Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Baton Rouge, LA
The median monthly rent in Baton Rouge, LA is $1,200, translating to $14,400 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.55% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Baton Rouge spend approximately 30% of the local median household income ($48,200) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Baton Rouge is 6.5%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.5% annually provides stable demand.
Baton Rouge's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 15.3x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,200/mo, a single-family rental in Baton Rouge generates approximately $14,400 in gross annual income. After accounting for 6.5% vacancy ($936 lost), property taxes of $1,232, insurance (~$880), and maintenance (~$880), the estimated NOI is $10,472 per year, or $873/mo.