish is $232,800 with median rent at $1,081/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2667, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.5%. Home values changed -1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.52% of East Baton Rouge Parish's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.