Cost Of Living & Real Estate

Cost of Living: Budgeting and Expenses in Our Community

Covington's cost of living runs close to the national average and well below the major metros in the Central time zone. Louisiana has no tax on many essentials and a relatively low overall tax burden, and housing on the North Shore costs a fraction of what comparable homes command in cities like Dallas, Houston, or Chicago.

Cost of Living Index

Area	Index (100 = US average)
Covington, LA	104
US Average	100

Covington sits just above the national average, driven mostly by housing, while everyday expenses remain moderate.

Comparison to Central Time Zone Metros

Metro	Relative Housing Cost
Covington, LA	Baseline
Dallas, TX	Higher
Houston, TX	Higher
Chicago, IL	Substantially higher

Tax Environment

Louisiana state income tax is moderate, with a flat individual rate
No tax on groceries at the state level
Property taxes in Louisiana are among the lowest in the country, supported by a homestead exemption

Everyday Expenses

Median rent around $1,374 per month
Utility, grocery, and transportation costs near or below national averages
Strong value relative to nearby New Orleans for housing and family living

Cost data from HomeSnacks and regional cost-of-living sources, 2025.

Finding Your Place: Homes and Properties

Covington offers a range of housing from historic downtown homes to newer family subdivisions and large-lot properties in the surrounding piney woods. The North Shore is one of the most sought-after places to live in the greater New Orleans region, prized for its schools, space, and quieter pace, while staying within commuting distance of the city.

Market Snapshot

Metric	Value
Median Home Value (city)	About $315,000
Recent Median Sale Price	Mid $400,000s, with strong demand
Median Construction Year	1991
Owner-Occupied Homes	About 70%

Home values vary widely by neighborhood, lot size, and proximity to downtown.

Housing Styles

Historic homes and cottages in and around downtown Covington
Newer family subdivisions along the Highway 21 and I-12 corridors
Large-lot and acreage properties in the surrounding woods
Waterfront and river-access homes along the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya

Desirable Areas

Downtown Covington for walkability and historic character
Mandeville and Madisonville nearby for lakefront living
Master-planned communities across St. Tammany for families
Folsom and rural St. Tammany for acreage and privacy

Commute to Work

Most North Shore neighborhoods are within 10 to 25 minutes of the Covington clinic and St. Tammany Hospital
Short, low-traffic commutes compared to large metros
Quick access to I-12 and Highway 21 for regional travel

Housing data from Redfin, Point2Homes, and HomeSnacks, 2025.

Safety First: Our Secure Community

St. Tammany Parish is consistently regarded as one of the safer, more family-oriented parts of the greater New Orleans region. Covington and the surrounding North Shore communities draw families specifically for the combination of good schools, lower density, and a strong sense of community, with established emergency and public safety services.

Public Safety Overview

Covington is served by its own city police department
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office covers the broader parish
St. Tammany Hospital provides a full emergency department, including the region's only dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department

Emergency Services

24/7 emergency care at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington
Strong EMS coverage across the parish
Mandeville and Covington emergency facilities serving the North Shore

Community Character

Family-focused neighborhoods with active community involvement
Lower density and quieter pace than the New Orleans South Shore
Reputation as a desirable, stable place to raise a family

Residents should review current local crime statistics for specific neighborhoods of interest.