Bossier Parish

Louisiana · LA

#59 in Louisiana
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Bossier Parish, Louisiana

Bossier outperforms national livability median

Bossier Parish's composite score of 65.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This respectable performance indicates Bossier offers residents better-than-average livability compared to most American communities.

Below Louisiana's average parish performance

With a composite score of 65.6 compared to Louisiana's state average of 70.4, Bossier Parish ranks in the lower-middle tier of state parishes. While livable, it underperforms relative to typical Louisiana communities on overall quality-of-life metrics.

Strong health and moderate income potential

Bossier Parish scores well on health (69.5) with robust healthcare access and outcomes, and median household income of $66,336 positions it above several comparable parishes. These strengths appeal to families prioritizing healthcare quality and seeking moderate earning potential.

Rising housing costs and elevated tax burden

A cost score of just 70.6 reflects rising housing pressures with median home values of $215,100 and median rent of $1,168—among the highest in this group. The tax score of 84.2 and effective rate of 0.642% also exceed other parishes, creating dual affordability pressures.

Suits professionals and health-conscious families

Bossier Parish appeals to professionals and families with solid incomes who prioritize strong healthcare services and can manage higher housing and tax costs. Those seeking maximum affordability or minimal tax burden should consider other parishes; Bossier's premium reflects its economic and health advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.2Cost70.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.7Risk17.5WaterComing Soon
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
17.5
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

Bossier Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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