58.9
County Score
Property Tax 98.5Cost of Living 86Disaster Risk 83

County Report Card

About Catahoula Parish, Louisiana

Above the National Midpoint

Catahoula Parish scores a 58.9, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This is largely due to its extreme affordability and low environmental risk profile.

Outpacing the Louisiana Average

With a score of 58.9, Catahoula Parish outperforms the state average of 53.0. It offers a much lower tax burden than many of its neighbors, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Extreme Affordability and Safety

The parish excels with a tax score of 98.5 and a cost score of 86.0, driven by a median home value of just $88,000. It also remains very safe from natural disasters with a risk score of 83.0.

Economic and Health Gaps

Income levels remain low with a score of 10.7, reflecting a median household income of $47,753. The health score of 30.3 also suggests that access to care or overall health outcomes lag behind national standards.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Living

Catahoula Parish is perfect for those who want to own a home outright and live in a disaster-resilient area. It is less suited for career-driven professionals looking for high-income ceilings.

Score breakdown

Tax98.5Cost86Safety46.4Health30.3Schools49.3Income10.7Risk83Water25.7Weather37.5
🏛98.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼10.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡46.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
30.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
83
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧25.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤37.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨45.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱33.5
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

Catahoula Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Catahoula Parish

via TaxByCounty

Catahoula has the lowest tax rate nationally

Catahoula Parish's effective tax rate of 0.292% ranks among the lowest in the United States, less than one-third the national median of 0.948%. With a median property tax of just $257, Catahoula residents pay less than 10% of the national median of $2,690.

Catahoula is Louisiana's lowest-tax parish

Catahoula Parish holds the distinction of the lowest effective tax rate in Louisiana at 0.292%, well below the state average of 0.421%. The median property tax of $257 is less than 35% of Louisiana's state median of $732.

Catahoula's taxes are the region's lowest

Catahoula Parish's 0.292% rate is the lowest in the eight-parish region, followed only by Caldwell Parish at 0.322%. Catahoula's rural character and lower property values combine to create the region's most affordable tax environment.

An $88,000 home costs $257 yearly

The median Catahoula home valued at $88,000 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of just $257. This exceptionally low combination of property value and tax rate makes Catahoula one of America's most tax-friendly rural parishes.

Even minimal taxes warrant assessment review

Catahoula Parish residents should still verify their assessed values are accurate, as errors can occur regardless of tax rate. A simple appeal to the assessor's office costs nothing and ensures you're paying only what you owe.

Cost of Living in Catahoula Parish

via CostByCounty

Catahoula renters beat national odds

Catahoula Parish renters spend 18.2% of income on housing, beating the national average by roughly 2 percentage points. Despite a median household income of $47,753—36% below the national median—Catahoula delivers affordable rents.

Catahoula ranks among Louisiana's best

At 18.2%, Catahoula's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it in the state's most affordable tier. This rural parish punches above its weight on housing affordability.

Catahoula offers rural affordability

Catahoula's median rent of $724 undercuts Caddo Parish ($962) and matches Caldwell Parish ($756), while its median home value of $88,000 is the region's lowest. Few parishes offer comparable bang-for-your-buck pricing.

Catahoula's housing takes little income

Renters pay $724 monthly and homeowners pay $543 against a median income of $47,753—housing consumes under 20% of household earnings. This affordability margin is rare even among rural Louisiana parishes.

Catahoula delivers rural economics

For families prioritizing affordability, Catahoula Parish offers some of Louisiana's lowest rents and property values. The parish's below-average housing burden makes it ideal for those relocating on modest incomes.

Income & Jobs in Catahoula Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Catahoula Lags Well Behind National

Catahoula Parish households earn $47,753 annually, roughly 36% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income deficit reflects limited employment diversity and the challenges facing rural Louisiana.

Lower-Tier Earner Statewide

Catahoula's $47,753 falls below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it in the lower third of Louisiana parishes. The parish's economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and small-scale industries.

Slightly Better Than Claiborne

Catahoula's $47,753 exceeds struggling Claiborne Parish ($31,784) and Concordia ($37,349), but trails De Soto ($46,077) and Caddo ($50,067). The parish ranks in the middle of Louisiana's rural income spectrum.

Favorable Rent-to-Income Ratio

Catahoula's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% is notably low, making housing costs very sustainable for renters in the parish. The median home value of $88,000 is also among Louisiana's most affordable, easing housing burdens on limited incomes.

Build Stability Through Discipline

Catahoula residents earning $47,753 should prioritize debt reduction and establish automatic savings transfers to build financial resilience. Low housing costs create an opportunity to direct savings toward emergency funds and retirement accounts, laying groundwork for future prosperity.

Safety in Catahoula Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Catahoula Outperforms National Safety Stats

Catahoula Parish reports 1,202.9 total crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

Above Average Louisiana Safety

The parish's safety score of 98.1 is a point higher than the Louisiana state average of 97.1. Its crime rate of 1,202.9 is also considerably lower than the state-wide average of 1,853.7.

Comparison with Rural Neighbors

Catahoula Parish is safer than neighboring Concordia Parish, where the crime rate reaches 2,377.2 per 100,000. Users should note that these figures come from a single reporting agency in 2022.

Analyzing Violent and Property Stats

Violent crime in Catahoula Parish stands at 404.7 per 100,000, slightly above the national average. Property crime is lower than the national trend, coming in at 798.2 per 100,000.

Secure Your Property Regularly

Property crime remains the most common issue in Catahoula Parish despite its overall safety. Simple home security improvements like motion-activated lights can effectively deter potential intruders.

Health in Catahoula Parish

via HealthByCounty

Catahoula trails on life expectancy

Catahoula Parish residents live to 70.9 years—more than seven years less than the U.S. average of 77.9 years. Nearly one in four residents (23.4%) report poor or fair health, significantly above the national average of 18.5%. These gaps reflect persistent health disparities in this rural community.

Well below Louisiana's health average

At 70.9 years, Catahoula Parish trails Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by 1.6 years. Its 23.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state norm, placing Catahoula in the lower half of Louisiana's parishes. Chronic disease prevention and provider expansion are urgent needs.

Among the region's least healthy

Catahoula's 70.9-year life expectancy ranks below Calcasieu (73.5 years), Claiborne (73.8 years), and De Soto (73.8 years). Its 23.4% poor/fair health rate is higher than Calcasieu (20.6%) and De Soto (22.7%), signaling greater health burden. Rural isolation and limited resources compound these challenges.

Healthcare access in Catahoula Parish

With 8.3% uninsured—slightly above Louisiana's 8.1% average—coverage gaps compound access issues. Catahoula has critically limited primary care at just 11 providers per 100K, forcing residents to travel far for routine care. Mental health providers at 48 per 100K offer minimal behavioral health support.

Find affordable health coverage

If you're uninsured in Catahoula, Louisiana's marketplace offers plans from $0 to affordable monthly rates depending on your income. Call 211 Louisiana or visit louisiana.gov to explore options and get enrollment help. Health insurance opens doors to the preventive care that adds years to your life.

Schools in Catahoula Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education Infrastructure

Catahoula Parish operates a single-district system with 5 schools serving 1,050 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one high school, and three multi-level schools. This small network serves the educational needs of the entire parish efficiently.

Steady Growth and Standard Graduation

The parish graduation rate of 87.0% perfectly matches the national average and beats the Louisiana average of 85.4%. With a school score of 54.3, the county performs slightly better than the state benchmark of 53.0. Spending is recorded at $8,085 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average.

A Unified Community District

Catahoula Parish school district manages all 1,050 students across its local campuses. There are no charter schools in the parish, allowing for a focused, traditional public school experience. This centralized management ensures that resources are distributed across all five rural schools.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

Every school in the parish is classified as rural, with an average size of only 210 students. Harrisonburg High School is the largest with 311 students, while Central High School is the smallest with just 61. This intimate scale allows for a highly personalized education in a traditional rural setting.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

For families moving to the area, the small school sizes in Catahoula Parish offer a distinct advantage. High graduation rates and consistent performance make this a stable environment for raising children. Consider the local school quality as a key factor in your upcoming home search.

Disaster Risk in Catahoula Parish

via RiskByCounty

Catahoula ranks among America's lowest-risk counties

Catahoula Parish's composite risk score of 17.02 places it among the nation's safest counties with a Very Low rating. This score reflects minimal exposure across most hazard categories, with only hurricane risk (74.01) reaching moderate levels. Nationally, Catahoula represents one of the most disaster-resilient parishes in the United States.

Catahoula is nearly three times safer than Louisiana average

At 17.02, Catahoula's composite risk score is 72% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. Catahoula ranks among the state's lowest-risk parishes, substantially outpacing most Louisiana peers. This exceptional safety profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited exposure to major hazard types.

Catahoula safest in its immediate region

Catahoula's 17.02 score is substantially lower than nearby Concordia Parish (31.55), Claiborne Parish (41.73), and dramatically lower than Caddo Parish (92.62). Among its immediate region, Catahoula presents the most favorable risk profile by a wide margin. This makes Catahoula one of Louisiana's most disaster-resilient areas.

Hurricane risk Catahoula's primary seasonal concern

Catahoula's hurricane risk reaches 74.01—its dominant hazard, though moderate in absolute terms given the parish's inland location. Earthquake risk (39.85) and tornado risk (30.38) present minor threats, while flood risk (14.47) remains well-controlled. Seasonal hurricane preparedness addresses Catahoula's primary disaster exposure.

Basic coverage appropriate for Catahoula properties

Catahoula's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. Flood insurance remains advisable given Louisiana's location, though Catahoula's flood risk (14.47) is among the state's lowest. Seasonal hurricane preparedness and basic emergency supplies round out reasonable protection for this exceptionally safe parish.

Weather & Climate in Catahoula Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth and High Rainfall

Catahoula Parish averages 65.2°F annually, which is over 12 degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 54.8 inches of rain, significantly higher than the U.S. average.

Below the Louisiana State Average

Catahoula’s annual temperature of 65.2°F is cooler than the state average of 67.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 54.8 inches also falls below the state average of 60.8 inches.

Cooler than Northern Neighbors

Catahoula is slightly cooler than Caldwell and Caddo parishes, which both average 65.5°F. It is also drier than Caldwell, receiving about 4.5 fewer inches of rain annually.

Dominant Heat and Minimal Snow

The parish endures 87 days of extreme heat over 90°F, concentrated in a summer that averages 80.4°F. Winters are mild at 49.0°F with just 0.1 inches of average snowfall.

Prepare for Long, Humid Summers

Effective air conditioning is a primary requirement for the 87 extreme heat days. Since snow is negligible, focus winter prep on managing rainfall and occasional cold snaps.

Soil Quality in Catahoula Parish

via SoilByCounty

Silty soils with moderate acidity

Catahoula Parish features an average pH of 5.62, which closely aligns with the Louisiana state average of 5.74. While it falls below the national median of 6.5, it provides a standard environment for regional agriculture. No specific taxonomic order is recorded, but the pH suggests a typical southern alluvial profile.

A silty landscape with low sand

The soil is predominantly silt at 52.1%, with clay making up 29.5% and sand only 18.4%. This high silt concentration creates a fine-textured soil that holds water and nutrients well. However, the lack of sand means the soil may crust over or compact easily under heavy machinery.

State-average water capacity with lower organic matter

Organic matter content is 1.86%, which is lower than the state average of 6.38% but near the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.182 in/in perfectly matches the state average. This suggests that while water availability is reliable, the soil would benefit from biological enhancement.

Consistent moisture in silty profiles

The high silt and clay percentages in Catahoula Parish generally lead to slow natural drainage. While specific hydrologic data is missing for this parish, the texture indicates a high capacity for moisture retention. Management should focus on preventing water stagnation in low-lying fields.

Versatile growing in Zone 8b

Zone 8b provides the heat necessary for local staples like corn and soybeans. The silty, water-retentive soil is excellent for these crops as long as organic levels are boosted over time. With a soil score of 45.3, there is a solid foundation for a productive home garden.

Lawn Care in Catahoula Parish

via LawnByCounty

Catahoula Parish Lawn Outlook

Catahoula Parish holds a lawn difficulty score of 33.5, placing it right at the state average but trailing the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 8b region requires dedicated maintenance to overcome local climate and soil limitations. Understanding the balance between high rainfall and heat stress is the first step to success.

Wet Climate and Steady Growth

Annual precipitation of 54.8 inches is slightly above the ideal lawn range, while 87 extreme heat days keep the environment challenging. The 6,063 growing degree days support a robust season for warm-season grasses. Monitoring weather patterns is crucial here, as the transition from heavy rain to high heat can happen quickly.

Balancing Clay and Acidity

Catahoula's soil has a clay content of 29.5%, which can trap moisture and limit root oxygen if not managed. The pH of 5.62 is acidic, suggesting that regular soil testing and corrective treatments are needed to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. Improving soil structure through organic matter can help mitigate both drainage and pH issues.

Addressing Extreme Drought Challenges

The entire parish is currently experiencing severe drought, a condition that has persisted through much of the 16 drought weeks recorded last year. This 100% coverage means local lawns are under significant stress right now. Focus on water conservation by checking for leaks and using smart irrigation to keep your turf alive until the rains return.

Seeding for Success in Zone 8b

Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede grasses are the most reliable performers for the Catahoula climate. Wait until the ground warms after the last frost on March 6th before starting new seeds or sod. You have a long runway for growth before the first fall frost usually hits around November 22rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catahoula Parish's county score?
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 58.9 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 Catahoula Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Catahoula Parish ranks #21 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 Catahoula Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Catahoula Parish is $257, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Catahoula Parish a tax score of 98.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Catahoula Parish?
The median household income in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is $47,753 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Catahoula Parish earns an income score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Catahoula Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Catahoula Parish scores 58.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Catahoula 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 Catahoula Parish with other counties side by side.