Avoyelles Parish's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects a parish that provides residents with better-than-average livability compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Matches Louisiana's average parish performance
With a composite score of 70.0 against Louisiana's state average of 70.4, Avoyelles Parish ranks at the heart of the state's performance distribution. The parish offers livability typical of Louisiana, neither exceptional nor lagging in regional comparison.
3 / 5
Ultra-low taxes and budget housing stand out
Avoyelles Parish features one of Louisiana's lowest effective tax rates at 0.203% (tax score: 96.6) and maintains strong housing affordability with median home values of $120,200 (cost score: 86.5). With median rent just $739 per month, Avoyelles ranks among the most affordable parishes for residents of all income levels.
4 / 5
Very low incomes limit economic opportunity
Avoyelles Parish faces significant income challenges with a score of just 9.1 and median household income of only $39,439—the second-lowest among these eight parishes. Health outcomes are also modest at 56.2, suggesting limited resources for quality healthcare and wellness services.
5 / 5
Suits retirees and those with outside income
Avoyelles Parish best serves retirees with pensions, remote workers, and anyone with income sources outside the local economy who values exceptional tax rates and ultra-low housing costs. Limited local income potential makes it less suitable for those dependent on parish employment for household earnings.
Avoyelles Parish's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects a parish that provides residents with better-than-average livability compared to most American communities.
Matches Louisiana's average parish performance
With a composite score of 70.0 against Louisiana's state average of 70.4, Avoyelles Parish ranks at the heart of the state's performance distribution. The parish offers livability typical of Louisiana, neither exceptional nor lagging in regional comparison.
Ultra-low taxes and budget housing stand out
Avoyelles Parish features one of Louisiana's lowest effective tax rates at 0.203% (tax score: 96.6) and maintains strong housing affordability with median home values of $120,200 (cost score: 86.5). With median rent just $739 per month, Avoyelles ranks among the most affordable parishes for residents of all income levels.
Very low incomes limit economic opportunity
Avoyelles Parish faces significant income challenges with a score of just 9.1 and median household income of only $39,439—the second-lowest among these eight parishes. Health outcomes are also modest at 56.2, suggesting limited resources for quality healthcare and wellness services.
Suits retirees and those with outside income
Avoyelles Parish best serves retirees with pensions, remote workers, and anyone with income sources outside the local economy who values exceptional tax rates and ultra-low housing costs. Limited local income potential makes it less suitable for those dependent on parish employment for household earnings.
Score breakdown
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🏛96.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
At 22.5%, Avoyelles Parish's rent-to-income ratio stands nearly 3 percentage points above Louisiana's 19.5% state average, marking it as Louisiana's most burdened rental market. Residents earn just $39,439 annually—47% below the national median—while renting for $739 monthly consumes a substantial share of limited income. This mismatch between low wages and rental costs creates genuine affordability stress.
Avoyelles ranks as Louisiana's least affordable
Avoyelles Parish consistently ranks last among Louisiana's 64 parishes for rental affordability, with a 22.5% rent-to-income ratio that reflects structural income challenges. This parish faces the state's most severe housing burden relative to available wages. Relief requires either income growth or rent stabilization—neither currently trending in Avoyelles' direction.
Central Louisiana's affordability challenge
Avoyelles' $739 rent matches Allen Parish's but burdens residents far more heavily due to lower incomes ($39,439 vs. Allen's $51,138). While surrounding parishes like Acadia manage 19% rent burdens, Avoyelles residents allocate 22.5% of meager earnings to rent. This income gap—not rental rates—drives Avoyelles' affordability crisis.
Rents consume a quarter of income for renters
The median Avoyelles renter earning $39,439 annually pays $739 monthly—a crushing 22.5% of gross income—while homeowners fare better at 16.6% of income. Median home values of just $120,200 suggest ownership remains within reach for those with down payments, offering escape from rental burden. Income growth remains the critical lever for improving affordability here.
Avoyelles: Choose carefully, budget tightly
Avoyelles Parish's extremely low incomes and housing costs create the state's worst affordability ratio—renters here spend 22.5% of earnings on housing. Only relocate if you're bringing above-average income or have purchased a home; renting puts unsustainable pressure on local wage levels. Compare your expected income against $39,439 to determine if Avoyelles offers real opportunity.
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.
Avoyelles Parish residents live to just 71.1 years, nearly 5.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. A striking 29% report poor or fair health—the worst in this entire group and 11 percentage points above the national 18%. These numbers reveal a health emergency.
Among Louisiana's hardest-hit parishes
Avoyelles' 71.1-year life expectancy ranks among Louisiana's lowest, trailing the state average of 72.5 years. The 29% poor/fair health rate and 9.3% uninsured rate place it in Louisiana's most vulnerable tier. Action here could save years of life.
Lowest life expectancy in the region
At 71.1 years, Avoyelles ranks last among these eight parishes on longevity—trailing even Acadia (70.6) and Allen (70.7) in life expectancy. The parish does have a bright spot: 198 mental health providers per 100K, the highest in the group. Primary care access lags at 28 per 100K.
Health crisis rooted in access gaps
Avoyelles' 28 primary care providers per 100K is below optimal, while 9.3% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 11 adults lack coverage. The combination of limited doctors and weak insurance coverage creates barriers to preventive care. The resulting 29% poor/fair health rate is the human cost of these gaps.
Coverage opens the door to care
With 9.3% uninsured, Avoyelles has the highest uninsured rate in this group—a solvable problem. Louisiana's Medicaid expansion and ACA marketplace offer affordable paths to coverage. Start at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 today to begin reversing Avoyelles' health crisis.
Avoyelles Parish's composite risk score of 73.00 places it in the relatively low category, slightly above Louisiana's state average of 62.37. The parish has substantial hazard exposure but remains below the state's riskiest counties.
Lower-middle tier among Louisiana parishes
Avoyelles ranks in Louisiana's lower-middle risk range, benefiting from lower flood exposure than coastal parishes but facing significant tornado and hurricane threats. The parish's 84.26 tornado risk is notably elevated compared to many neighboring parishes.
Moderate risk relative to neighbors
Avoyelles's 73.00 score exceeds Assumption Parish (70.29) to the south but falls well below Ascension Parish (92.14) to the east. Allen Parish (50.70) to the west faces lower overall risk.
Tornadoes pose the highest threat
Avoyelles faces exceptionally high tornado risk (84.26), making severe weather preparedness essential for residents. Hurricane risk (90.03) and moderate flood risk (44.53) round out the parish's major hazards.
Prioritize tornado safety and coverage
Avoyelles residents should ensure their homeowners insurance covers windstorm and hail damage, particularly given the parish's high tornado exposure. Developing a family severe weather plan and knowing shelter locations are equally important as financial protection.