countyscore
58.8
County Score
Property Tax 97.5Disaster Risk 89.5Schools 88.5

County Report Card

About Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

Outperforming the National Median

Caldwell Parish earns a composite score of 58.8, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance is driven by exceptional tax favorability and low environmental risk.

Leading the State Average

Caldwell surpasses the Louisiana average score of 53.0 by nearly six points. Its combination of low costs and high education quality places it among the state's more livable parishes.

High Stability and Affordability

The parish boasts a tax score of 97.5 and a risk score of 89.5, indicating both financial ease and high resilience to disasters. A school score of 88.5 further cements its status as a stable community for families.

Water Quality and Income Limits

Despite its stability, the parish struggles with a water score of 2.9 and an income score of 7.2. A median household income of $44,957 suggests limited local economic growth compared to more urban areas.

A Haven for Quiet Families

Caldwell Parish is an excellent match for families and retirees looking for low taxes, great schools, and low disaster risk. It is less ideal for those seeking high-paying professional sectors or premium water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax97.5Cost84Safety25.9Health25.7Schools88.5Income7.2Risk89.5Water2.9Weather35
🏛97.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.9
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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Nearby counties

Franklin Parish
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54
Ouachita Parish
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Richland Parish
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58.1
Jackson Parish
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LaSalle Parish
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Catahoula Parish
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Winn Parish
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Tensas Parish
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Deep Dives

Caldwell Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Caldwell Parish

via TaxByCounty

Caldwell has the nation's lowest tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caldwell Parish

via CostByCounty

Caldwell's bargain rents nationwide

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caldwell Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Caldwell Faces Significant Income Gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Caldwell Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Moderate Crime Below National Norms

Caldwell Parish reports 1,811.9 total crimes per 100,000 people, keeping it below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance results in a safety score of 97.1, matching the state average.

Meeting the Louisiana Average

Caldwell's safety score of 97.1 places it right in line with the Louisiana state average. While its total crime rate is slightly lower than the state's 1,853.7, the violent crime rate of 828.3 is double the state average.

Single-Agency Data Comparison

With only one agency reporting, the data shows a total crime rate of 1,811.9, which is higher than neighbor Catahoula Parish at 1,202.9. These single-agency figures should be interpreted with caution for a complete picture.

High Proportions of Violent Crime

Violent crime in Caldwell Parish is high at 828.3 per 100,000, which is over twice the national rate of 369.8. Property crime stands at 983.6, making up the other half of the local crime landscape.

Stay Vigilant and Secure

High violent crime rates emphasize the importance of personal safety and home awareness. Ensuring exterior lighting is functional and being mindful of surroundings can enhance individual security in the parish.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Caldwell Parish

via HealthByCounty

Caldwell faces significant health challenges

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Caldwell Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education Network

Caldwell Parish operates 5 public schools serving a total of 1,502 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This single-district system provides a streamlined and close-knit educational environment for all local families.

Leading the State in Academic Results

The parish achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 62.1 and per-pupil spending of $9,250, the parish outpaces state averages in both quality and investment. These metrics suggest a highly effective educational system despite the smaller scale.

Unified District Management

The Caldwell Parish district manages all 1,502 students across its five campus locations. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model. This centralized approach allows for consistent standards and community-focused educational goals.

A True Rural School Experience

Every school in the parish is classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 300 students. Caldwell Parish High School is the largest campus with 441 students, while Union Central Elementary is the smallest with 160. This small-town feel ensures students receive personalized attention in a quiet, rural setting.

Rural Living with Elite Education

Families seeking high-performing rural schools will find Caldwell Parish an ideal location. The exceptional graduation rates and strong school scores are significant benefits for local homeowners. Explore homes near Columbia or Grayson to take advantage of this top-tier public school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caldwell Parish

via RiskByCounty

Caldwell faces very low national disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Caldwell Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Warm Southern Environment

Caldwell Parish reports an annual average temperature of 65.5°F, roughly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 59.3 inches of rain, making it much wetter than most U.S. counties.

Cooler and Drier than the Coast

At 65.5°F, Caldwell is slightly cooler than the statewide average of 67.0°F. Its 59.3 inches of rain also falls just under the state benchmark of 60.8 inches.

Similar to Central Louisiana Peers

Caldwell mirrors Caddo Parish exactly with a 65.5°F annual temperature. However, it is slightly warmer than Catahoula Parish, which averages 65.2°F.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

The parish faces 93 days of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging 82.7°F. Snow is rare, with only 0.3 inches falling annually during mild 48.6°F winters.

Manage the Extended Growing Season

Outdoor planning should account for nearly 100 days of extreme heat and consistent rainfall. Energy-efficient windows and shade structures can help lower cooling costs during the long summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Caldwell Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic silts of the Ouachita basin

Caldwell Parish reports an average pH of 5.43, placing it below the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is typical for the region's alluvial and upland landscapes. Without taxonomic data, we focus on this pH level as a primary indicator for necessary soil conditioning.

A balanced mix of silt and clay

The soil contains 47.7% silt and 25.6% clay, providing a heavier texture than many upland parishes. Sand makes up 26.7% of the composition, helping slightly with aeration. This mix creates a soil that is relatively nutrient-dense but prone to slow drainage and compaction.

Moderate fertility with room to grow

The organic matter content stands at 2.14%, which is above the national average but far below the state average of 6.38%. Available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, nearly matching the Louisiana average of 0.182 in/in. These figures suggest that while the soil holds water effectively, it lacks the biological richness found elsewhere in the state.

Slow infiltration and high runoff risk

This parish is dominated by Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils that have a very slow infiltration rate. These conditions often lead to high surface runoff during Louisiana's heavy rain events. Land management here requires careful attention to drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.

Thriving in the humid Zone 8b

Caldwell Parish resides in Zone 8b, where long summers favor crops like sweet potatoes and cotton. The silty texture provides a stable home for fruit trees and hardy shrubs. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the current soil score of 42.8.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caldwell Parish

via LawnByCounty

Growing Lawns in Caldwell Parish

Caldwell Parish has a lawn difficulty score of 27.9, placing it below the state average and the national benchmark of 50.0. As a Zone 8b region, it experiences a mix of hot summers and moderate winters that challenge common turf varieties. Success here depends on selecting the right grass and managing soil health carefully.

High Humidity and Heat Stress

With 93 days of extreme heat and 59.3 inches of rain, the climate is often hot and wet. These conditions provide 6,196 growing degree days, which fuels a long and productive growing season for warm-season grasses. However, the high precipitation can lead to nutrient leaching and soil saturation if drainage is poor.

Managing Clay and Acidic Soil

The soil in Caldwell Parish contains 25.6% clay, which can cause compaction and slow drainage during heavy rains. A pH level of 5.43 is quite acidic, likely requiring lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turf. Balancing these factors is essential for creating a healthy root zone that can support lush growth.

Dealing with Persistent Dry Spells

The parish has faced 17 weeks of drought in the past year, with nearly 80% of the area currently in severe drought. These conditions require proactive water management, such as using mulch in landscape beds to retain soil moisture. Reducing fertilizer during drought also prevents further stress on the grass while water is scarce.

Starting Your Caldwell Lawn

Bermuda and Centipede grass thrive in Zone 8b and can handle the high local heat better than other varieties. Plan to seed or sod after the final spring frost on March 5th to give your lawn time to mature before the summer heat. With a first frost date of November 22nd, you have a wide window to establish your green space.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caldwell Parish's county score?
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Caldwell Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Caldwell Parish ranks #22 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 Caldwell Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Caldwell Parish is $341, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Caldwell Parish a tax score of 97.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caldwell Parish?
The median household income in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is $44,957 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caldwell Parish earns an income score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caldwell Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Caldwell Parish scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Caldwell 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 Caldwell Parish with other counties side by side.

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