Caldwell ranks among America's most livable counties
Caldwell Parish's composite score of 75.8 places it in the 82nd percentile nationally, far exceeding the median of 50.0. This exceptional national standing reflects exceptional affordability and low-tax policies that rival most American counties.
2 / 5
Louisiana's top-tier livability county
At 75.8, Caldwell Parish ranks among the highest in Louisiana, well above the state average of 70.4. Few parishes in the state offer a comparable combination of tax efficiency and housing affordability.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability and tax advantage
Caldwell Parish boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.322%, with a tax score of 93.2 and cost score of 87.2. Median rent sits at only $756 monthly and homes average $106,000, making it exceptionally accessible to modest-income households.
4 / 5
Low incomes and natural hazard exposure
Median household income of $44,957 reflects limited local job opportunities and economic development, with an income score of just 12.7. A risk score of 89.5 signals significant environmental or disaster vulnerability that residents should fully understand.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and low-income families
Caldwell Parish is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, rural lifestyle seekers, and those prioritizing extremely low housing and tax burdens. However, prospective residents should research environmental risks and prepare for limited earning potential.
Caldwell ranks among America's most livable counties
Caldwell Parish's composite score of 75.8 places it in the 82nd percentile nationally, far exceeding the median of 50.0. This exceptional national standing reflects exceptional affordability and low-tax policies that rival most American counties.
Louisiana's top-tier livability county
At 75.8, Caldwell Parish ranks among the highest in Louisiana, well above the state average of 70.4. Few parishes in the state offer a comparable combination of tax efficiency and housing affordability.
Unbeatable affordability and tax advantage
Caldwell Parish boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.322%, with a tax score of 93.2 and cost score of 87.2. Median rent sits at only $756 monthly and homes average $106,000, making it exceptionally accessible to modest-income households.
Low incomes and natural hazard exposure
Median household income of $44,957 reflects limited local job opportunities and economic development, with an income score of just 12.7. A risk score of 89.5 signals significant environmental or disaster vulnerability that residents should fully understand.
Perfect for retirees and low-income families
Caldwell Parish is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, rural lifestyle seekers, and those prioritizing extremely low housing and tax burdens. However, prospective residents should research environmental risks and prepare for limited earning potential.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Caldwell Parish's effective tax rate of 0.322% ranks among America's lowest-taxing counties, far below the national median of 0.948%. At just $341 in median annual property taxes, Caldwell homeowners pay roughly 13% of the national median of $2,690.
Caldwell ranks in Louisiana's bottom tier
Caldwell Parish's 0.322% rate falls well below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, with a median property tax of $341 compared to the state median of $732. Only Catahoula Parish taxes lower among all Louisiana parishes.
Caldwell's taxes are among the region's lowest
At 0.322%, Caldwell Parish ties with De Soto Parish for the lowest rates in the eight-parish region, nearly half the rate of neighboring Caddo Parish. Only Catahoula Parish (0.292%) taxes less aggressively than Caldwell.
A $106,000 home costs just $341 yearly
The median Caldwell home valued at $106,000 generates an estimated annual tax bill of only $341 without mortgage payments, or $1,112 with mortgage-related assessments included. Caldwell's low valuation and low rate combine to create exceptionally affordable property taxation.
Even low-tax parishes see assessment errors
Caldwell Parish residents should still verify their property's assessed value reflects current market conditions and recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal costs nothing and can catch errors or outdated valuations that inflate even low tax bills.
Caldwell Parish residents spend just 20.2% of their income on rent—closer to national averages despite earning $44,957, or 40% below the national median. Caldwell offers genuine affordability in a rural package.
Caldwell ranks among most affordable
At 20.2%, Caldwell's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, making it one of the state's more livable parishes for renters. Low rents of $756 per month anchor this affordability advantage.
Caldwell undercuts surrounding parishes
Caldwell's median rent of $756 beats Caddo Parish ($962) and Catahoula Parish ($724), while its median home value of $106,000 offers rural housing at rock-bottom prices. For pure affordability, few parishes in the region compete.
Minimal housing burden in Caldwell
Caldwell renters pay $756 monthly and homeowners pay $506 against a median income of $44,957—meaning housing consumes under 20% of household earnings. This leaves more money for essentials and savings than most other parishes.
Caldwell is Louisiana's budget option
If you're relocating on a tight budget, Caldwell Parish delivers unbeatable affordability with low rents and affordable property values. Trade density for savings and enjoy one of the state's lightest housing burdens.
Caldwell Parish households earn $44,957 annually, about 40% below the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap places Caldwell among Louisiana's lowest-income parishes and reflects limited economic diversification.
Among Louisiana's Lowest Earners
Caldwell Parish's $44,957 median falls well below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, ranking the parish near the bottom tier statewide. The shortfall suggests limited job opportunities and wage competition in this rural area.
Struggling Compared to Nearby Areas
Caldwell's $44,957 trails most neighbors, including Catahoula ($47,753) and De Soto ($46,077), though it marginally outpaces Claiborne ($31,784). The disparity highlights economic vulnerability in northeast Louisiana's rural communities.
Low Incomes, Affordable Housing
Caldwell's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% is favorable, and median home values of just $106,000 remain within reach for local households. However, the overall income constraint limits residents' ability to invest in home improvements and build equity.
Start Small, Think Long-Term
Caldwell residents should focus on financial fundamentals: eliminating high-interest debt, building modest emergency savings, and exploring employer retirement plans. Even $50–100 monthly contributions to a Roth IRA can yield meaningful wealth growth over decades.
Caldwell Parish residents live to 70.8 years—about 7 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.9 years. Nearly one in four residents (25.1%) report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 18.5%. These health disparities demand urgent intervention and community focus.
Among Louisiana's least healthy parishes
At 70.8 years, Caldwell Parish ranks among Louisiana's lowest life expectancies, trailing the state average of 72.5 years by nearly two years. Its 25.1% poor/fair health rate places it in Louisiana's bottom quartile for health status. Reversing these trends requires targeted health investments and policy action.
Struggling compared to neighboring areas
Caldwell's 70.8-year life expectancy is the lowest among regional peers, significantly below Calcasieu (73.5 years) and Claiborne (73.8 years). Its 25.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds all nearby parishes except Claiborne (32.5%), marking Caldwell as a regional health priority. Rural isolation and limited provider access compound these challenges.
Healthcare access in Caldwell Parish
With 8.9% uninsured—nearly 1 point above Louisiana's average—Caldwell residents face both coverage and access gaps. At just 31 primary care providers per 100K, the parish has critically limited primary care capacity, forcing many to travel for basic services. Mental health providers at 139 per 100K offer some support, but preventive care remains scarce.
Get insured, get healthier
If you're among Caldwell's uninsured, covering the gap can be lifesaving—health insurance gives you access to preventive care and disease management. Call 211 Louisiana or visit louisiana.gov to find affordable plans and enrollment assistance. Taking action today protects your family's future.
Caldwell Parish's composite risk score of 10.50 places it among America's lowest-risk counties with a Very Low rating. This score reflects minimal exposure across most hazard categories, though hurricane risk (62.24) provides some seasonal threat. Nationally, Caldwell ranks as one of the safest parishes for most disaster types.
Caldwell is Louisiana's safest parish
At 10.50, Caldwell's composite risk score is dramatically below Louisiana's state average of 62.37—roughly 83% lower. Caldwell ranks among the lowest-risk parishes in Louisiana, offering residents substantially lower disaster exposure than most peers statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited hazard exposure.
Caldwell far safer than surrounding parishes
Caldwell's 10.50 score is dramatically lower than nearby Catahoula Parish (17.02), Concordia Parish (31.55), and Caddo Parish (92.62). Among all adjacent parishes, Caldwell presents the most favorable risk profile by a substantial margin. This makes Caldwell one of Louisiana's most disaster-resilient areas.
Hurricane risk poses Caldwell's main seasonal threat
While Caldwell's overall risk is very low, hurricane risk reaches 62.24—the parish's most significant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (39.89) and wildfire risk (25.99) present lesser but non-negligible threats during peak seasons. For most residents, seasonal hurricane preparedness covers the primary disaster exposure.
Standard coverage sufficient for Caldwell homes
Caldwell's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. However, consider flood insurance given Louisiana's location, even though Caldwell's flood risk (17.62) is among the state's lowest. Seasonal hurricane preparedness and basic emergency supplies round out reasonable protection for this low-risk parish.