countyscore
44.6
County Score
Property Tax 91Schools 75.5Soil Quality 62.4

County Report Card

About Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Trailing the National Benchmark

Calcasieu Parish holds a composite score of 44.6, placing it below the national median of 50.0. High marks for education and taxes are currently weighed down by safety and environmental concerns.

Below Louisiana's Average Performance

The parish's score of 44.6 lags behind the Louisiana average of 53.0. While it outperforms the state in education, it struggles significantly with safety and climate risk metrics.

Top-Tier Schools and Low Taxes

Calcasieu shines in education with a school score of 75.5 and a very high tax score of 91.0. An effective property tax rate of 0.444% makes it one of the more tax-friendly parishes in the region.

Safety and Environmental Pressures

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 2.7, paired with a risk score of 4.3. These numbers suggest the parish faces substantial challenges regarding both crime and environmental hazards.

Ideal for Education-Focused Families

This parish suits families who value strong school systems and tax efficiency above all else. Potential residents must weigh these benefits against very high environmental risks and safety concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax91Cost36.3Safety2.7Health43.4Schools75.5Income61.4Risk4.3Water43.6Weather25.2
🏛91
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤25.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.6
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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Deep Dives

Calcasieu Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calcasieu Parish

via TaxByCounty

Calcasieu taxes fall well below U.S. average

Calcasieu Parish's effective tax rate of 0.444% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.948%. At $926 in median annual property taxes, Calcasieu homeowners pay roughly one-third of the national median of $2,690, ranking in the nation's lower-tax quartile.

Calcasieu ranks second highest in Louisiana

Only Caddo Parish (0.615%) taxes at a higher rate than Calcasieu's 0.444%, putting Calcasieu above the state average of 0.421%. The parish collects a median of $926 per household, exceeding Louisiana's state median of $732 by nearly 27%.

Calcasieu tied with Cameron in regional rates

Calcasieu Parish matches Cameron Parish's effective rate of 0.444%, both ranking second in the eight-parish region behind Caddo. Compared to rural parishes like Catahoula (0.292%) and Claiborne (0.369%), Calcasieu's rate reflects its larger, more developed population base.

A $208,500 home costs $926 yearly

The median Calcasieu home valued at $208,500 generates an estimated annual tax bill of $926 without mortgage payments, or $1,191 including additional assessments and homestead protections. This remains significantly lower than comparable homes in most U.S. counties.

Appeal your assessment if it seems high

Many Louisiana homeowners, including those in Calcasieu Parish, discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. Calcasieu's assessor's office accepts appeals year-round; gathering recent comparable sales can strengthen your case for a tax reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calcasieu Parish

via CostByCounty

Calcasieu keeps pace nationally

Calcasieu Parish residents spend 19.4% of income on rent, slightly below the national average and well-aligned with typical American housing burdens. With a median household income of $67,849, Calcasieu sits closer to the national median ($74,755) than most Louisiana parishes.

Right at Louisiana's middle ground

Calcasieu's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% nearly mirrors Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it squarely in the affordable middle of the state's housing landscape. This stability makes Calcasieu one of Louisiana's more balanced housing markets.

Calcasieu's rents lead the region

At $1,096 per month, Calcasieu's median rent tops neighboring Caddo Parish ($962) and rural peers like Caldwell ($756), reflecting its position as the region's economic hub. However, Calcasieu's higher median income of $67,849 helps absorb these costs more comfortably.

Renting costs more, buying easier

Calcasieu renters pay $1,096 monthly while homeowners spend just $823, a notable gap favoring owner-occupancy against a median income of $67,849. Buying a home here remains more affordable than renting, with median values around $208,500.

Calcasieu offers balanced affordability

For those relocating to Louisiana, Calcasieu pairs reasonable housing costs with stronger incomes than rural alternatives. The parish's near-state-average affordability makes it a smart middle ground between urban and rural living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calcasieu Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Calcasieu Approaches National Average

Calcasieu Parish households earn $67,849 annually, just 9% below the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of Louisiana's stronger-earning parishes. The parish is within striking distance of national norms, driven largely by petrochemical and industrial employment.

Top Earner in Southwest Louisiana

Calcasieu's $67,849 median income ranks well above Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it among the top performers statewide. The parish's industrial economy and proximity to oil and gas operations support these elevated earnings.

Clear Leader Among Regional Peers

Calcasieu's $67,849 significantly outpaces neighboring parishes: Caddo ($50,067), Cameron ($72,500), and De Soto ($46,077). Only Cameron Parish comes close, reflecting similar energy-sector employment and coastal economic activity.

Housing Costs Remain Affordable

At 19.4%, Calcasieu's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 28% affordability threshold, giving renters breathing room in their budgets. The median home value of $208,500 is also accessible for households earning nearly $68,000 annually.

Maximize Earnings Potential Now

Calcasieu residents with median incomes of $67,849 are well-positioned to build wealth through diversified investments and higher-yield savings strategies. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring real estate investment, and consulting a financial advisor to capitalize on stronger earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calcasieu Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Above National Benchmarks

Calcasieu Parish reports a total crime rate of 4,248.2 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly double the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the parish maintains a safety score of 93.3 out of 100.

Navigating State Safety Standards

The parish's safety score of 93.3 sits below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. Calcasieu's total crime rate of 4,248.2 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,853.7, indicating localized challenges.

Calcasieu Parish vs. Regional Neighbors

Calcasieu Parish faces higher reported crime rates than nearby Cameron Parish, which reports only 679.2 crimes per 100,000. Eight reporting agencies contribute to this comprehensive data, highlighting a complex local landscape.

Heavy Concentration of Property Crimes

Property crime dominates the local data at 3,567.4 per 100,000 residents, well above the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also tracks higher than the national norm, reaching 680.8 per 100,000.

Prioritize Residential Security

Given that property crime is the most frequent issue here, residents should invest in robust home security systems. Visible deterrents and neighborhood watch programs can help mitigate these high property crime numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Calcasieu Parish

via HealthByCounty

Calcasieu outperforms national health averages

Calcasieu Parish residents live to 73.5 years—nearly 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 77.9 years, yet still among Louisiana's healthier parishes. Only 20.6% report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18.5%, a modest gap. Calcasieu shows stronger health outcomes than most of its neighboring parishes.

Calcasieu ranks above Louisiana average

At 73.5 years, Calcasieu Parish exceeds Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by a full year. Its poor/fair health rate of 20.6% is below the state's typical burden, placing it in the upper third of Louisiana parishes. Strong health outcomes here reflect effective primary care access and community investment.

A regional health leader

Calcasieu's 73.5-year life expectancy edges out Caddo Parish (71.4 years) and significantly surpasses Catahoula (70.9 years) and Concordia (70.5 years). Its 20.6% poor/fair health rate ranks better than most regional peers, signaling more effective health management. Community health programs here show measurable returns.

Healthcare access in Calcasieu Parish

Calcasieu's uninsured rate of 8.1% matches Louisiana's state average, with 79 primary care providers per 100K residents—lower than ideal but functional. Mental health providers at 288 per 100K offer reasonable access for behavioral health support. However, primary care capacity could be expanded to strengthen preventive services.

Maintain your health coverage

Nearly 92% of Calcasieu residents have health insurance—help keep this strong by verifying coverage at open enrollment. Visit louisiana.gov to confirm your plan and explore any cost-saving options available. Regular preventive care keeps you healthy and protects your wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Calcasieu Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Calcasieu's Expansive Public School System

The parish supports 61 public schools and 31,827 students across four distinct districts. The infrastructure consists of 35 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools. This broad system ensures that residents have access to various specialized education levels and programs.

Exceptional Graduation and High Scores

Calcasieu Parish boasts a high 94.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 85.4%. The school score of 58.6 beats the state average of 53.0 and the national median of 50.0. This success is backed by an $8,132 per-pupil expenditure, which exceeds the Louisiana average.

Parish-Wide Management and Charter Options

The Calcasieu Parish district manages 58 schools and 29,523 students. Charter schools like Lake Charles Charter Academy and Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy provide additional choices for families. These three charter schools represent nearly 5% of the total public schools in the county.

Suburban and City Campus Life

The average school size is 522 students, with a mix of 24 city and 18 suburb locales. Sulphur High School is the largest in the parish with 2,043 students, followed closely by Alfred M. Barbe High School. The variety of settings, including 11 rural schools, offers diverse experiences for local families.

Invest in High-Performance School Zones

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Calcasieu Parish a top choice for home buyers. Areas near Sam Houston High School or Iowa High School offer excellent educational foundations. Consider school quality as you explore real estate opportunities in Lake Charles and surrounding towns.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calcasieu Parish

via RiskByCounty

Calcasieu ranks among America's highest-risk counties

Calcasieu Parish's composite risk score of 95.71 places it in the nation's highest-risk tier with a Relatively High rating. This score reflects extreme vulnerability across multiple hazard categories, particularly hurricanes (98.21) and tornadoes (95.58). Nationally, Calcasieu stands as one of the most disaster-exposed parishes in the United States.

Calcasieu is Louisiana's riskiest parish

At 95.71, Calcasieu's composite risk score drastically exceeds Louisiana's state average of 62.37—more than 50% higher. Calcasieu ranks as the highest-risk parish in Louisiana, far ahead of peers across the state. This extreme exposure positions Calcasieu residents and property at exceptional vulnerability statewide.

Calcasieu dominates regional risk rankings

Calcasieu's 95.71 score substantially exceeds neighboring Caddo Parish (92.62), making it the riskiest county in a particularly hazard-prone region. Cameron Parish (33.65) to the south presents dramatically lower composite risk, though it shares coastal hurricane exposure. Calcasieu's combination of inland tornado, wildfire, flood, and coastal hurricane threats creates uniquely severe multi-hazard exposure.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods threaten Calcasieu

Calcasieu's hurricane risk of 98.21 is among the nation's highest, paired with tornado risk of 95.58 and flood risk of 94.47. The parish sits in a corridor that funnels major hurricanes inland while remaining exposed to severe spring storms. This combination of coastal and inland storm threats creates extreme year-round hazard exposure.

Multiple insurance policies essential in Calcasieu

With hurricane risk at 98.21 and tornado risk at 95.58, flood insurance, windstorm coverage, and comprehensive homeowners insurance are all non-negotiable. Consider additional umbrella or excess liability coverage given the parish's exposure to catastrophic storms. Meet with an insurance agent immediately to ensure your home is protected across all major hazard categories.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calcasieu Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Heat Gulf Coast Climate

Calcasieu Parish averages 68.8°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median of 53°F. It is also exceptionally wet, receiving 64.2 inches of rain per year compared to the much drier national average.

One of Louisiana's Warmest Counties

The parish average of 68.8°F is nearly two degrees higher than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. This puts Calcasieu in the top tier of the state's warmest regions.

Hotter and Wetter than Northern Neighbors

Calcasieu is significantly warmer than Caddo Parish, which sits at 65.5°F. It also receives about 11 more inches of annual rain than Caddo, reflecting its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

Year-Round Warmth with No Snow

Winter temperatures average a mild 54.2°F, and the parish records zero annual snowfall. Summer is the primary season, featuring 91 extreme heat days and a July average of 83.1°F.

Prepare for Intense Moisture

Dehumidifiers and heavy-duty cooling systems are necessary to combat the high humidity and 90-plus heat days. Residents must also maintain robust drainage systems for the 64.2 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calcasieu Parish

via SoilByCounty

Strongly acidic soils in the coastal plain

Calcasieu Parish has an average pH of 5.24, making it notably more acidic than the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile is common in coastal regions but requires careful management for traditional gardening. While taxonomic details are sparse, the chemical signature favors acid-loving native plants.

Silt-heavy soil with low sand content

Silt dominates the composition here at 47.0%, while sand accounts for only 25.5% of the mix. This 18.8% clay balance creates a texture that feels smooth and holds moisture well, though it can become easily compacted. The high silt percentage offers a good foundation for workability if handled at the right moisture levels.

Rich organic matter exceeds state benchmarks

With an impressive organic matter content of 8.15%, Calcasieu outperforms the Louisiana average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is also higher than the state mean, providing excellent drought resistance. This rich biological profile drives a strong soil score of 62.4.

Excellent water retention in coastal soils

The combination of high organic matter and silt provides this parish with superior water-holding capabilities. Specific hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not currently recorded in the local dataset. However, the high available water capacity suggests these soils remain moist longer than those in neighboring parishes.

Abundant growth in subtropical Zone 9a

Located in Zone 9a, Calcasieu Parish enjoys a warm climate where citrus and azaleas thrive in the naturally acidic soil. The high organic content supports vigorous vegetable growth, especially for moisture-loving crops. Take advantage of this fertile ground by planting a variety of summer squashes and leafy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calcasieu Parish

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Calcasieu Parish

Calcasieu Parish faces a difficult lawn score of 23.6, which is much lower than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 33.8. Being in Hardiness Zone 9a means your lawn must endure subtropical heat and intense humidity. This rating reflects the significant effort required to keep grass healthy against local environmental pressures.

Extreme Rain and Summer Heat

The parish receives a heavy 64.2 inches of annual precipitation, well above the 50-inch ideal threshold for most grasses. This excessive moisture, combined with 91 days of extreme heat, creates a high-pressure environment for fungal diseases. Homeowners must manage over 7,100 growing degree days, leading to rapid turf growth and a very demanding mowing schedule.

Overcoming Acidic Soil Barriers

The soil pH here is 5.24, which is significantly more acidic than the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range. While the sand content is lower at 25.5%, the high acidity can lock out essential nutrients like phosphorus and magnesium. Extensive soil testing and regular lime treatments are vital foundations for any successful lawn project in this region.

Monitoring Moisture Fluctuations

Calcasieu Parish recorded 15 weeks in drought over the last year, though severe conditions are currently at 0.0%. Even with high total rainfall, dry spells can still stress grass that is used to high moisture. Utilizing rain sensors on irrigation systems helps prevent overwatering during wet periods while ensuring grass stays hydrated during short droughts.

Louisiana's Coastal Lawn Choices

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for Zone 9a as they tolerate the high rainfall and humidity levels found here. The optimal window for planting opens after the last frost on March 2nd and extends until the first fall frost on December 7th. These long-season grasses need those warm months to establish the dense cover required to choke out local weeds.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcasieu Parish's county score?
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 44.6 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 Calcasieu Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Calcasieu Parish ranks #49 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 Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Calcasieu Parish is $926, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Calcasieu Parish a tax score of 91/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calcasieu Parish?
The median household income in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is $67,849 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calcasieu Parish earns an income score of 61.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Calcasieu Parish scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Calcasieu 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 Calcasieu 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.