Mortgage Calculator — Louisiana

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment in Louisiana. Enter your home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term to see principal & interest, property tax, insurance, and total PITI payment.

Calculate Your Payment

Homebuying Costs in Louisiana

Louisiana has a below-average effective property tax rate of about 0.55%. The state's homestead exemption excludes the first $75,000 of a primary residence's market value from all property taxes. Louisiana also charges a mortgage recording tax of $0.15 per $100.

Cost ItemLouisiana Estimate
Median Home Price (2026)$210,000
20% Down Payment$42,000
Loan Amount (80% LTV)$168,000
Avg. Property Tax Rate0.55% per year
Est. Monthly Property Tax~$96/month
Typical Homeowner Insurance$1,000–$2,000/year

Understanding Your Mortgage Payment

Your monthly payment has several components. The principal and interest (P&I) payment is fixed for the life of a fixed-rate mortgage and is determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and term. Property taxes and insurance are typically escrowed — collected monthly by your lender and paid on your behalf.

If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll also pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which typically costs 0.5%–1.5% of the loan amount per year. PMI can often be removed once you reach 20% equity.

Mortgage Types Available in Louisiana

Loan TypeKey Features
30-Year FixedLowest monthly payment; most popular; predictable payment for 30 years
15-Year FixedHigher payment; pays off faster; significantly less total interest
FHA Loan3.5% down minimum; credit score 580+; requires mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
VA Loan0% down for eligible veterans; no PMI; competitive rates
USDA Loan0% down for rural eligible areas; income limits apply
Conventional20% down avoids PMI; competitive rates; flexible terms
Jumbo LoanLoan amounts above conforming limit ($806,500 in 2026); stricter requirements
ARM (Adjustable)Lower initial rate; rate adjusts after fixed period (e.g., 5/1, 7/1 ARM)

Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgages in Louisiana

The median home value in Louisiana is approximately $210,000 as of 2026. Prices vary widely by city, neighborhood, and market conditions. Use the calculator above to estimate your payment at any price point.

Louisiana has a below-average effective property tax rate of about 0.55%. The state's homestead exemption excludes the first $75,000 of a primary residence's market value from all property taxes. Louisiana also charges a mortgage recording tax of $0.15 per $100.

A common guideline is that your monthly housing payment (PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $210,000 home with 20% down at 6.75% for 30 years, the P&I payment is approximately $1,089/month. Adding taxes and insurance, you'd want a gross monthly income of at least $3,889 to stay within the 28% guideline.

Most conventional lenders in Louisiana require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans allow 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down). VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but most lenders prefer 620+. A higher score (740+) qualifies you for the best rates, potentially saving tens of thousands over the loan's life.

Closing costs in Louisiana typically range from 2%–5% of the purchase price. These include lender fees (origination, underwriting), title insurance, appraisal, recording fees, prepaid items (first year of insurance, property tax escrow), and state-specific transfer taxes. On a $210,000 home, expect $6,300–$10,500 in closing costs.