With 4,847 people, West Lake Forest is a neighborhood in New Orleans. Owners hold 32% of the housing stock. Households here earn about 44% less than in New Orleans as a whole. 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, below the 36% national rate. The poverty rate is 25.5%, above the 12.5% national rate. Median household income is $31,929, under the $82,259 national median. These figures are approximated by combining the 3 census tracts that make up West Lake Forest; the Census Bureau does not tabulate data for neighborhoods directly.
At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $82,259
Older
median age 41.5
US median: 38.9
Less educated
21% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 36%
Renter-heavy
32% owner-occupied
US average: 65%
Section 01
Population & growth
Total population
4,847
Population density
3,793 / sq mi
US average: 281
Median age
41.5
US average: 38.9
Land area
1.28 sq mi
Section 02
Income & economy
Median household income
$31,929
US average: $82,259
Per capita income
$24,388
US average: $44,673
Households earning $100K+
21.6%
US average: 53.3%
Poverty rate
25.5%
US average: 12.5%
Income inequality (Gini)
0.509
US average: 0.476
Workforce by industry, 2024
Information17.7%
US avg: 10.8%
Finance & insurance6.3%
US avg: 5.9%
Professional, scientific, technical6.3%
US avg: 5.1%
Retail trade3.3%
US avg: 9.9%
Wholesale trade2.8%
US avg: 6.9%
Transportation & warehousing0.8%
US avg: 2.2%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing0.5%
US avg: 1.6%
Construction0.5%
US avg: 1.2%
Arts, entertainment, food0.3%
US avg: 1.9%
Manufacturing0%
US avg: 0.4%
Education & health services0%
US avg: 0.9%
Other services0%
US avg: 6.7%
Public administration0%
US avg: 4.8%
BAR + DOT: THIS PLACE · TICK: US AVERAGE
Section 03
Housing
Median home value
$200,146
US average: $376,019
Median gross rent
$1,124
US average: $1,442
Owner-occupied
32.1%
67.9% rent
Vacancy rate
12.9%
US average: 10.0%
Persons per household
2.38 people
US average: 2.54
Owner cost-burdened
28.9%
US average: 22.9%
Renter cost-burdened
74.7%
US average: 47.4%
Afford Score
6.3
Years of local income it takes to buy a local home, on a scale of about 0 to 15. Lower is more affordable.
Section 04
Race & ethnicity
2024
White, non-Hispanic0.3%(16)
Black92.7%(4,491)
Hispanic / Latino1.9%(90)
Asian0%(0)
Other5.2%(250)
2024
White, non-Hispanic0.3%(16)
Black92.7%(4,491)
Hispanic / Latino1.9%(90)
Asian0%(0)
Other5.2%(250)
Diversity Score
17
Our index, 0 to 100. Higher means a more even mix of racial and ethnic groups.
How many people live in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana?
West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana has about 4,847 residents according to the 2024 American Community Survey.
What is the median household income in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana?
The typical household in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana earns about $31,929 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.
Is West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana expensive?
In West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana, the median home is worth about $200,146, and the typical rent is about $1,124 a month.
How educated are people in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana?
About 21.1% of adults age 25 and over in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the poverty rate in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana?
About 25.5% of people in West Lake Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana live below the federal poverty line.
