countyscore
68.8
County Score
Cost of Living 97.3Property Tax 95.6Schools 78.8

County Report Card

About Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Strong National Standing

Claiborne Parish earns a composite score of 68.8, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. Its high ranking is fueled by exceptional affordability and solid safety scores.

Leading the State Pack

The parish's score of 68.8 is well above the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It represents one of the most cost-effective and safe environments in North Louisiana.

Unbeatable Cost of Living

Claiborne Parish boasts a cost score of 97.3 and a tax score of 95.6, making it a financial haven. Renters benefit from a median gross rent of just $619 per month.

Critical Income Shortfalls

The parish faces a major challenge with an income score of 0.4, reflecting a median household income of $31,784. Water quality also lags, with a score of 18.7 indicating a need for infrastructure investment.

A Haven for Retirees

Claiborne Parish is an ideal destination for retirees or those on fixed incomes who want their money to go further. However, the local job market is extremely limited, making it tough for those seeking active career growth.

Score breakdown

Tax95.6Cost97.3Safety72.5Health28.4Schools78.8Income0.4Risk58.3Water18.7Weather49.8
🏛95.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Claiborne Parish?

Many homeowners in Claiborne Parish pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Claiborne Parish with Winnebago County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Winnebago County
Iowa
Median income: $63,719
68.8
Trego County
Kansas
Median income: $73,375
68.8
Menifee County
Kentucky
Median income: $44,672
68.8
Owsley County
Kentucky
Median income: $31,064
68.8
Big Stone County
Minnesota
Median income: $65,475
68.8
Norman County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,833
68.8
Faulk County
South Dakota
Median income: $58,000
68.8
Hancock County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,836
68.7

Nearby counties

Webster Parish
Louisiana
58.1
Lincoln Parish
Louisiana
49.8
Columbia County
Arkansas
49
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Union Parish
Louisiana
66.8
Union County
Arkansas
40
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
36.2
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
64.2

Deep Dives

Claiborne Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Claiborne Parish

via TaxByCounty

Claiborne taxes far below the U.S. average

Claiborne Parish's effective tax rate of 0.369% is less than 40% of the national median of 0.948%. At $304 in median property taxes, Claiborne homeowners pay roughly 11% of the national median of $2,690, placing the parish in the nation's lowest-tax category.

Claiborne ranks in Louisiana's lower third

Claiborne Parish's 0.369% effective tax rate sits below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, with a median property tax of $304 versus the state median of $732. Only Catahoula (0.292%) and Caldwell (0.322%) tax lower in the state.

Claiborne's rate falls below state average

Claiborne Parish's 0.369% rate ranks fifth among the eight parishes examined, below the state average and well below Caddo and Calcasieu. It aligns with similarly rural, lower-assessment parishes across north Louisiana.

An $82,400 home costs $304 yearly

The median Claiborne home valued at $82,400 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $304 without mortgage payments, or $467 including additional assessments. Claiborne's combination of modest property values and moderate tax rates keeps costs exceptionally low.

Appeal if your assessed value seems wrong

Claiborne Parish homeowners should verify their assessments reflect current market values, not outdated historical data. Filing an appeal with the parish assessor is free and can correct overvaluations that inflate even low tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Claiborne Parish

via CostByCounty

Claiborne faces steepest burdens

Claiborne Parish residents spend 23.4% of their income on rent—the highest ratio in our analysis and well above the national norm. A median household income of $31,784, the state's lowest, amplifies housing's squeeze on household budgets.

Least affordable Louisiana parish

At 23.4%, Claiborne's rent-to-income ratio represents Louisiana's worst housing affordability crisis, significantly exceeding the state average of 19.5%. Combined with the state's lowest median income, Claiborne residents face the toughest housing conditions.

Claiborne rents strain lowest incomes

Claiborne's median rent of $619 is among the region's cheapest, yet its median income of $31,784 makes that rent proportionally devastating. Neighboring parishes with higher incomes experience far less housing pressure despite higher absolute rents.

Nearly a quarter goes to housing

Claiborne renters pay $619 monthly and homeowners pay $370 against a median income of $31,784—meaning housing consumes a quarter of earnings. This leaves limited resources for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Claiborne requires income-centered planning

If relocating to Claiborne, prioritize job prospects that exceed the current median income of $31,784. Higher earnings, not lower housing costs, offer the only realistic path to affordable living in this parish.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Claiborne Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Claiborne Faces Acute Income Crisis

Claiborne Parish households earn just $31,784 annually, nearly 58% below the national median of $74,755. This severe income shortfall makes Claiborne one of the poorest parishes in Louisiana and reflects decades of economic disinvestment.

Lowest Income Parish in Louisiana

Claiborne Parish's $31,784 median ranks among the absolute lowest in the state, falling 42% below Louisiana's average of $55,250. The parish represents one of the state's most economically distressed communities.

Significantly Behind Regional Peers

Claiborne's $31,784 trails all nearby parishes: Caldwell ($44,957), Catahoula ($47,753), Concordia ($37,349), and De Soto ($46,077). The pronounced gap underscores Claiborne's unique economic vulnerability.

High Rent Burden Despite Low Costs

Claiborne's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% is elevated relative to its low earnings, suggesting renters stretch budgets significantly for housing. The median home value of $82,400 is affordable in absolute terms, but represents a challenge for households earning under $32,000.

Seek Community Support Programs

Claiborne residents earning $31,784 should explore local workforce development programs, vocational training, and government assistance to stabilize finances. Building even modest savings requires accessing community resources, nonprofit credit counseling, and opportunities for skill development and wage growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Claiborne Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier Safety in Claiborne Parish

Claiborne Parish features a total crime rate of only 654.8 per 100,000, making it one of the safest areas relative to the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a very high safety score of 99.0.

Surpassing State Safety Norms

With a safety score of 99.0, Claiborne Parish significantly outperforms the Louisiana average of 97.1. Its crime rate is nearly three times lower than the state's average of 1,853.7 per 100,000.

Regional Safety Leader

Claiborne Parish maintains a crime rate far below the national average, making it a local leader in public safety. Two reporting agencies provide the data that supports this parish's high safety standing.

Quiet Streets and Low Crime

The violent crime rate is 239.4 per 100,000, which is lower than both state and national averages. Property crime is also minimal at 415.4, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Keep Your Community Safe

Even in low-crime areas, being proactive is key to maintaining a safe home environment. Locking vehicles and reporting suspicious activity helps Claiborne Parish maintain its impressive 99.0 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Claiborne Parish

via HealthByCounty

Claiborne's health faces major barriers

Claiborne Parish residents live to 73.8 years—still about 4 years below the U.S. average of 77.9 years. A striking one in three residents (32.5%) report poor or fair health, far exceeding the national average of 18.5%. These health challenges demand comprehensive community response.

Louisiana's unhealthiest parish studied

At 73.8 years, Claiborne Parish slightly exceeds Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years in life expectancy. However, its 32.5% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all parishes reviewed, indicating severe chronic disease burden. This disconnect signals that many residents live with manageable but limiting health conditions.

Struggling with disproportionate health burden

Claiborne's 32.5% poor/fair health rate vastly exceeds all neighbors: Caddo (23.5%), Catahoula (23.4%), and De Soto (22.7%). Though its life expectancy of 73.8 years ties De Soto, the self-reported health crisis suggests unmet needs in chronic disease management. Community health interventions are urgently needed.

Healthcare access in Claiborne Parish

Claiborne's uninsured rate of 9.6% is the highest among all parishes reviewed—nearly 1.5 points above Louisiana's average. With just 50 primary care providers per 100K, access is severely limited for a population facing major health challenges. Mental health providers at 110 per 100K offer minimal support for behavioral health needs.

Health coverage changes everything

With nearly 1 in 10 residents uninsured, Claiborne Parish can transform health outcomes by increasing coverage. Visit louisiana.gov or call 211 to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans tailored to your income. Getting covered gives you access to the preventive care that manages chronic disease.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Claiborne Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale District, High Success

Claiborne Parish supports 1,731 students across 6 public schools in a single district. The infrastructure features 2 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high, and 1 multi-level school. This variety ensures students of all ages have dedicated spaces for learning within the parish.

Elite Graduation Rates for Local Students

The parish achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, well above the state average of 85.4%. A school score of 59.1 demonstrates academic quality that exceeds the Louisiana benchmark of 53.0. Per-pupil spending of $7,880 aligns almost exactly with the state average, showing efficient use of funds.

Centralized Academic Management

The Claiborne Parish district oversees all 6 schools and 1,731 students without any charter alternatives. This single-district model promotes a cohesive educational strategy across the region. Leaders focus on maintaining high graduation standards for every student in the system.

Rural and Town School Diversity

Schools are split evenly between rural and town locales, with an average size of 289 students. Homer Elementary School is the largest with 380 students, while Haynesville Elementary is the smallest with 245. This balance provides a consistent experience across both town and rural settings.

Strong Schools for Future Residents

Claiborne Parish is an attractive destination for families thanks to its 97% graduation rate. Areas near Homer or Haynesville offer stable schools that perform well above state averages. Buying a home here means investing in a community that values high-quality public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Claiborne Parish

via RiskByCounty

Claiborne faces very low national disaster risk

Claiborne Parish's composite risk score of 41.73 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. This score reflects moderate tornado exposure (62.98) offset by low flood (35.21) and wildfire (28.63) risks. Nationally, Claiborne ranks as a relatively safe parish with limited multi-hazard exposure.

Claiborne's risk is substantially below state average

At 41.73, Claiborne's composite risk score is 33% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. Claiborne ranks among Louisiana's lower-risk parishes, providing residents with notably reduced disaster exposure compared to most statewide peers. This favorable profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited hazard concentration.

Claiborne safer than Caddo, riskier than Catahoula

Claiborne's 41.73 score falls between its neighbors: substantially lower than Caddo Parish (92.62) but higher than Catahoula Parish (17.02). Among the northern parish cluster, Claiborne presents mid-range risk, with tornado exposure exceeding most nearby counties. This moderate profile makes Claiborne an average-to-favorable location within its region.

Tornado risk Claiborne's primary hazard

Claiborne's tornado risk reaches 62.98—well above the parish average and its most significant threat during spring storm season. Hurricane risk (69.55) presents secondary seasonal exposure, while earthquake risk (48.76) remains moderate. Together, these three hazards account for most of Claiborne's disaster exposure.

Tornado coverage should complement standard insurance

Claiborne's tornado risk (62.98) means residents should ensure their homeowners policy covers wind damage from severe storms. Flood insurance remains advisable for properties in flood-prone areas, though Claiborne's overall flood risk (35.21) is moderate. Review your coverage during tornado season (March–June) to confirm adequate windstorm protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Claiborne Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures with Southern Rain

Claiborne Parish averages 62.8°F annually, making it warmer than the 53°F national median but cooler than most of Louisiana. It receives 57.0 inches of rain, nearly double many northern U.S. regions.

One of Louisiana's Coolest Regions

Claiborne is significantly cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. Its 62.8°F average makes it one of the most temperate parishes in the state.

Cooler and Drier than Caddo

Claiborne is nearly 3 degrees cooler on average than Caddo Parish. It also experiences 74 extreme heat days, far fewer than Caddo's 93.

Distinct Seasons and Notable Snowfall

Winter averages 45.7°F and brings 0.7 inches of snow, the highest in this group. Summer remains hot with 74 days above 90°F and a July average of 80.8°F.

Versatile Wardrobes for Varying Weather

Residents need gear for both occasional snow and intense summer heat. HVAC systems should be serviced for both heating in the 45°F winter and cooling for the 74 heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Claiborne Parish

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic and sandy northern soils

Claiborne Parish has an average pH of 5.37, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the sandy uplands of North Louisiana. Gardeners here will likely need to use lime to balance the soil for most vegetable varieties.

Dominantly sandy with very little clay

Sand dominates the soil here at 64.6%, while clay accounts for only 10.1%. This composition ensures rapid drainage but results in poor nutrient retention and frequent drying. The 25.3% silt provides just enough body to prevent the soil from being pure sand.

Low water retention and organic content

The available water capacity is quite low at 0.128 in/in, falling well below the state average of 0.182 in/in. Organic matter is also sparse at 1.72% compared to the state's 6.38%. These factors contribute to a lower soil score of 23.0, necessitating heavy mulching and irrigation.

Rapid drainage with runoff risks

Surprisingly, this parish is classified under Hydrologic Group D, which typically suggests high runoff despite the sandy texture. This usually occurs when a restrictive layer sits beneath the sandy surface, preventing deep infiltration. Managing water flow is critical to prevent erosion in these upland areas.

Resilient gardening in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b is perfect for heat-loving plants, but the sandy soil requires extra care. Focus on native plants like blueberries that thrive in acidic, well-drained conditions. With consistent watering and organic additions, you can transform this challenging 23.0 score into a blooming landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Claiborne Parish

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in Claiborne Parish

With a difficulty score of 32.3, Claiborne Parish is slightly more challenging than the state average for lawn care. Located in Zone 8b, the parish experiences a climate that demands attention to soil moisture and nutrient levels. Compared to the national median of 50.0, local gardeners have their work cut out for them.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Rain

Claiborne enjoys 57.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well-distributed but can sometimes lead to excessive moisture. The parish sees 74 extreme heat days, which is fewer than the state average and may help cool-season grasses survive longer into the spring. However, the 5,459 growing degree days still clearly favor heat-tolerant, warm-season varieties.

Sandy Soils and Drainage Needs

With a sand content of 64.6%, the soil in Claiborne Parish offers excellent drainage but may struggle to retain water and nutrients. The pH of 5.37 is quite acidic, meaning the soil requires regular amendments to support healthy grass. Adding organic compost can help improve the water-holding capacity of these sandy soils.

Water Conservation on Sandy Ground

Drought conditions affected the parish for 18 weeks last year, and 32.7% of the area currently faces severe drought levels. Because sandy soils dry out faster, consistent monitoring of lawn moisture is vital during these periods. Consider installing a rain barrel to supplement irrigation when local water restrictions are in place.

Timing Your Claiborne Lawn

Centipede grass is a popular choice here because it handles acidic, sandy soils better than many other varieties. Be mindful of the frost dates: your window for growth typically starts after March 30th and ends by November 6th. This gives you a solid seven-month window to establish a strong, healthy lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Claiborne Parish's county score?
Claiborne Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Claiborne Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Claiborne Parish ranks #4 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 Claiborne Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Claiborne Parish is $304, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Claiborne Parish a tax score of 95.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Claiborne Parish?
The median household income in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is $31,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Claiborne Parish earns an income score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Claiborne Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Claiborne Parish scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Claiborne 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 Claiborne 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.