Ascension Parish

Louisiana · LA

#57 in Louisiana
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Ascension Parish, Louisiana

Ascension outpaces the national livability baseline

Ascension Parish's composite score of 66.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This solid performance indicates Ascension offers residents better-than-average livability compared to most American communities.

Slightly below Louisiana's average performance

With a composite score of 66.1 compared to Louisiana's state average of 70.4, Ascension Parish ranks in the lower-middle tier of state parishes. While still livable, it underperforms relative to other Louisiana communities.

Health and income lead Ascension's profile

Ascension Parish scores exceptionally well on health (73.7) and income (43.6), with a median household income of $92,266—the highest among these eight parishes and well above Louisiana norms. Strong health outcomes and solid earning potential make Ascension attractive to families seeking economic stability and good healthcare access.

Housing costs rising faster than affordability

A cost score of just 64.8 reflects median home values of $265,300 and median rent of $1,283 per month—significantly higher than comparable Louisiana parishes. This housing cost burden is the primary drag on Ascension's overall livability score, particularly for middle-income households.

Best for higher-income professionals and families

Ascension Parish suits professionals and established families with strong incomes and robust health benefits who value good healthcare and can afford rising housing costs. Those seeking bargain real estate or low taxes should look elsewhere; Ascension's premium reflects its economic and health advantages.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.2Cost64.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome43.6Risk7.9WaterComing Soon
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼43.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
7.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Ascension Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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