countyscore
58.7
County Score
Property Tax 99.7Cost of Living 84.5Safety 64.7

County Report Card

About Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana

Avoyelles Above National Median

Avoyelles Parish posts a composite score of 58.3, beating the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of affordability relative to the rest of the country.

Stronger than State Average

The parish's score of 58.3 is higher than the Louisiana average of 53.0. It offers a more balanced cost-to-safety profile than many neighboring parishes.

Minimal Tax Burden

With a near-perfect tax score of 99.8 and an effective tax rate of 0.203%, Avoyelles is incredibly tax-friendly. Housing is also highly accessible, as reflected by a cost score of 82.2.

Low Local Earning Potential

Economic opportunity is the primary struggle, with an income score of only 2.5 and a median income of $39,439. Health services also lag behind, with a health score of 22.0.

Perfect for Frugal Living

Avoyelles Parish is an excellent fit for retirees or individuals with fixed incomes who need to minimize expenses. It provides a safe, low-cost lifestyle for those not reliant on the local job market.

2040608010099.784.564.72251.72272730Tax99.7Cost84.5Safety64.7Health22Schools51.7Income2Risk27Water27Weather3058.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Avoyelles Parish DNA

Foverall

How Avoyelles Parish compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Avoyelles Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (99.7/100) but notably weak in Income (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.7+47.7
Cost
84.5+36.5
Safety
64.7+9.700000000000003
Health
22-28
Schools
51.7
Income
2-49
Risk
27-20
Water
27-31
Weather
30-26
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Avoyelles Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in Avoyelles Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$757/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,325/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Avoyelles Parish with Washington County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Washington County
Idaho
Median income: $54,000
58.7
Greene County
Iowa
Median income: $63,409
58.7
Estill County
Kentucky
Median income: $46,051
58.7
Franklin County
Mississippi
Median income: $52,939
58.7
Hardeman County
Texas
Median income: $63,333
58.7
King William County
Virginia
Median income: $86,056
58.7
Bradford County
Florida
Median income: $63,050
58.8
Woodson County
Kansas
Median income: $50,326
58.8

Nearby counties

Concordia Parish
Louisiana
46.3
Rapides Parish
Louisiana
36
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
64.5
Pointe Coupee Parish
Louisiana
54.4
LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
69.2
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
50.7
Wilkinson County
Mississippi
52.8
Catahoula Parish
Louisiana
57.1

Deep Dives

Avoyelles Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Avoyelles Parish

via TaxByCounty

Avoyelles ranks among nation's lowest taxed

At 0.203%, Avoyelles Parish's effective tax rate falls in the bottom 15% nationally. Homeowners pay just $244 annually—less than 9% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Second-lowest taxes in Louisiana

Avoyelles' effective rate of 0.203% ranks among the lowest in the state, trailing only Allen Parish's 0.180%. Its median property tax of $244 is similarly among Louisiana's most affordable.

Very affordable compared to peers

Avoyelles' 0.203% rate beats most regional neighbors, including Assumption Parish (0.431%) and Acadia Parish (0.304%). Only Allen Parish (0.180%) offers comparable tax affordability in the region.

Low annual property tax bill

On Avoyelles' median home value of $120,200, homeowners pay $244 per year in property taxes—just $20 monthly. Including mortgage-related taxes raises the total to roughly $370 annually.

Even low assessments warrant review

Low tax rates don't guarantee fair assessments; some Avoyelles homeowners may still be overassessed relative to market value. A free appeal through the parish assessor can confirm whether your assessment is truly accurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Avoyelles Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Avoyelles faces severe income disparity

Avoyelles Parish's median household income of $39,439 falls 47% below the national median of $74,755. This $35,316 annual shortfall represents one of Louisiana's most economically challenged parishes relative to national standards.

Louisiana's lower-income parishes

Avoyelles ranks among Louisiana's lowest-income parishes, with a median household income of $39,439 far below the state average of $55,250. The $15,811 annual gap reflects persistent economic challenges in the parish.

Significantly underearns nearby Allen

Avoyelles' $39,439 median income lags nearby Allen Parish at $51,138 by $11,699 annually. This disparity indicates unequal job opportunities and economic development across the region, creating divergent financial realities.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Avoyelles' rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% shows housing costs consume nearly one-quarter of median household earnings, approaching affordability stress levels. At $120,200 median home values, many households struggle to balance housing with other essential expenses.

Focus on income growth and skill-building

At $39,439, wealth-building requires prioritizing income growth through skill development, certifications, or career advancement over aggressive investing. Begin with micro-savings goals—even $25 monthly in savings accounts—while pursuing higher-earning opportunities through training programs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Avoyelles Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Avoyelles Parish Boasts High Safety Ratings

Avoyelles Parish maintains a high safety score of 98.7, significantly outperforming national trends. Its total crime rate of 822.2 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Louisiana State Average

The parish is much safer than the Louisiana average, where the total crime rate is 1,853.7 per 100,000. Seven reporting agencies contribute to a robust data set that confirms this high level of safety.

A Strong Safety Record Among Neighbors

Avoyelles maintains a lower crime footprint than many nearby parishes in Central Louisiana. This consistent performance across multiple agencies makes it a regional standout for public safety.

Violent and Property Crimes Remain Low

The violent crime rate is low at 204.9 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 617.3. These numbers are well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7 and violent crime rate of 369.8.

Protecting Your Home in Avoyelles

Maintaining a safety score of 98.7 is a community effort that starts at home. Basic security habits help deter the 617.3 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents each year.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Avoyelles Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A Hot Hub in Central Louisiana

Avoyelles Parish averages 67.3°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This region is defined by its intense summer heat and high humidity levels.

Slightly Above the State Average

The parish tracks slightly warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It also receives 61.6 inches of rain annually, which is just above the state average of 60.8 inches.

Warmer Summers Than Beauregard

Avoyelles Parish records a July average of 82.8°F, making its peak summer hotter than Beauregard Parish. It also faces more extreme heat days than many of its neighbors.

Three Months of Extreme Heat

Residents endure 91 days of temperatures at or above 90°F each year. Winter is relatively cool but snowless, with a January average of 49.7°F and zero inches of snowfall.

Preparing for a Long Summer

With 91 extreme heat days, summer electricity bills for cooling are a significant consideration. Residents should prepare for zero snowfall, meaning winter tires and snow gear are unnecessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Avoyelles Parish

via SoilByCounty

Mildly Acidic Alluvial Soils

Avoyelles Parish has an average pH of 6.27, making it only slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This range is generally considered ideal for a wide variety of row crops and garden vegetables. The absence of specific taxonomic data does not diminish its reputation for agricultural reliability.

A Versatile Silt and Clay Mix

The soil consists of 48.4% silt and 31.7% clay, rounded out by 19.9% sand. This balanced distribution provides better drainage than heavy clay soils while retaining more nutrients than sandy ones. It offers a versatile surface that responds well to traditional farming and gardening techniques.

Standard Fertility and Moisture

The organic matter content is 1.86%, which is close to the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Louisiana state average. Its available water capacity of 0.181 in/in sits right at the state average of 0.182 in/in. This makes for a reliable, if not extraordinary, growing medium.

Reliable Water Management

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unrecorded for this area. However, the nearly 20% sand content helps facilitate better internal drainage than is found in the heavier parishes to the south. This makes the land less prone to the long-term saturation that can plague clay-dominant soils.

Diverse Options in Zone 9a

In Zone 9a, Avoyelles Parish gardeners can enjoy a long growing season that supports everything from brassicas in winter to melons in summer. The soil's balanced texture is especially good for root vegetables like carrots and radishes. There is no better time than now to get your seeds in the ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Avoyelles Parish

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tough Conditions in Avoyelles

Avoyelles Parish faces a lawn difficulty score of 31.6, placing it slightly below the Louisiana state average. Hardiness zone 9a residents must contend with higher-than-average heat and significant drought pressure to keep their yards healthy.

Extreme Heat and High Mowing Demand

With 91 extreme heat days—well above the state average of 84—lawns here face intense stress. The 61.6 inches of annual rainfall helps, but the 6,669 growing degree days mean mowing schedules remain packed throughout the hot summer.

Ideal pH Levels but High Clay Content

The soil pH of 6.27 is perfect for most grass types, eliminating the need for heavy lime treatments. However, the soil contains 31.7% clay, which can lead to drainage issues and compaction if the lawn sees heavy foot traffic during the rainy season.

Extreme Drought Challenges for Homeowners

Currently, 100% of Avoyelles Parish is in severe drought, a condition that has persisted for 23 weeks over the past year. Water conservation is critical; homeowners should raise mower blades to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation from the turf.

Best Practices for Planting Success

Plant heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia once the threat of frost ends around February 28. These grasses need time to establish deep roots before the first fall frost arrives, which usually occurs around November 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avoyelles Parish's county score?
Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Avoyelles Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Avoyelles Parish ranks #20 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 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Avoyelles Parish is $249, with an effective tax rate of 0.20%. This earns Avoyelles Parish a tax score of 99.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Avoyelles Parish?
The median household income in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana is $39,325 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Avoyelles Parish earns an income score of 2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Avoyelles Parish scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Avoyelles 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 Avoyelles Parish with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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