countyscore
47.7
County Score
Safety 86.3Property Tax 72.7Soil Quality 42.3

County Report Card

About Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Below the National Median

Caddo Parish earns a composite score of 47.7, trailing slightly behind the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong safety ratings offset by economic and environmental vulnerabilities.

Falling Short of State Average

With a score of 47.7, Caddo Parish sits below the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It faces steeper challenges in health and environmental risk compared to many of its regional peers.

Standout Safety and Low Taxes

The parish excels in public safety with a high score of 86.3. Homeowners also benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.615%, which supports a strong tax dimension score of 72.7.

Environmental Risks and Income Gaps

The parish faces a significant hurdle with a risk score of 7.4, indicating high vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, the income score of 14.6 reflects a median household income of $50,067, which is lower than many national benchmarks.

A Fit for Budget-Conscious Residents

Caddo Parish is best suited for individuals who prioritize low property taxes and community safety. However, residents should be prepared for lower-than-average income potential and significant environmental risks.

2040608010072.735.586.331.433.214.67.423.835.1Tax72.7Cost35.5Safety86.3Health31.4Schools33.2Income14.6Risk7.4Water23.8Weather35.147.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Caddo Parish DNA

Foverall

How Caddo Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Caddo Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (86.3/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (7.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.7+20.700000000000003
Cost
35.5-12.5
Safety
86.3+31.299999999999997
Health
31.4-18.6
Schools
33.2-20.799999999999997
Income
14.6-36.4
Risk
7.4-39.6
Water
23.8-34.2
Weather
35.1-20.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$175,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$962/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,067/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.2

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
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Nearby counties

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36.2
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34.5
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Deep Dives

Caddo Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caddo Parish

via TaxByCounty

Caddo taxes nearly half the national average

Caddo Parish residents pay an effective tax rate of 0.615%, well below the national median of 0.948%. At $1,081 in median annual property taxes, Caddo homeowners pay less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, placing the parish in the lower half of U.S. counties.

Caddo ranks high in Louisiana

Caddo Parish has the highest effective tax rate among Louisiana's parishes at 0.615%, exceeding the state average of 0.421% by nearly 50%. With a median property tax of $1,081, Caddo collects significantly more per household than the state median of $732.

Caddo taxes more than regional peers

Caddo Parish's 0.615% rate outpaces neighboring Calcasieu Parish (0.444%) and Catahoula Parish (0.292%). Among the eight-parish region examined, only Caddo and Calcasieu exceed the state average, with Caddo leading by a substantial margin.

A $175,900 home costs $1,081 yearly

The median Caddo home valued at $175,900 generates an estimated annual tax bill of $1,081 without mortgage payments, or $1,380 including homestead exemptions and assessments. This represents roughly one month's property tax for a median U.S. home.

Many Caddo homeowners can appeal taxes

Overassessment is common across Louisiana, and Caddo homeowners should review their property's assessed value against recent sales comparables. Filing a tax appeal with Caddo's assessor's office is free and can result in significant savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caddo Parish

via CostByCounty

Caddo rents strain local budgets

Caddo Parish residents spend 23.1% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 20%. With a median household income of $50,067—32% below the nation's median—housing costs bite harder here than they do for typical American renters.

Least affordable in Louisiana

At 23.1%, Caddo's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in Louisiana, where the state average sits at 19.5%. This gap signals that Caddo residents face steeper housing burdens than most of their neighbors across the state.

Caddo costs more than peers

Caddo's median rent of $962 per month exceeds neighboring Caldwell Parish ($756) and Catahoula Parish ($724), even though Caddo's median income trails most regional peers. This combination makes Caddo one of the region's tightest housing markets.

Where Caddo's housing money goes

Renters in Caddo Parish pay $962 monthly, while homeowners spend $922 on mortgages against a median income of $50,067. That means roughly one-quarter of a renting household's monthly earnings goes straight to housing.

Consider rural alternatives nearby

If affordability matters, parishes like Caldwell or Catahoula offer lower rents and comparable living costs. Exploring parishes where rent-to-income ratios dip below 20% could free up hundreds of dollars monthly for your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caddo Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Caddo Lags Behind National Income

Caddo Parish households earn a median of $50,067 annually, roughly 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges facing many rural and industrial areas across the South.

Middle of the Pack in Louisiana

At $50,067, Caddo Parish falls slightly below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 64 parishes. The parish ranks below more prosperous parishes but above the state's most economically distressed areas.

Outpaced by Nearby Calcasieu

Caddo's $50,067 median trails neighboring Calcasieu Parish by nearly $18,000, though it edges out rural neighbors like Catahoula ($47,753) and De Soto ($46,077). The disparity reflects differences in industrial base and employment opportunities across northwest Louisiana.

Rent Remains Manageable Here

A rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% suggests housing costs are sustainable for Caddo renters, sitting near the national affordability threshold of 28%. However, combined with the parish's below-average earnings, renters must budget carefully to afford other essentials.

Build Security Through Planning

Caddo residents earning $50,067 annually should prioritize setting aside an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses and explore tax-advantaged savings options like IRAs. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts compound significantly over time, helping close the income gap with higher-earning regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Caddo Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Caddo Parish Records Low Crime Rates

Caddo Parish reports a total crime rate of 307.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These low figures earn the parish an exceptional safety score of 99.5 out of 100.

Exceeding State Safety Averages

With a safety score of 99.5, Caddo Parish far outpaces the Louisiana state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 307.7 per 100,000 also tracks much lower than the state's average rate of 1,853.7.

A Safety Leader in the Region

Caddo Parish maintains a much lower crime profile than many of its neighbors, reporting 2,077.8 fewer crimes per 100,000 people than the national benchmark. This level of reported safety places it ahead of more densely populated urban areas in the state.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 286.5 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains very low at just 21.2. These figures are based on 2022 data reported by four local agencies.

Maintain Your Home Security

While property crime rates are low, they still represent the primary safety concern for Caddo Parish residents. Simple measures like smart lighting and secure locks help maintain the parish's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Caddo Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban Education Network

Caddo Parish manages a robust infrastructure of 60 public schools serving 37,154 students. The network includes 38 elementary, 7 middle, and 13 high schools spread across two districts. This layout creates a diverse educational landscape for the region's large student population.

Academic Challenges and Local Investment

The parish graduation rate sits at 83.0%, trailing both the Louisiana average of 85.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the school score of 50.7 slightly exceeds the national median, the $7,386 per-pupil expenditure remains below the state average of $7,881. Leaders continue to seek ways to close the performance gap with limited funding.

Caddo Parish Schools Lead the Way

The Caddo Parish district is the dominant provider, overseeing 59 schools and 36,147 students. Charter schools like the Magnolia School of Excellence represent 5% of the local landscape. The Recovery School District also operates one school serving approximately 1,007 students.

Diverse School Sizes in City Settings

With 49 schools located in city settings, the average school size is 630 students. Captain Shreve High School is the largest campus with 1,851 students, while Magnolia School of Excellence serves 1,330. The mix of city, rural, and suburban locales provides families with various learning environments.

Find Your Home Near Caddo Schools

Prospective homeowners often prioritize school proximity when exploring the Shreveport area. Researching high-performing campuses like C.E. Byrd High School can help you identify the best neighborhood for your family's needs. Quality education remains a cornerstone of local property values.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caddo Parish

via RiskByCounty

Caddo faces moderate disaster risk nationally

Caddo Parish scores 92.62 on composite risk, placing it well above the national average and earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes. Nationally, Caddo ranks among higher-risk counties, driven by its location in a region prone to severe weather and water-related disasters.

Caddo's risk exceeds Louisiana's typical profile

At 92.62, Caddo's composite risk score towers above Louisiana's state average of 62.37—nearly 50% higher. Among Louisiana's 64 parishes, Caddo ranks as one of the highest-risk counties statewide. This elevation reflects the parish's vulnerability to multiple hazard categories, from riverine flooding to severe storms.

Caddo riskier than surrounding parishes

Caddo's 92.62 score significantly exceeds nearby De Soto Parish (42.02) and Claiborne Parish (41.73), making it the riskiest in its immediate region. While Calcasieu Parish to the south scores even higher at 95.71, Caddo still presents markedly elevated hazard exposure compared to most neighboring counties. This concentration of risk reflects Caddo's exposure to both riverine systems and storm corridors.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate Caddo's hazards

Caddo's flood risk scores 92.05—among the parish's most pressing threats—while tornado risk reaches 89.82, creating dual exposure to water and wind disasters. Earthquake risk (84.67) and hurricane risk (82.77) also present meaningful threats, though secondary to the flooding and severe storm patterns. Combined, these four hazards drive Caddo's overall elevated risk profile.

Comprehensive coverage critical for Caddo residents

Given Caddo's flood risk of 92.05 and tornado risk of 89.82, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—flood and wind coverage are essential. Consider a bundled policy that covers both flooding (through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers) and windstorms to address your parish's primary threats. Review and update your coverage annually, as Caddo's risk profile demands robust protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Caddo Parish

via WaterByCounty

Poor Compliance Despite Lower Relative Violation Rates

Caddo Parish holds a failing Water Quality Grade, recording 235 health violations over the last five years. While its rate of 95.9 violations per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the Louisiana average of 407.2, the absolute volume of infractions indicates persistent issues. This signal is grounded in the Safe Drinking Water Act standards designed to protect public health.

Vast Majority of Assessed Waters Face Impairment

According to the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, 85.5% of the 55 assessed water bodies in the parish fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and turbidity are the primary drivers of these impairments. This rate is slightly better than the statewide average of 87.7% but highlights significant environmental stress.

Moderate Monitoring Activity Across Twelve Active Sites

Local water quality is tracked through 12 monitoring sites, which produced 1,137 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, organics, and nutrients. This provides a baseline for understanding the health of the parish's complex aquatic ecosystems.

Limited Live Data for Twelvemile Bayou

The primary USGS streamgage near Dixie monitors Twelvemile Bayou, covering a drainage area of 3,137 square miles. Current discharge and long-term mean data are currently unavailable for this location. Residents should instead monitor the parish's high total violation count for signals regarding water reliability.

Filters Recommended for High Turbidity and Bacteria

Given that fecal coliform and turbidity are top impairment causes, residents should consider high-quality home filtration systems. Frequent testing is advised if you rely on private wells near impaired watersheds. Stay informed about local health violations to ensure your drinking water meets safety standards.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Caddo Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Average

Caddo Parish maintains a warm average annual temperature of 65.5°F, which sits well above the national median of approximately 53°F. The parish experiences a humid subtropical climate defined by 53.2 inches of annual rainfall.

Temperate Relative to the Bayou State

Caddo's 65.5°F average temperature is slightly cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. This northern parish ranks among the milder regions of the state compared to the hotter coastal areas.

Climate Continuity in North Louisiana

Caddo shares an identical 65.5°F annual average with neighboring De Soto Parish. However, it is notably warmer and wetter than Claiborne Parish, which averages 62.8°F and 57.0 inches of rain.

Scorching Summers and Brief Frosts

Summers dominate the year with 93 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher. While winters average 48.3°F, the parish receives a modest 0.6 inches of snowfall annually.

Beat the Heat and Humidity

High-capacity HVAC systems are essential for managing the three months of extreme heat days. Residents should also invest in durable rain gear to handle the 53.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Caddo Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define Caddo's northern landscape

Caddo Parish presents an average pH of 5.94, which is slightly less acidic than the Louisiana state average of 5.74. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, these levels generally support a wide range of regional vegetation. Local data for taxonomic order and texture remains limited, but the chemical profile suggests a need for occasional lime treatments for sensitive crops.

A sandy foundation with moderate clay

The soil composition here features 41.8% sand and 34.8% silt, balanced by 23.4% clay. This high sand content promotes faster drainage but can limit the ground's ability to hold onto vital nutrients. Farmers and gardeners should expect a workable soil that requires frequent monitoring of moisture levels during dry spells.

Fertility levels lag behind state averages

Organic matter in Caddo Parish sits at 1.69%, significantly lower than the Louisiana state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in also trails the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. These numbers indicate that soil amendments like compost are essential to improve both nutrient density and water retention.

High runoff risks in Group D soils

Caddo Parish is characterized by Hydrologic Group D soils, which typically exhibit very low infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. This group often leads to high runoff potential, making drainage management a priority for builders and farmers alike. Although specific drainage class data is unavailable, the Group D classification suggests naturally heavy or restricted drainage.

Nurturing a garden in Zone 8b

This parish sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites like okra and peppers. The sandy-clay mix is particularly well-suited for southern pines and blueberries if pH levels are managed. Start your garden today by focusing on organic mulches to boost the local soil score of 42.3.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caddo Parish

via LawnByCounty

Caddo Parish Lawn Care Challenges

Caddo Parish earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.2, making it slightly easier to manage than the Louisiana average of 33.8 but significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, local homeowners face a environment where plants must withstand significant summer stress. Maintaining a lush green space here requires more precision than in many other parts of the country.

Sizzling Heat and Heavy Rainfall

The local climate features 93 extreme heat days per year, surpassing the state average of 84 and adding stress to cool-season turf. While the annual precipitation of 53.2 inches sits comfortably near the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches, high temperatures drive up water demand. With 6,204 growing degree days, grass grows aggressively, requiring a frequent and consistent mowing schedule throughout the long season.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The soil in Caddo Parish is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.94, which sits just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrass. The composition is fairly sandy at 41.8%, which usually allows for better aeration but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Periodic lime applications are often necessary to balance the pH and improve nutrient uptake for a healthier lawn.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Despite high rainfall, Caddo Parish spent 21 weeks in drought over the past year, with over 71% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Water conservation is critical during these stretches to prevent turf dormancy or death. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention and build root resilience.

Best Grasses for Zone 8b

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are the top choices for this climate, as they thrive in the heat and recover well from drought. For best results, aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 9th and before the first fall frost arrives around November 19th. Starting early in the spring ensures your lawn establishes a strong root system before the peak summer heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caddo Parish's county score?
Caddo Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Caddo Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Caddo Parish ranks #41 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 Caddo Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Caddo Parish is $1,081, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Caddo Parish a tax score of 72.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caddo Parish?
The median household income in Caddo Parish, Louisiana is $50,067 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caddo Parish earns an income score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caddo Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Caddo Parish scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Caddo 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 Caddo Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.