Performance
Score Breakdown
Natchitoches
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Natchitoches is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
64% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Natchitoches's average rent is
28% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $664 | $917 | -28% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $249 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $664 | $1,861 | -64% |
| Cost Index | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 72% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $22,157 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $30,516 |
| Household Income | $37,133 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Natchitoches has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
For walkability, Natchitoches leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Natchitoches.
From a growth perspective, Natchitoches is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,577 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Natchitoches
Advantages
Natchitoches boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, being the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.
The average commute time of 16.2 minutes is significantly shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience.
The cost of living, particularly median rent at $664 per month, is relatively low, enhancing affordability.
The city is home to Northwestern State University, contributing to a vibrant, youthful demographic and educational opportunities.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services and is actively working to improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.
Drawbacks
Natchitoches has a high crime rate, with total crime being 149% higher than the national average and a violent crime rate of 891.1 per 100,000 residents.
The city's livability score is 56/100, ranking it low compared to other U.S. cities.
Public transportation is limited, leading to high car dependency for residents.
The median household income of $37,133 in 2024 is considerably lower than the national average.
Summers are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Natchitoches
#97Louisiana, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$664
Avg Salary
$22,157
Cost Index
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
56
Business
60
Elyria
#13Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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