CountyScore

Calcasieu Parish

Louisiana · LA

#47 in Louisiana
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Calcasieu ranks firmly in the national upper tier

At 67.1, Calcasieu Parish's composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 34%, placing it in the 70th percentile across all U.S. counties. This strong national standing reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.

Competitive among Louisiana's best parishes

Calcasieu Parish scores 67.1 against Louisiana's state average of 70.4, ranking it among the upper tier of the state's 64 parishes. The parish consistently outperforms regional neighbors in overall livability metrics.

Competitive wages and light tax burden lead

Calcasieu Parish stands out with an income score of 27.7 and median household income of $67,849, significantly above state norms, paired with a tax score of 89.8 (effective rate 0.444%). Health conditions also rate well at 66.8, supporting a productive workforce.

Housing costs trending upward, risk exposure modest

While still affordable, Calcasieu's median rent of $1,096 and home values around $208,500 are climbing relative to peer parishes, with a cost score of 75.9. A risk score of just 4.3 indicates some environmental exposure that warrants monitoring.

Ideal for working professionals seeking balance

Calcasieu Parish appeals to working-age families and professionals who value solid incomes, reasonable taxes, and manageable housing costs in a stable community. It's a pragmatic choice for those balancing career opportunity with affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.8Cost75.9SafetyComing SoonHealth66.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk4.3WaterComing Soon
🏛89.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Calcasieu Parish with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elbert County
Georgia
67.1
Median income: $49,727
Wayne County
Illinois
67.1
Median income: $53,107
Monroe County
Indiana
67.1
Median income: $63,372
Warren County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $92,990
Webster County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $68,054

Deep Dives

Calcasieu Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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