55.4
County Score
Property Tax 98.2Cost of Living 85.4Soil Quality 51.8

County Report Card

About Acadia Parish, Louisiana

Acadia Parish Outpaces National Median

Acadia Parish earns a composite score of 55.4, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a lifestyle that is more accessible than many other counties across the country.

Leading the Louisiana Average

The parish's 55.4 score puts it ahead of the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It serves as a strong example of regional affordability and low-tax living within the state.

A Haven for Low Taxes

Acadia boasts an incredible tax score of 98.2 and an effective tax rate of only 0.304%. High affordability is further supported by a cost score of 85.4, driven by a median home value of $146,900.

Economic and Environmental Hurdles

Local earning potential is limited, reflected in an income score of 7.6 and a median household income of $45,266. The parish also faces environmental challenges with a low risk score of 11.4 and a water score of 16.0.

Best for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

This parish is a prime choice for retirees or remote workers who want to maximize their dollar. It rewards those who prioritize low property taxes and cheap housing over local job opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax98.2Cost85.4Safety47.1Health30.4Schools49.5Income7.6Risk11.4Water16Weather29.9
🏛98.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼7.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡47.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
30.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
11.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧16
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤29.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨51.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱23
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Acadia Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Acadia Parish

via TaxByCounty

Acadia's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.304%, Acadia's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the bottom 25% of counties nationwide. Homeowners here pay just $446 annually in property taxes—roughly 17% of the national median of $2,690.

Among Louisiana's most affordable parishes

Acadia ranks in the lower half of Louisiana parishes for tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.304% compared to the state average of 0.421%. Median property taxes here ($446) fall well short of the state median ($732).

Lower than similar Southwest Louisiana parishes

Acadia's 0.304% rate beats nearby Allen Parish (0.180%) and matches Beauregard Parish (0.331%) while trailing Assumption Parish (0.431%). Among regional peers, Acadia occupies the middle ground for affordability.

Your estimated annual property tax bill

On Acadia's median home value of $146,900, the typical homeowner pays $446 per year—or about $37 monthly. Adding mortgage-related fees brings the total to roughly $757 annually.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Louisiana homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. If your assessed value seems high relative to recent sales, filing an appeal with the parish assessor's office could lower your tax bill at no cost.

Cost of Living in Acadia Parish

via CostByCounty

Acadia's rent squeeze: Below state average

At 19.2%, Acadia Parish's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, but significantly better than the national norm. However, residents here earn $45,266 annually—about 40% less than the $74,755 national median—making housing costs bite harder despite affordable rents. The median rent of $725 feels manageable only because incomes are proportionally lower.

Mid-pack affordability in Louisiana

Acadia Parish ranks near the middle of Louisiana's 64 parishes for housing affordability, neither among the most nor least burdened. Its 19.2% rent-to-income ratio performs better than parishes facing 22%+ burdens but trails the most affordable regions. This positioning reflects Acadia's modest but stable rental market relative to parish-wide income levels.

Renting slightly cheaper than nearby parishes

Acadia's median rent of $725 undercuts nearby Assumption Parish ($801) and trails Beauregard Parish's $882, making it an affordable option in Southwest Louisiana. Nearby Allen Parish rents for just $14 more ($739), suggesting comparable rental markets across the region. For renters, Acadia offers modest savings while maintaining similar affordability ratios as neighbors.

Rent eats 19% of paychecks here

The typical renter in Acadia spends $725 monthly while homeowners pay $553 in monthly costs—a notable $172 advantage for those with mortgages. At a median household income of $45,266, housing consumes roughly 19% of gross income for renters and 15% for owners. This split explains why homeownership remains the path to greater affordability in this parish.

Consider Acadia if modest rents appeal

Acadia Parish offers below-state-average rents and competitive homeownership costs, making it worth considering for those relocating to Southwest Louisiana on moderate budgets. Compare the $725 median rent here to your current area and budget 19% of income for housing expenses. Homebuyers will find median values around $146,900, providing entry points unavailable in higher-cost parishes.

Income & Jobs in Acadia Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Acadia lags far behind national earnings

Acadia Parish's median household income of $45,266 falls 39% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap means the typical Acadia household earns nearly $30,000 less per year than their national counterpart.

Among Louisiana's lower-income parishes

Acadia's $45,266 median income ranks below Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by $9,984 annually. The parish sits in the lower half of Louisiana's 64 counties, indicating significant economic challenges relative to state peers.

Stronger earnings in nearby Beauregard

Acadia's households earn $45,266 compared to neighboring Beauregard Parish at $64,995—a difference of $19,729 annually. The contrast highlights uneven economic development across the region, with Beauregard's industries supporting substantially higher wages.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Acadia's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% indicates housing costs consume less than one-fifth of household earnings, staying below the 30% affordability threshold. At median home values of $146,900, the parish offers relatively affordable homeownership compared to state averages.

Build wealth through consistent investing

Even modest incomes can grow through disciplined saving and investing—setting aside just 10% of income builds meaningful savings over time. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts and low-cost index funds to maximize your $45,266 household earnings for long-term financial security.

Safety in Acadia Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Acadia Parish Outperforms National Safety Averages

Acadia Parish maintains a high safety score of 98.1, indicating a very secure environment compared to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,186.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Louisiana Safety Benchmark

The parish is significantly safer than the Louisiana state average, where the total crime rate typically hits 1,853.7 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.1 sits a full point above the state average of 97.1.

A Reliable Standard of Local Safety

With five reporting agencies providing data, Acadia shows a consistent and reliable safety profile for the region. The parish manages to keep total crime rates much lower than more urbanized neighboring areas.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime accounts for 955.4 incidents per 100,000 people, while the violent crime rate remains low at 230.6. Both figures fall well below the national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Simple Steps to Preserve Parish Safety

Residents can help maintain these low rates by securing their homes against the 955.4 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents. Basic measures like motion lighting and locking doors remain effective local deterrents.

Health in Acadia Parish

via HealthByCounty

Acadia lags nation on life expectancy

Acadia Parish residents live to an average of 70.6 years, nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 23% of adults report poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally. These gaps point to underlying health challenges that deserve closer attention.

Among Louisiana's middle performers

At 70.6 years, Acadia trails Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by nearly 2 years. The parish ranks in the middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes on life expectancy. With an uninsured rate of 8.4%, it slightly exceeds the state average of 8.1%.

Mixed health picture vs. regional peers

Acadia performs better than neighboring Allen Parish (70.7 years) and Avoyelles Parish (71.1 years), but trails Beauregard Parish (73.4 years). Primary care access is strongest here at 37 per 100K residents, outpacing Allen's 18 per 100K. Mental health resources are robust at 149 per 100K.

Healthcare access faces real limits

With 37 primary care providers per 100K, Acadia offers decent physician access, but scheduling appointments still requires planning. The 8.4% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 12 adults lack coverage, making preventive care harder to access when money is tight.

Health insurance options are within reach

If you're uninsured, Louisiana's Medicaid expansion and ACA marketplace plans offer affordable pathways to coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore options. Even basic coverage transforms access to preventive care and manages costs when illness strikes.

Schools in Acadia Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Closer Look at Acadia's Education Infrastructure

Acadia Parish manages a network of 27 public schools serving a total of 9,601 students. The infrastructure includes 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 6 high schools, all overseen by a single school district.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The parish achieves a strong 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Louisiana state average of 85.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,763 compared to the state's $7,881, the district maintains a school score of 54.1, which sits above the national median.

One District Leading Nearly 10,000 Students

Acadia Parish is the sole district in the area, coordinating all 27 schools without any charter programs currently in operation. Large student bodies drive the system, with Mire Elementary and Rayne High School leading the way as the most populated campuses.

A Blend of Rural and Town School Settings

Education in Acadia has a distinct rural feel, with 15 schools in rural settings and 12 in towns. While the average school size is 356 students, Mire Elementary is the largest with 666 students, providing a more community-focused environment than typical urban centers.

Home Buying Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for homes in Acadia Parish can take advantage of graduation rates that outperform national benchmarks. Explore local listings to find a residence near high-performing schools like Iota High or Mire Elementary.

Disaster Risk in Acadia Parish

via RiskByCounty

Acadia faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 88.61, Acadia Parish ranks in the relatively moderate category—well above Louisiana's state average of 62.37. This means residents here face meaningfully higher exposure to natural hazards than the typical American county.

Among Louisiana's riskiest parishes

Acadia ranks among the highest-risk parishes in Louisiana, driven primarily by extreme hurricane exposure and substantial flood vulnerability. The parish's 96.66 hurricane risk score is among the state's most severe, reflecting its coastal geography.

Riskier than most nearby parishes

Acadia's 88.61 composite score significantly exceeds Allen Parish (50.70) to the north and Assumption Parish (70.29) to the east. Only Ascension Parish (92.14) nearby shows comparable overall risk levels, though for different hazard mixes.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate here

Hurricane risk (96.66) and flood risk (86.42) are Acadia's primary concerns, reflecting the parish's position in Louisiana's storm corridor. Tornado risk (71.50) adds a secondary threat that residents should also prepare for.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Acadia residents need both flood and windstorm insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards. Given the parish's extreme hurricane and flood scores, these specialized coverages aren't optional but critical investments in financial security.

Weather & Climate in Acadia Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Southern Hub

Acadia Parish maintains an average annual temperature of 68.2°F, which is significantly warmer than the national median. This climate is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by long summers and high moisture levels.

Above the Louisiana State Average

The parish stays warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 63.5 inches also exceeds the state average of 60.8 inches, making it a particularly wet region.

Comparing Acadia to Regional Neighbors

Acadia is noticeably warmer than nearby Allen Parish, which averages 66.7°F. However, its precipitation levels closely mirror Assumption Parish, which records 63.4 inches annually.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

The area endures 81 days of extreme heat where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winters are very mild with a 53.1°F average and no recorded annual snowfall to speak of.

Managing the Acadia Humidity

Residents must maintain high-efficiency cooling systems to handle nearly three months of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 51.1°F January mornings before the humidity rises.

Soil Quality in Acadia Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silty Acadia Soils

Acadia Parish features an average pH of 5.44, making it notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data remains unclassified, these acidic levels typically require lime amendments for optimal crop growth. Local growers manage this chemistry to support the region's historic agricultural roots.

High Silt Content Drives Texture

The soil composition is dominated by 60.7% silt, balanced by 20.2% clay and 14.5% sand. This high silt percentage creates a smooth, floury texture that offers good workability but can be prone to erosion. The moderate clay levels help the soil hold onto nutrients more effectively than sandy alternatives.

Strong Water Capacity Despite Lower Organic Matter

The soil contains 2.58% organic matter, which beats the national average of 2.0% but lags behind the Louisiana average of 6.38%. However, its available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.182 in/in. This allows the land to store moisture efficiently for plants during dry spells.

Moisture Retention in a Humid Climate

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted for this parish. However, the high silt content and strong water capacity suggest that the land retains moisture well. Gardeners should still monitor for standing water following the heavy rains common in South Louisiana.

Abundant Growth in Zone 9a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, Acadia Parish is ideal for heat-tolerant vegetables and citrus trees. The combination of silty soil and high moisture capacity supports productive rice and soybean crops. Home gardeners should feel encouraged to start a plot, as the long growing season offers ample opportunity for success.

Lawn Care in Acadia Parish

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Acadia Parish

Acadia Parish earns a lawn difficulty score of 23.0, making it significantly tougher to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 9a, homeowners here face a more demanding environment than the average Louisianian, where the state score sits at 33.8.

Excessive Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

The parish receives 63.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is over 13 inches higher than the ideal lawn range. With 81 extreme heat days and 6,949 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but faces significant stress from July temperatures averaging 82.4°F.

Managing Acidic Soil and Clay Levels

The soil pH in Acadia is quite acidic at 5.44, falling below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With 20.2% clay and 14.5% sand, growers often need lime applications to raise pH levels and improve nutrient availability.

Preparing for Significant Dry Spells

Despite high rainfall, the parish spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year, with 66.7% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Residents should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems that can survive these extended dry periods.

Starting Your Lawn in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for this zone once the last spring frost passes around February 20. Aim to establish new sod or seed well before the first fall frost on December 4 to ensure your lawn is hardy enough for the winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acadia Parish's county score?
Acadia Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 55.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Acadia Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Acadia Parish ranks #29 among all counties in Louisiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Acadia Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Acadia Parish is $446, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Acadia Parish a tax score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Acadia Parish?
The median household income in Acadia Parish, Louisiana is $45,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Acadia Parish earns an income score of 7.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Acadia Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Acadia Parish scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Acadia Parish is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Acadia Parish with other counties side by side.