countyscore
68.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.8Cost of Living 88Safety 77.2

County Report Card

About Allen Parish, Louisiana

Allen Parish Excels Nationally

With a composite score of 68.4, Allen Parish significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of overall livability compared to the majority of U.S. counties.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

Allen Parish stands tall among its peers, with its 68.4 score far exceeding the state average of 53.0. It is a standout parish for families looking for quality public services and financial ease.

Exceptional Taxes and Schools

The parish achieves a near-perfect tax score of 99.8 due to an effective tax rate of just 0.180%. Educational quality is another highlight, with a school score of 73.4 that ranks high in the region.

Lags in Income and Infrastructure

While housing is cheap, the income score of 16.9 reflects a modest median household income of $51,138. Water quality also presents a challenge, scoring just 18.9 in this critical dimension.

Ideal for Young Families

Allen Parish is perfectly suited for families who want strong public schools without the high price tag of urban living. It offers a rare combination of safety, school quality, and rock-bottom taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax99.8Cost88Safety77.2Health33.2Schools73.4Income16.9Risk49.3Water18.9Weather33.3
🏛99.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.1
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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Nearby counties

Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
50.6
Jefferson Davis Parish
Louisiana
53.1
Acadia Parish
Louisiana
55.4
Beauregard Parish
Louisiana
57.1
Vernon Parish
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64.4
Rapides Parish
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36
Calcasieu Parish
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St. Landry Parish
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46.1

Deep Dives

Allen Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Allen Parish

via TaxByCounty

Allen's taxes are exceptionally low

At 0.180%, Allen Parish has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the nation, ranking in the bottom 10% of counties. Annual property taxes average just $199 per homeowner—less than 7% of the national median of $2,690.

The lowest-taxed parish in Louisiana

Allen Parish's effective rate of 0.180% is less than half the state average of 0.421%. Its median property tax bill of $199 is the lowest we're tracking in Louisiana, making it an outlier even by state standards.

Significantly lower than regional peers

Allen's 0.180% rate substantially undercuts neighboring Acadia Parish (0.304%) and Beauregard Parish (0.331%). Even compared to Avoyelles Parish (0.203%), Allen remains among the state's most tax-friendly parishes.

Minimal annual property tax burden

On Allen's median home value of $110,800, owners pay just $199 per year in property taxes—about $17 monthly. Even with mortgage-related fees included, the total reaches only around $544 annually.

Appeal opportunities still exist

Despite already-low rates, some Allen Parish homeowners may be overassessed relative to comparable properties in their area. An appeal through the parish assessor's office is free and can result in meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allen Parish

via CostByCounty

Allen Parish beats the national affordability test

Allen Parish residents enjoy a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio—well below Louisiana's 19.5% state average and the national standard. With a median household income of $51,138 (32% below the national median), Allen Parish still manages superior affordability through controlled rents of just $739 monthly. This combination makes Allen one of Louisiana's more livable parishes for renters nationwide.

Allen ranks among Louisiana's most affordable

At 17.3%, Allen Parish's rent-to-income ratio places it in Louisiana's top tier for affordability, outpacing two-thirds of the state's parishes. This strong performance stems from both modest rents and reasonable income levels relative to housing costs. Few Louisiana parishes offer renters this much breathing room in their budgets.

Rents competitive across Southwest Louisiana

Allen Parish's $739 rent sits between Acadia ($725) and Assumption ($801), making it a middle ground in the Southwest Louisiana rental market. Homeownership costs here ($440 monthly) are notably lower than Assumption ($533), offering owner-occupants a particular advantage. The region shows consistent affordability with modest variation across parishes.

Best homeownership value in the region

Allen Parish renters allocate 17.3% of their $51,138 income to the $739 median rent, while homeowners pay just $440 monthly (10.3% of income). The median home value of $110,800 reflects this affordability, making ownership accessible to modest-income families. This owner-cost advantage is among Louisiana's best.

Allen Parish: Affordable living with real value

If you're seeking genuine affordability with strong homeownership economics, Allen Parish deserves serious consideration—your rent-to-income ratio would be a competitive 17.3%. Compare median rents of $739 against your current market and factor in the exceptional $110,800 median home values. Few parishes offer this combination of low rents and accessible ownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allen Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Allen earns below national household median

Allen Parish households earn a median of $51,138, which is 32% lower than the U.S. median of $74,755. This $23,617 annual shortfall reflects economic conditions significantly weaker than the national average.

Below-average income across Louisiana

At $51,138, Allen Parish falls short of Louisiana's state median income of $55,250 by $4,112 per household annually. The parish ranks in the lower-middle tier of Louisiana's parishes for household earnings.

Outearns struggling Avoyelles Parish

Allen's $51,138 median income exceeds nearby Avoyelles Parish's $39,439 by $11,699 annually. This $11,699 difference underscores how geography and local economies create substantial earning disparities even between neighboring parishes.

Housing affordability remains solid

Allen's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% means housing costs take up less than one-fifth of median household earnings, well below the 30% affordability benchmark. At $110,800, median home values make homeownership achievable for many families in the parish.

Start small with employer retirement plans

If your employer offers a 401(k) or 403(b), contributing even 3–5% of your $51,138 salary builds retirement security without straining household finances. Employer matching contributions effectively increase your income, making it one of the fastest paths to wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allen Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Allen Parish

Allen Parish is one of the safest areas in the country, earning a high safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 548.2 per 100,000 is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

The parish far outperforms the Louisiana average safety score of 97.1. While the state average crime rate is 1,853.7, Allen Parish keeps incidents low at just 548.2 per 100,000 people.

Leading the Way for Regional Security

Four reporting agencies confirm that Allen Parish maintains a much lower crime footprint than many of its neighbors. This consistent data highlights the parish as a regional leader in public safety.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The violent crime rate stands at a mere 114.0 per 100,000, while property crime is also very low at 434.2. These figures are significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining Your 99.1 Safety Score

Community vigilance is the key to keeping these numbers low. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to help protect the parish from the 434.2 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allen Parish

via HealthByCounty

Allen faces steep health disadvantage

Allen Parish residents live to 70.7 years on average, about 5.7 years less than Americans overall (76.4 years). Nearly 24% report poor or fair health versus 18% nationally. These metrics reflect both individual and systemic health challenges.

Louisiana's health crisis hits Allen hard

Allen's 70.7-year life expectancy trails Louisiana's 72.5-year state average by nearly 2 years. The parish ranks in Louisiana's lower tier on longevity and health outcomes. At 7.2% uninsured, Allen actually performs slightly better than the state average of 8.1%.

Provider desert compared to nearby parishes

Allen's critical weakness is provider access: just 18 primary care physicians per 100K residents, the lowest in this regional cluster. Beauregard Parish nearby offers 44 per 100K and Acadia offers 37 per 100K. Mental health providers are also sparse at 109 per 100K.

Scarcity of doctors shapes daily care

With fewer than 18 primary care providers per 100K, Allen residents often travel long distances for routine checkups or manage care through emergency rooms. The 7.2% uninsured rate is better than state average, but limited provider choice means those with insurance still face access barriers.

Coverage is step one toward care

Allen's relatively low uninsured rate shows residents are seeking coverage—visit healthcare.gov to find plans tailored to your income. Once insured, ask your provider about telemedicine options and regional health centers, which can bridge the provider gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allen Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Network of Public Schools

Allen Parish operates 11 public schools that serve an enrollment of 4,136 students. The system is comprised of 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools, plus 3 schools with unique grade configurations.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Scores

With a stellar 98.0% graduation rate, Allen Parish far exceeds the national average of 87.0%. The parish achieves a school score of 58.5 while spending $7,337 per pupil, demonstrating high efficiency compared to the national spending average of $13,000.

Unified District Serving Local Families

The Allen Parish school district manages the entire county's education system with no charter schools involved. Oakdale Elementary and Kinder Elementary are the largest campuses, together educating over 1,100 of the parish's students.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Environments

Most students attend one of the 8 rural schools, while 3 schools serve the parish's towns. The average school size is a manageable 376 students, ranging from Oakdale Elementary's 562 students to smaller, specialized programs.

Settle Near Schools with Record-High Outcomes

Homebuyers in Allen Parish benefit from an education system that boasts nearly perfect graduation rates. Consider the local real estate market to secure a home near high-achieving schools like Elizabeth High or Kinder High.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allen Parish

via RiskByCounty

Allen Parish has lower-than-average risk

Allen Parish's composite risk score of 50.70 places it in the relatively low category, below Louisiana's state average of 62.37. This makes Allen one of the safer parishes in a state with above-average natural disaster exposure.

Among Louisiana's lower-risk parishes

Allen Parish ranks in the lower half of Louisiana's risk distribution, offering residents somewhat better odds of avoiding major disasters. However, the parish still faces meaningful hazards, particularly hurricanes (84.98) and wildfires (76.65).

Safer than surrounding parishes

Allen's 50.70 score is substantially lower than Acadia Parish (88.61) to the south and Avoyelles Parish (73.00) to the east. Only Beauregard Parish (55.57) to the west shows comparable risk levels in this region.

Wildfire and hurricane threats loom

Despite its lower overall ranking, Allen Parish faces significant wildfire risk (76.65) and hurricane exposure (84.98). Tornadoes (65.14) present a moderate third concern that shouldn't be overlooked.

Insurance priorities: wind and fire

Allen residents should prioritize windstorm and comprehensive coverage to protect against hurricanes and wildfires. Standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit wildfire coverage, making additional rider policies worth exploring.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allen Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth Above National Medians

Allen Parish averages 66.7°F annually, placing it well above the typical national temperature profile. This warm environment is fueled by high moisture and consistent southern sunshine.

Aligning with Louisiana State Norms

The parish sits just below the Louisiana state average temperature of 67.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 60.7 inches almost perfectly matches the statewide average of 60.8 inches.

Slightly Cooler Than Southern Neighbors

Allen Parish is cooler than neighboring Acadia Parish, which records a 68.2°F average. It sees more extreme heat than Assumption Parish, despite having a lower overall average temperature.

A Season of Extreme Heat

Residents face 84 days of extreme heat annually where temperatures top 90°F. While winters average a cool 51.5°F, snowfall is nearly nonexistent with only 0.1 inches recorded on average.

Preparing for Heat and Rain

With over 60 inches of rain, durable rain gear and reliable drainage are essential for homeowners. The 84 extreme heat days require consistent indoor climate control to maintain comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allen Parish

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Allen Parish

Allen Parish soil records an average pH of 4.98, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level can limit nutrient availability for many common garden plants. While taxonomic data is not currently specified, this acidity is a defining characteristic of the local landscape.

A Silty and Sandy Mix

The parish soil consists of 50.8% silt and 36.6% sand, with a smaller 12.7% clay component. This mixture allows for relatively easy digging and moderate drainage. The lower clay content means the soil is less likely to become heavy and sticky when wet, though it may require more frequent fertilization.

Reliable Water Storage Potential

Organic matter sits at 1.77%, which is below the state average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.186 in/in remains slightly above the Louisiana average of 0.182 in/in. This allows the soil to hold enough water to sustain growth during short droughts.

Navigating Local Water Dynamics

Researchers have not yet provided specific drainage class or hydrologic group data for this parish. The high sand and silt content suggests that water moves through the profile more readily than in clay-heavy regions. This naturally aids in preventing root rot for many sensitive species.

Thriving in the 9a Climate

Allen Parish sits in Zone 9a, offering a long, warm season for growing peppers, tomatoes, and figs. The acidic soil is naturally suited for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. Residents should embrace the unique soil profile to create a lush, productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allen Parish

via LawnByCounty

Taming One of Louisiana's Toughest Lawns

With a difficulty score of 19.1, Allen Parish is one of the most challenging places in the nation to maintain a lawn. This score is nearly 15 points below the Louisiana state average, requiring extra dedication from local gardeners in hardiness zone 9a.

High Humidity and Long Growing Seasons

Allen Parish experiences 84 extreme heat days annually, matching the state average for high-temperature stress. The 60.7 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of moisture, but the 6,459 growing degree days mean you will be mowing frequently through the long southern summer.

Addressing Very Acidic Soil Conditions

The local soil pH is 4.98, which is critically low compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the sand content is a healthy 36.6%, the extreme acidity means heavy soil amendments are likely necessary to prevent nutrient deficiencies in your grass.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Allen Parish has endured 24 weeks of drought in the last year, and currently, nearly 25% of the parish is in severe drought. To conserve water, prioritize irrigating in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help the turf withstand the 100% abnormally dry conditions currently present.

When to Plant in Allen Parish

Bermuda or Zoysia grass perform well in this climate if planted after the last frost on March 3. Be sure to establish your lawn early in the season to prepare for the first fall frost, typically arriving around November 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allen Parish's county score?
Allen Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 68.4 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 Allen Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Allen Parish ranks #5 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 Allen Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Allen Parish is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.18%. This earns Allen Parish a tax score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allen Parish?
The median household income in Allen Parish, Louisiana is $51,138 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allen Parish earns an income score of 16.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allen Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Allen Parish scores 68.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Allen 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 Allen Parish with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.