countyscore
58.3
County Score
Property Tax 99.8Cost of Living 82.2Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax99.8Cost82.2Safety64.7Health22Schools51.7Income2.5Risk27Water27Weather30
🏛99.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
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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Nearby counties

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45.8
Rapides Parish
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36
West Feliciana Parish
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Pointe Coupee Parish
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Evangeline Parish
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Wilkinson County
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Catahoula Parish
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Deep Dives

Avoyelles Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Avoyelles Parish

via CostByCounty

Avoyelles Parish: Louisiana's affordability challenge

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Avoyelles Parish

via HealthByCounty

Avoyelles faces serious health crisis

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Avoyelles Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Public and Charter Landscape

Avoyelles Parish provides education to 6,071 students across 13 public schools. The system includes 6 elementary schools and 4 high schools, plus 3 schools with alternative or combined grade levels.

Exceeding State Averages with Efficiency

Avoyelles Parish achieves a graduation rate of 94.1%, surpassing the Louisiana average of 85.4%. The district maintains a school score of 54.2 while operating with a per-pupil expenditure of just $6,290.

Multiple Districts and Strong Charter Presence

Unique to the region, this parish features 3 school districts, including the Avoyelles Public Charter School. Charter schools make up 23.1% of the total, with Avoyelles Public Charter School being the largest campus at 709 students.

Rural and Town Settings Define Local Schools

The parish splits its schools between 7 rural locations and 6 town settings. Campuses like Bunkie Magnet High and Marksville Elementary offer a mid-sized school feel with enrollments hovering around 700 students.

Find Home Near Flexible School Options

With a mix of traditional and charter districts, Avoyelles Parish offers diverse educational pathways for families. Exploring homes near Marksville or Plaucheville puts you in reach of some of the parish's top-rated campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Avoyelles Parish

via RiskByCounty

Avoyelles faces moderate disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 58.3 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 #23 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 $244, with an effective tax rate of 0.20%. This earns Avoyelles Parish a tax score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Avoyelles Parish?
The median household income in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana is $39,439 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Avoyelles Parish earns an income score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Avoyelles Parish scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 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.

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