countyscore
36.2
County Score
Property Tax 69.5Income & Jobs 57.7Schools 54.6

County Report Card

About Bossier Parish, Louisiana

Bossier Below National Median

Bossier Parish receives a composite score of 36.2, falling below the national median of 50.0. This reflects significant challenges in safety and affordability.

Trailing the Louisiana Average

The parish's 36.2 score is below the Louisiana average of 53.0. While it has pockets of prosperity, the overall livability profile is under pressure.

Economic and Educational Core

Bossier displays strength in income with a score of 57.7 and a median household income of $66,336. School and health scores remain respectable at 54.6 and 53.5 respectively.

Critical Safety and Cost Issues

Safety is a primary concern with a score of only 0.5. Combined with a cost score of 20.9 and a median home value of $215,100, the parish faces a difficult value proposition.

Best for High-Earning Commuters

Bossier Parish suits professionals who value local amenities and higher wages over low costs or safety. It is a choice for those who want an urban-adjacent lifestyle and are comfortable with a higher-risk profile.

Score breakdown

Tax69.5Cost20.9Safety0.5Health53.5Schools54.6Income57.7Risk17.5Water21.6Weather34
🏛69.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.8
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

Caddo Parish
Louisiana
47.7
Webster Parish
Louisiana
58.1
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Claiborne Parish
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68.8
Red River Parish
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Lafayette County
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De Soto Parish
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Columbia County
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Deep Dives

Bossier Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bossier Parish

via TaxByCounty

Bossier's taxes exceed national average

At 0.642%, Bossier Parish's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the upper quarter of counties. The median property tax of $1,380 trails the national median of $2,690, but remains significantly higher than most Louisiana parishes.

The highest-taxed parish in Louisiana

Bossier's effective rate of 0.642% substantially exceeds the state average of 0.421%, the highest we're tracking. Its median property tax of $1,380 nearly doubles the state median of $732, making Bossier an outlier statewide.

Far steeper than surrounding parishes

Bossier's 0.642% rate vastly outpaces nearby Bienville Parish (0.319%) and even exceeds Ascension Parish (0.535%). For northern Louisiana homeowners, Bossier represents the highest property tax burden by far.

Notably higher annual property tax bills

On Bossier's median home value of $215,100, owners pay $1,380 per year in property taxes—roughly $115 monthly. Including mortgage-related fees, the total climbs to approximately $1,605 annually.

Challenge assessments given high rates

With Bossier's exceptionally high tax rate, reviewing your property's assessed value is especially critical. Many homeowners can successfully appeal overassessments through the parish assessor's office, potentially recouping hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bossier Parish

via CostByCounty

Bossier Parish: Premium pricing, strained affordability

At 21.1%, Bossier Parish's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Louisiana's 19.5% state average despite median rents of $1,168—the state's second-highest. Residents earning $66,336 annually face housing costs that consume an outsized share of income relative to peer parishes. Bossier's strong economy attracts workers, but housing costs rise faster than wages.

Bossier among Louisiana's most expensive markets

Bossier Parish ranks among Louisiana's higher-cost parishes with a concerning 21.1% rent-to-income ratio, placing it in the bottom third for affordability. Despite reasonable income levels, housing costs strain household budgets more heavily here than nearly everywhere else in Louisiana. This reflects Bossier's status as a regional job hub near Shreveport.

Bossier dominates regional housing costs

Bossier's $1,168 median rent dwarfs all comparison parishes—$287 above Acadia ($725), $493 above Beauregard ($882), and $367 above Assumption ($801). Home values hit $215,100, reflecting this parish's premium positioning near Shreveport's job market. Bossier renters pay premium prices for proximity to employment and services.

Renters shoulder 21% burden; owners face 19.5%

Bossier renters earning $66,336 pay $1,168 monthly (21.1%), while homeowners carrying $215,100 median-value mortgages pay $1,084 (19.5%). The modest owner advantage (1.6 percentage points) suggests rental and ownership markets move in tandem here. Residents face elevated housing burdens across both market segments.

Bossier: Economic hub with housing trade-off

Bossier Parish offers strong Shreveport-area job opportunities but demands acceptance of the state's highest housing costs—rents run $1,168 monthly, consuming 21.1% of earnings. Only relocate if your income exceeds the $66,336 median or job prospects justify the premium. Compare Bossier rents against our more affordable parishes before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bossier Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Bossier approaches national median income

Bossier Parish's median household income of $66,336 trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,419—only 11% below U.S. averages. The parish demonstrates respectable economic positioning relative to national standards.

Above-average income for Louisiana

Bossier's $66,336 median household income exceeds Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by $11,086 annually. The parish ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, reflecting solid economic performance.

Outearns most surrounding parishes

Bossier's $66,336 median income surpasses nearby parishes, with $22,344 more than Assumption Parish at $52,546. The parish benefits from regional economic anchors that support higher household earnings.

Housing costs manageable despite rising values

Bossier's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% shows housing costs take slightly above one-fifth of median household earnings, approaching but remaining within reasonable affordability. At $215,100 median home values, higher-value homes are accessible to established middle-income households.

Build balanced portfolio and retirement savings

With $66,336 median income and reasonable housing costs, Bossier households can pursue diversified wealth-building through retirement accounts, home equity, and investment portfolios. Maximize employer retirement benefits and consider real estate as a tangible wealth accumulation strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bossier Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Bossier Parish Faces Significant Crime Pressure

Bossier Parish reports a total crime rate of 9,760.4 per 100,000, which is over four times higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This high activity results in a lower safety score of 84.6.

Trailing the Louisiana Safety Average

The parish's crime rate of 9,760.4 far exceeds the Louisiana state average of 1,853.7 per 100,000 people. With nine reporting agencies, this data provides a comprehensive look at the public safety challenges in the area.

A High-Activity Hub in the Region

Compared to many of its rural neighbors, Bossier Parish shows much higher crime density due to its urban centers and commercial growth. The high number of reporting agencies ensures that this safety data reflects the whole community.

Very High Property and Violent Crime Rates

Property crime is exceptionally high at 7,995.2 per 100,000, while violent crime reaches 1,765.2. Both figures are many times higher than the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Essential Security for Bossier Households

In a high-crime environment, advanced home security systems and community watch programs are vital for protection. Vigilance is the best defense against the 7,995.2 property crimes occurring per 100,000 people.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bossier Parish

via HealthByCounty

Bossier nearly matches national health

Bossier Parish residents live to 75.9 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 19.7% report poor or fair health, close to the national 18%. Bossier ranks among the healthiest parishes in Louisiana and this entire region.

Second-best health in Louisiana

At 75.9 years, Bossier's life expectancy exceeds Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by 3.4 years—a significant margin. The 19.7% poor/fair health rate ranks near best in state. At 8.3% uninsured, Bossier trails state average, showing strong coverage.

Regional health leader after Ascension

Only Ascension Parish (76.3 years) edges Bossier (75.9 years) on life expectancy in this group. Bossier's 47 primary care providers per 100K is the highest among these eight parishes. Mental health providers (233 per 100K) are also robust, creating a well-resourced healthcare system.

Strong infrastructure supports excellent health

Bossier's 47 primary care providers per 100K and 8.3% uninsured rate create an environment where preventive and routine care thrive. Residents benefit from having access to physicians and the coverage to see them. This virtuous cycle shows in the parish's near-national-average life expectancy.

Build on Bossier's healthcare success

Bossier's strong outcomes reflect good coverage (8.3% uninsured) and robust provider access. If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov makes it simple to join the majority with coverage. Full insurance removes cost barriers and enables the routine care that keeps Bossier healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bossier Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Bossier's Robust and Growing School System

Bossier Parish operates 34 public schools, serving a large student population of 23,918. The infrastructure is comprehensive, with 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 high schools.

High Graduation Rates in a Large District

The parish achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the state's 85.4% average. With a school score of 54.9 and spending of $7,136 per pupil, the district demonstrates strong performance despite its large scale.

Centralized District with Major High Schools

Bossier Parish is the lone school district and does not feature any charter schools. It is home to massive campuses, most notably Airline High School, which serves 2,021 students.

Urban and Rural Diversity in Bossier Schools

The parish offers a diverse mix of locales, including 17 city schools, 13 rural schools, and 4 suburban campuses. Average school size is 703 students, though major high schools like Benton and Haughton are significantly larger.

Establish Roots in a High-Growth School District

Bossier Parish offers everything from urban to rural school settings, all backed by strong graduation rates. Families often seek homes in this parish to provide their children with the diverse opportunities found at Parkway or Airline High.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bossier Parish

via RiskByCounty

Bossier faces significant disaster risk

Bossier Parish's composite risk score of 82.54 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above Louisiana's state average of 62.37. This makes Bossier one of the state's higher-exposure parishes for natural disasters.

Among Louisiana's higher-risk parishes

Bossier ranks in the upper tier of Louisiana's disaster risk distribution, primarily driven by high tornado and flood exposure. The parish's 85.75 tornado risk is exceptionally elevated compared to most state parishes.

Riskier than surrounding parishes

Bossier's 82.54 score vastly exceeds nearby Bienville Parish (28.66) to the south and represents one of northern Louisiana's highest-risk areas. The parish faces substantially more hazard exposure than most surrounding regions.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are severe

Bossier faces exceptionally high tornado risk (85.75) and notable earthquake risk (71.98)—an unusual hazard combination for Louisiana. Flood risk (73.95) rounds out the parish's major concerns.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Bossier residents need robust homeowners insurance with windstorm protection, plus consideration of earthquake coverage given the parish's elevated seismic exposure. Building storm shelter capacity and maintaining earthquake-safe practices provide critical layered defense.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bossier Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Hot Summers and Moderate Averages

Bossier Parish averages 65.9°F annually, well above the national median temperature. It experiences a drier version of Louisiana's subtropical climate with 52.1 inches of annual rain.

Drier and Cooler Than Average

The parish stays below the state average temperature of 67.0°F and is significantly drier than the 60.8-inch state norm. This makes it one of the less humid areas in Louisiana.

Warmer and Drier Than Bienville

Bossier is warmer than neighboring Bienville Parish, which averages 65.2°F. It is also much drier, receiving 5 fewer inches of rain per year than its eastern neighbor.

The Region's Highest Heat Frequency

Bossier endures a staggering 93 days of extreme heat each year, with July averaging 83.8°F. Winters are cool, averaging 48.5°F, and see a small amount of snow at 0.4 inches.

Equipped for Extreme Summer Heat

With over three months of 90°F+ temperatures, high-performance cooling is a necessity. Residents should also be prepared for occasional winter frosts and very light snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bossier Parish

via SoilByCounty

Standard Acidic Bossier Earth

Bossier Parish features a pH of 6.00, which is slightly acidic but significantly closer to the national median of 6.5 than its neighbors. This moderate acidity is manageable for a wide array of residential and commercial crops. Specific taxonomic orders are not currently recorded for this parish.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil is a fairly even mix of 37.4% sand and 37.1% silt, with 25.6% clay. This texture provides a 'middle of the road' experience for workability and drainage. It offers enough clay to hold nutrients while containing enough sand to keep the soil from becoming overly dense.

Lower Water Capacity Benchmarks

Organic matter content stands at 1.82%, which is just under the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.182 in/in. These metrics suggest that supplemental irrigation may be necessary for thirsty crops during the summer months.

Inland Drainage Dynamics

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is currently provided for Bossier Parish. However, the balanced ratio of sand, silt, and clay suggests moderate natural drainage. This soil type generally avoids the extreme saturation found in the state's heavier clay regions.

Gardening Opportunity in Zone 8b

As a Zone 8b region, Bossier Parish supports a variety of hardy perennials and classic summer vegetables. The soil is particularly well-suited for peaches and tomatoes if given a little extra organic boost. Take advantage of the favorable pH and start your backyard garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bossier Parish

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Success in the Bossier Climate

Bossier Parish has a lawn difficulty score of 35.8, which is slightly better than the state average. Despite being in hardiness zone 8b, local lawns benefit from more manageable rainfall totals than the rest of Louisiana.

The State's Highest Heat Intensity

Bossier endures 93 extreme heat days, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 84. While the 52.1 inches of annual precipitation is nearly ideal, the high GDD of 6,337 means your lawn will require frequent watering to survive the 83.8°F July averages.

A Balanced Soil for Healthy Grass

With a pH of 6.00, Bossier soil is at the perfect starting point for most lawn types. The mix of 25.6% clay and 37.4% sand provides a solid foundation that balances moisture retention with decent drainage.

Fighting Severe Drought in the North

Drought is a major concern here, with 70.3% of the parish currently in severe drought and 22 weeks of drought in the past year. Lawns in Bossier need careful monitoring; it is best to water deeply but infrequently to build resilient roots.

Optimal Planting Times for Bossier

Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for this high-heat environment, ideally planted after the March 6 last frost. Be mindful that the growing season ends around November 18, so ensure your lawn is well-established before the temperature drops.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bossier Parish's county score?
Bossier Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 36.2 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 Bossier Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Bossier Parish ranks #57 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 Bossier Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Bossier Parish is $1,380, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Bossier Parish a tax score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bossier Parish?
The median household income in Bossier Parish, Louisiana is $66,336 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bossier Parish earns an income score of 57.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bossier Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Bossier Parish scores 36.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Bossier 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 Bossier Parish with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.