countyscore
41.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.8Property Tax 82.4Soil Quality 70.5

County Report Card

About Ascension Parish, Louisiana

Ascension Below National Median

Ascension Parish receives a composite score of 41.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. High costs and safety concerns offset its significant economic advantages.

Trailing the Louisiana Average

The parish's score of 41.2 falls below the state average of 53.0. While it is an economic engine for the region, its overall livability is hampered by rising expenses and environmental risks.

A High-Earning Powerhouse

Economic strength is the parish's calling card, with a high income score of 92.8 and a median household income of $92,266. Health metrics are also strong at 68.8, reflecting a generally prosperous population.

Expensive Housing and Risk

Affordability is a major hurdle here, as shown by a cost score of 13.1 and a median rent of $1,283. Safety and environmental risk also score poorly, at 12.6 and 7.9 respectively.

Best for Career Professionals

Ascension Parish is a top pick for high-earning professionals who prioritize health care and high salaries. It suits those willing to trade high housing costs and environmental risk for economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax82.4Cost13.1Safety12.6Health68.8Schools45.6Income92.8Risk7.9Water21.8Weather29.6
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.6
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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Counties with similar scores

District of Columbia
District of Columbia
Median income: $106,287
41.2
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Chautauqua County
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Washington County
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Greene County
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Brevard County
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St. Clair County
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Allen County
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Nearby counties

St. James Parish
Louisiana
51.8
Livingston Parish
Louisiana
43.3
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
69.4
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.2
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
31.4
West Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
46.9
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
43.2
St. Martin Parish
Louisiana
47.6

Deep Dives

Ascension Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ascension Parish

via TaxByCounty

Ascension's taxes exceed national averages

At 0.535%, Ascension Parish's effective tax rate tops the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the upper third of counties nationwide. The median property tax bill of $1,419 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by about 53%.

Among Louisiana's highest-taxed parishes

Ascension's effective rate of 0.535% significantly outpaces the state average of 0.421%. With median taxes of $1,419 versus the state median of $732, Ascension homeowners pay nearly double the typical Louisiana property tax.

Highest rate in the southeast region

Ascension's 0.535% rate towers over neighboring Assumption Parish (0.431%) and nearly matches Bossier Parish (0.642%) in the north. For homeowners in this region, Ascension represents the steepest tax burden.

Higher bills reflect strong median home values

On Ascension's median home value of $265,300, owners pay $1,419 annually—about $118 monthly in property taxes. Including mortgage-related taxes, the total rises to approximately $1,544 per year.

Assess your assessment for savings

Given Ascension's higher-than-average tax rates, verifying your property's assessed value is especially worthwhile. Many homeowners in rapidly developing parishes like Ascension can successfully appeal inflated assessments and reduce their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ascension Parish

via CostByCounty

Ascension Parish: Louisiana's affluent outlier

Ascension Parish residents earn $92,266 annually—23% above the national median—and enjoy a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats Louisiana's 19.5% state average. This parish stands apart as one of Louisiana's wealthiest, with rents ($1,283) and home values ($265,300) reflecting its higher-income profile. For well-compensated workers, Ascension offers strong affordability despite premium housing costs.

Ascension leads Louisiana in income and affordability

With a median household income of $92,266, Ascension Parish outearns every other Louisiana parish by a substantial margin, translating to superior housing affordability despite higher absolute costs. Its 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, proof that higher incomes outpace housing cost growth in this region. Ascension represents Louisiana's upper-income success story.

Ascension commands premium over surrounding parishes

Ascension's $1,283 median rent towers over nearby Acadia ($725) and Assumption ($801), reflecting its affluent demographic and proximity to Baton Rouge's job market. Home values hit $265,300 here versus $146,900 in Acadia—an 80% premium—though owner costs remain manageable at 17.2% of income. Ascension's higher costs align with higher incomes unavailable elsewhere in the region.

High earners find excellent housing value

At $92,266 annual income, the typical Ascension household spends $1,283 on rent (16.7%) or $1,320 on ownership costs (17.2%)—remarkably similar affordability burdens. The median home value of $265,300 reflects this parish's position as a suburban Baton Rouge hub attracting higher-wage workers. For affluent families, Ascension delivers both premium housing and manageable payment ratios.

Ascension for higher earners seeking stability

If you're relocating with a household income above $85,000, Ascension Parish offers Louisiana's most balanced housing affordability at premium levels. Your $92,266 median income would secure excellent housing options with rents and mortgages consuming just 17% of earnings. Factor in proximity to Baton Rouge's job market and top-tier schools when weighing this parish's premium rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ascension Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Ascension exceeds national income standards

Ascension Parish's median household income of $92,266 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $17,511. The parish ranks among Louisiana's highest-earning communities, demonstrating strong economic vitality.

Ascension leads Louisiana in household income

At $92,266, Ascension's median household income towers 67% above Louisiana's state average of $55,250. The parish ranks at the top tier statewide, reflecting robust employment and industrial opportunities.

Dramatically outearns surrounding parishes

Ascension's $92,266 median income vastly exceeds nearby Assumption Parish at $52,546—a $39,720 annual gap. This dramatic difference reflects Ascension's strong industrial and petrochemical sectors that drive higher regional wages.

Strong income covers all local costs

Ascension's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% shows housing costs consume just one-sixth of median household earnings, well below affordability thresholds. With median home values at $265,300, higher-earning households can comfortably afford homeownership while maintaining financial flexibility.

Leverage higher income for wealth strategies

Ascension's $92,266 median income creates opportunities to pursue advanced wealth-building strategies like real estate investment, diverse portfolio construction, and educational advancement. With stronger financial cushion, households can aggressively fund college savings, retirement, and business ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ascension Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Ascension Parish Safety and National Trends

Ascension Parish reports a total crime rate of 2,563.5 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the parish maintains a respectable safety score of 96.0.

Tracking Above the State Crime Average

The parish total crime rate of 2,563.5 is higher than the Louisiana average of 1,853.7. However, its safety score of 96.0 remains competitive with the state average of 97.1.

Growth and Safety in the Region

Two reporting agencies provide a snapshot of a parish experiencing more activity than some of its rural neighbors. This higher rate often reflects the parish's role as a growing residential and commercial hub.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,210.7 per 100,000, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 352.8 is lower than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home Security and Awareness

With property crime as the main focus, residents should invest in alarm systems and secure entry points. These steps help mitigate the impact of the 2,210.7 property offenses occurring per 100,000 people.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ascension Parish

via HealthByCounty

Ascension outpaces nation on longevity

Ascension Parish residents live to 76.3 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by mere months. Only 17.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 18%. Ascension stands out as Louisiana's health leader.

Best health outcomes in Louisiana

At 76.3 years, Ascension's life expectancy beats Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by nearly 4 years—a striking gap. The parish ranks first or among the very top in Louisiana on longevity and self-reported health. With 6.5% uninsured, Ascension also leads on coverage.

Health leader among regional peers

Ascension's 76.3-year life expectancy far outpaces Assumption Parish (74.0 years) and Bossier Parish (75.9 years). Primary care access is excellent at 44 per 100K, matching Beauregard Parish. Mental health providers (125 per 100K) round out a strong healthcare infrastructure.

Strong access supports preventive care

Ascension's 44 primary care providers per 100K and 6.5% uninsured rate create an environment where regular checkups and preventive care are the norm. Better coverage rates mean fewer residents skip care due to cost. This virtuous cycle shows in the parish's superior health outcomes.

Build on Ascension's coverage success

With 6.5% uninsured—the lowest in this group—Ascension is a model for healthcare access. If you're among the uninsured, healthcare.gov and Louisiana's Medicaid program make it easy to join the majority with coverage. Small steps toward insurance yield big health gains.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ascension Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Infrastructure in Ascension

Ascension Parish maintains 31 public schools with a massive total enrollment of 24,769 students. The system is anchored by 19 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 4 major high schools.

Strong Results for a Growing Student Body

The parish reports a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the state average of 85.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Academic performance is steady with a school score of 53.7, achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,069.

Large District Management and Massive Campuses

The Ascension Parish school district oversees all 31 schools, and there are currently no charter schools in the parish. This district manages some of the state's largest campuses, including Dutchtown High with 2,643 students and St. Amant High with over 2,400.

A Predominantly Suburban Educational Feel

Twenty-one of the parish's 31 schools are located in suburban locales, reflecting the area's rapid growth. Schools here are much larger than the state average, with a typical enrollment of 799 students per campus.

Find Your Home in a Suburban School Hub

Families seeking a suburban lifestyle with high-performing schools often look toward Ascension Parish. The area's strong graduation rates and modern facilities make it a top choice for home seekers prioritizing education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ascension Parish

via RiskByCounty

Ascension faces significant disaster risk

Ascension Parish's composite risk score of 92.14 ranks it in the relatively moderate category, substantially above Louisiana's state average of 62.37. This makes Ascension one of the state's higher-exposure parishes for natural disasters.

Among Louisiana's highest-risk parishes

Ascension ranks near the top of Louisiana's risk distribution, primarily driven by extreme tornado and hurricane exposure. The parish's tornado risk (95.26) is exceptionally high—among the most severe in the state.

Riskier than most nearby parishes

Ascension's 92.14 score exceeds nearby Assumption Parish (70.29) and significantly surpasses Allen Parish (50.70). Only Acadia Parish (88.61) immediately to the south shows comparable risk levels.

Tornadoes and hurricanes are severe

Ascension faces exceptionally high tornado risk (95.26) and extreme hurricane risk (97.96)—a dangerous one-two punch. Flood risk (79.20) rounds out the parish's top three natural disaster threats.

Build tornado-safe habits and coverage

Ascension residents need robust homeowners insurance that includes windstorm protection, plus investment in storm shelters or safe rooms. The parish's exceptional tornado risk makes structural reinforcement a worthwhile safety upgrade beyond insurance alone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ascension Parish

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Deep South

While specific temperature records are unavailable, Ascension Parish receives a massive 65.7 inches of rain annually. This is significantly higher than the national median and indicates a very humid climate.

A Particularly Wet Louisiana Parish

Ascension Parish is wetter than most of the state, exceeding the Louisiana average of 60.8 inches by nearly 5 inches. This high rainfall suggests the parish is more prone to moisture-related weather events.

Wetter Than Nearby Assumption Parish

Ascension sees more annual rainfall than neighbor Assumption Parish, which records 63.4 inches. While temperature data is limited, the proximity suggests it likely follows the warm regional trend.

Dominant Rain and Limited Snow

Local weather is defined by its 65.7 inches of precipitation rather than frozen winters. Though seasonal temperature data is not available, the region's geography points toward long, humid summers.

Prioritizing Drainage and Humidity Control

Homeowners should invest in high-capacity gutters and moisture-resistant building materials. The consistent rainfall makes water management a primary concern for local property planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ascension Parish

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in River Country

Ascension Parish boasts an average pH of 6.27, coming very close to the national ideal of 6.5. This relatively neutral acidity makes it one of the more versatile soils in the state for varied agriculture. Although taxonomic orders are not listed, this pH provides a healthy foundation for most plant life.

Silty Clay Textures Dominate

The soil is comprised of 54.9% silt and 36.3% clay, with a very low 8.5% sand content. This heavy, silty texture excels at holding nutrients and providing a firm root base. However, the high clay content means the soil can become compacted and difficult to work if handled while too wet.

High Organic Matter and Water Storage

Ascension's 4.16% organic matter is more than double the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in—which exceeds the state average—this soil is highly fertile. These numbers indicate a strong ability to support vigorous plant growth and resist moisture stress.

Managing Heavier Soils

While specific drainage classes are not currently available in the dataset, the high clay levels suggest a slower drainage rate. This can lead to ponding during heavy Louisiana rains, a factor builders and farmers must consider. Proper site grading is essential to manage water flow in these heavy soils.

Prime Gardening in Zone 9a

The fertile, near-neutral soil and Zone 9a climate make Ascension Parish a gardener's dream. It is well-suited for everything from sweet potatoes to summer squashes. With such high organic matter, your garden is already off to a fantastic start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ascension Parish

via LawnByCounty

Ascension Parish: A Lawn Care Leader

Ascension Parish boasts a lawn difficulty score of 57.6, making it easier to maintain than both the national median and the Louisiana state average. This parish offers some of the most favorable conditions in the region for a lush, green landscape.

Abundant Rainfall for Thirsty Grass

Annual precipitation here reaches 65.7 inches, which is significantly higher than the national ideal but helps sustain growth during humid summers. While some climate data is limited for this parish, the high rainfall typically reduces the need for supplemental irrigation compared to drier neighbors.

Solid Soil Foundation in Hardiness Zone 9a

The soil pH is a very favorable 6.27, landing right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 window for healthy turf. With a higher clay content of 36.3%, these soils hold moisture well, though they may require aeration to prevent compaction and improve drainage.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dryness

Ascension has only seen 8 weeks of drought over the past year, far less than many surrounding parishes. While 75.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought conditions makes it easier to maintain lawn health with standard watering practices.

Achieving Success with Warm-Season Turf

The favorable soil pH makes Ascension a great place for St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. Because specific frost dates are less predictable here, monitor local soil temperatures and aim to plant in late spring when the ground stays consistently warm.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ascension Parish's county score?
Ascension Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 41.2 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 Ascension Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Ascension Parish ranks #56 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 Ascension Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Ascension Parish is $1,419, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Ascension Parish a tax score of 82.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ascension Parish?
The median household income in Ascension Parish, Louisiana is $92,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ascension Parish earns an income score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ascension Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Ascension Parish scores 41.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Ascension 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 Ascension 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.