Housing

Maintaining a healthy balance of well-planned housing and jobs is important for the long-term sustainability of the region. Well-planned and balanced housing means that Baton Rouge residents have homes that they can afford and are able to choose from a variety of housing styles, sizes and neighborhoods. From a more long-term perspective, it also means ensuring housing availability and affordability that will keep people in Baton Rouge and attract new residents and jobs to the City-Parish. Creating housing options that answer the needs of East Baton Rouge’s diverse population, while sustaining and supporting existing neighborhoods, will result in a more prosperous, vibrant and inviting city.

The housing element identifies the housing market segments that are well-served in East Baton Rouge Parish now, as well as those that will meet the needs of target segments in the City-Parish’s future population. As demographics within the country and Louisiana change, East Baton Rouge Parish must ensure that its housing profile is well matched to meet the needs of the City-Parish’s future population and economy.

HOUSING GOALS

1. Create a balanced housing supply.
2. Coordinate housing planning with the region.
3. Ensure that East Baton Rouge Parish’s existing neighborhoods are stable and strong.
4. Coordinate housing and economic development efforts.
5. Promote sustainable, energy-efficient housing in transportation-efficient neighborhoods.

AFFORDABILITY

Conventionally, housing was determined to be affordable if it consumed no more than 30 percent of a household’s income. Affordability is more accurately measured by considering housing and transportation costs. According to the Housing and Transportation Index, on average, housing and transportation costs comprise 48 percent of income in East Baton Rouge Parish; housing costs 25 percent of income, while transportation costs 23 percent of income.