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East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

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#63 in Louisiana

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
31.4
County Score
Water Quality 70.4Property Tax 69.7Income & Jobs 48.3

County Report Card

About East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Falling Below National Benchmarks

East Baton Rouge Parish carries a composite score of 31.4, which sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. This puts the urban center in the bottom quartile of counties nationwide for overall livability.

Trailing the Louisiana State Average

The parish lags behind the Louisiana state average composite score of 53.0. While it serves as a major hub, it ranks lower than many surrounding parishes due to specific infrastructure and safety metrics.

Strong Utility Infrastructure and Taxes

Water quality is a major asset with a score of 70.4, indicating reliable local utilities. Residents also benefit from a favorable tax score of 69.7, underpinned by a low effective tax rate of 0.640%.

Significant Safety and Risk Hurdles

Safety and environmental risk scores are both critically low at 2.0, presenting the area's most pressing challenges. Additionally, housing affordability is strained, as evidenced by a cost score of 19.1.

Best for Higher-Income Urban Professionals

This parish suits professionals who can leverage the $63,075 median income to navigate higher housing costs. It is less ideal for those prioritizing low environmental risk or high safety ratings.

2040608010069.719.1247.128.448.3270.427.9Tax69.7Cost19.1Safety2Health47.1Schools28.4Income48.3Risk2Water70.4Weather27.931.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

East Baton Rouge Parish DNA

Foverall

How East Baton Rouge Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

East Baton Rouge Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (69.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.7+17.700000000000003
Cost
19.1-28.9
Safety
2-53
Health
47.1
Schools
28.4-25.6
Income
48.3
Risk
2-45
Water
70.4+12.400000000000006
Weather
27.9-28.1
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Compare mortgage rates in East Baton Rouge Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in East Baton Rouge Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$241,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,121/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$241,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,075/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

West Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
46.9
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.2
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
61.8
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
41.2
Livingston Parish
Louisiana
43.3
St. Helena Parish
Louisiana
46.9
Pointe Coupee Parish
Louisiana
54.3
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
65.8

Deep Dives

East Baton Rouge Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in East Baton Rouge Parish

via TaxByCounty

East Baton Rouge taxes run high nationally

At 0.640%, East Baton Rouge's effective property tax rate sits well above the national median of 0.420%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,547 annually—about 42% less than the national median of $2,690, partly because median home values are lower at $241,800 versus $281,900 nationwide.

Second-highest rate in Louisiana

East Baton Rouge ranks among the highest-taxed parishes in Louisiana, with an effective rate of 0.640% compared to the state average of 0.421%. Only a handful of parishes charge more, making this the state's second-highest burden for property owners.

Significantly higher than nearby parishes

East Baton Rouge's 0.640% rate towers over neighboring Iberville Parish (0.328%) and Iberia Parish (0.351%), both roughly half as much. This difference means a $200,000 home pays about $640 annually here versus $330–$350 next door.

Median home, median tax bill

On the median home value of $241,800, East Baton Rouge residents pay approximately $1,547 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this figure climbs to $1,749 when other assessments are included.

Your home might be overassessed

Many East Baton Rouge homeowners are paying taxes on inflated property values. If you believe your assessment is too high, filing an appeal with the parish assessor's office could lower your bill—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in East Baton Rouge Parish

via CostByCounty

Rent costs climb above national norm

East Baton Rouge renters spend 21.3% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of around 18%. While the parish median income of $63,075 trails the U.S. average of $74,755, housing costs here squeeze harder on local wallets.

Mid-pack affordability in Louisiana

At 21.3%, East Baton Rouge's rent-to-income ratio sits above Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it in the less affordable tier of Louisiana parishes. The parish median rent of $1,121 exceeds the state average of $873 by 28%.

More expensive than nearby peers

East Baton Rouge renters pay $1,121 monthly versus $891 in nearby Iberia Parish and $817 in Iberville Parish—a significant premium for similar regions. Only neighboring East Feliciana offers lower rents at $745, reflecting its rural character.

Renters carry heavier load

The typical household splits housing costs between $1,121 in monthly rent and $1,185 in owner costs, with renters consuming a notably larger share of the median $63,075 annual income. Homeowners paying $1,185 monthly dedicate roughly 22.5% of household income to mortgages, only 1.2 points higher than renters.

Consider the rent premium here

If housing affordability drives your relocation decision, East Baton Rouge offers urban amenities at a cost: rents run 28% above Louisiana's state average. Nearby parishes like Iberville and Iberia deliver similar job markets with 2–4% lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in East Baton Rouge Parish

via IncomeByCounty

East Baton Rouge outpaces the nation

East Baton Rouge Parish households earn $63,075 annually, falling about 16% below the national median of $74,755. Still, this parish ranks among Louisiana's stronger earners, reflecting its status as the state's largest metro area and economic hub.

A top earner in Louisiana

East Baton Rouge's median household income of $63,075 ranks it solidly above Louisiana's state average of $55,250—a 14% edge. The parish leads most of its peers statewide, driven by state government jobs, petrochemical industry employment, and LSU's economic footprint.

Strong compared to neighbors

East Baton Rouge earners make $63,075, significantly outpacing Iberia Parish ($57,811) and Iberville Parish ($57,459) to the south. The gap reflects East Baton Rouge's larger job market and higher concentration of professional and government employment.

Rent is manageable here

At a 21.3% rent-to-income ratio, housing costs consume just over one-fifth of median household earnings—well within the affordability guideline of 30%. Combined with a median home value of $241,800, East Baton Rouge offers reasonable housing stability for median-income households.

Build wealth beyond your paycheck

With median household income at $63,075 and affordable housing, East Baton Rouge residents are positioned to save and invest. Consider automating retirement contributions, exploring employer 401(k) matches, and consulting a financial advisor to accelerate wealth-building in your higher-income parish.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in East Baton Rouge Parish

via CrimeByCounty

East Baton Rouge Above National Averages

The parish reports a total crime rate of 5,017.7 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. Despite this high volume, the area maintains a safety score of 92.1 out of 100.

Safety Below Louisiana Parish Average

East Baton Rouge's safety score of 92.1 falls below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. This indicates higher safety challenges compared to many of its state neighbors.

Higher Crime Than Neighboring Parishes

The local crime rate of 5,017.7 per 100K is significantly higher than East Feliciana’s rate of 832.8. Residents here face a more intense urban crime profile than nearby rural areas.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime accounts for 4,317.2 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 700.5. Both figures exceed national benchmarks, reflecting a high volume of reported local incidents.

Secure Your Property Effectively

High property crime rates make robust home security a priority for local homeowners. Focus on installing smart monitoring systems and well-lit entryways to deter theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in East Baton Rouge Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse Educational Infrastructure

East Baton Rouge Parish manages a massive network of 123 public schools, serving over 70,000 students across 25 different districts. The landscape includes 68 elementary, 19 middle, and 21 high schools, plus 15 specialized campuses. This infrastructure is the largest in the region, providing a wide array of educational pathways for local families.

Performance Challenges and Investment Gaps

The parish faces academic headwinds with a graduation rate of 75.3%, trailing both the state average of 85.4% and the national benchmark of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,470, which is below the state average of $7,881 and significantly lower than the national median of $13,000. These funding levels correlate with a composite school score of 46.8, slightly under the national median.

East Baton Rouge Parish and Charter Options

The East Baton Rouge Parish district is the primary provider, educating 43,253 students across 83 schools. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 30 institutions representing roughly 24% of all public schools. Other major local districts include Zachary Community and Central Community, which serve nearly 11,000 students combined.

Urban Hub with Significant Charter Presence

Education in this parish is primarily an urban experience, with 81 schools located in city settings and 36 in suburbs. Average school size is 570 students, though virtual charters like University View Academy serve nearly 4,000 students statewide. Traditional campuses like Zachary High School maintain large footprints with 1,765 students.

Find Your Home Near Top Local Schools

With over 120 schools to choose from, East Baton Rouge offers diverse neighborhoods ranging from urban centers to quiet suburbs. Families should explore areas served by high-performing magnet programs and local community districts when researching their next move. School quality remains a vital consideration for long-term home value in this growing metro area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in East Baton Rouge Parish

via RiskByCounty

East Baton Rouge faces top-tier national risk

With a composite risk score of 97.96, East Baton Rouge ranks in the highest-risk tier nationally, far exceeding the typical U.S. county profile. This rating reflects exposure to multiple severe hazards, particularly tornadoes (99.59) and hurricanes (98.16), that consistently threaten the region. The parish is among the most disaster-prone counties in America.

Highest-risk parish in Louisiana by far

East Baton Rouge's composite score of 97.96 dwarfs Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it the state's most hazard-exposed parish. No other Louisiana county comes close to its combination of extreme tornado, hurricane, and flood risks. Residents here face significantly greater disaster exposure than their neighbors across the state.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding parishes

East Baton Rouge (97.96) far outpaces nearby East Feliciana (56.42) and Iberville (73.73), with nearly 40 points higher composite risk. Even Iberia Parish to the south, which faces severe hurricane and flood threats, scores 90.62—still 7 points lower than East Baton Rouge. The parish stands alone as the region's most hazardous place to live.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate local threats

Tornadoes pose the single greatest threat with a risk score of 99.59, while hurricanes close behind at 98.16, making this parish highly vulnerable to both rotating storms and tropical systems. Flooding ranks third at 97.33, capable of compounding damage when multiple hazards strike. Together, these three hazards create a perfect storm of disaster risk.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable here

Homeowners in East Baton Rouge must carry windstorm/hurricane insurance, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and strong homeowners coverage to address tornado damage. Consider reinforcing your roof, installing a storm cellar, and maintaining 100% replacement-cost coverage given the parish's extreme multi-hazard exposure. Your insurance portfolio should reflect the reality that major disasters here are not if, but when.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in East Baton Rouge Parish

via WaterByCounty

Exceptional Drinking Water Compliance in Baton Rouge

East Baton Rouge Parish maintains an elite 'A' grade with only 5 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.8 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Louisiana state average of 407.2.

Dissolved Oxygen Issues in Local Watersheds

According to the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, 88.3% of the 111 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Dissolved oxygen levels and fish consumption advisories for mercury remain the primary causes of impairment.

Robust Monitoring Network Tracks Physical Water Data

A dense network of 146 monitoring sites has generated 3,363 measurements over the past five years. Officials prioritize physical and organic characteristics to track the health of the parish's complex aquatic systems.

High Flow Alert for the Amite River

The Amite River near Denham Springs currently records a discharge of 5,280 cfs, which is 250% of its long-term mean. This surge represents a significant departure from typical flow levels for this 1,280 square mile drainage area.

Monitor Runoff and Fish Consumption Advisories

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the 250% streamflow surge can increase pollutant runoff into local waterways. Residents should heed mercury-related fish consumption advisories for the 98 impaired local water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in East Baton Rouge Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Average

East Baton Rouge Parish maintains an annual average temperature of 67.9°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives a heavy 64.8 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the state average of 60.8 inches.

Above the Louisiana Temperature Baseline

At 67.9°F, the parish is nearly a full degree warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. This makes it one of the warmer urban corridors in the state, driven by its southern latitude and humidity.

A Damp Regional Standout

While neighbors like East Feliciana see 61.8 inches of rain, East Baton Rouge leads the local pack with 64.8 inches. Its annual temperature outpaces East Carroll Parish by over three degrees, highlighting the transition from the Delta to the Gulf region.

Sizzling Summers and Mild Winters

The parish endures 92 extreme heat days per year where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Winters remain gentle with a January average of 51.2°F and a negligible 0.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Heat and High Rainfall

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage 92 days of extreme heat and July averages of 82.3°F. Robust rain gutters and drainage solutions are essential to handle the 64.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in East Baton Rouge Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols defining the capital landscape

East Baton Rouge Parish features young Entisols with a pH of 5.51, reflecting a more acidic profile than the state average of 5.74. This acidity sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime treatments in many local gardens.

Silt-heavy soils present texture challenges

The soil contains 60.4% silt and 20.3% clay, creating a dense structure that holds moisture but can be difficult to work. With only 17.2% sand, these soils lack the gritty particles needed for fast drainage.

Below-average organic matter limits nutrient storage

Organic matter stands at 1.99%, trailing both the Louisiana average of 6.38% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.183 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for plant roots.

Managing water in very poorly drained basins

Classified as very poorly drained with a Hydrologic Group D rating, these soils face frequent saturation. This combination indicates high runoff potential and requires careful site planning for both farming and construction.

Year-round growth in Hardiness Zone 9a

Louisiana's capital region thrives with citrus, figs, and heat-tolerant greens despite the heavy soils. Improving drainage and balancing pH will help you unlock the full potential of your Zone 9a garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in East Baton Rouge Parish

via LawnByCounty

East Baton Rouge Faces Tough Turf Challenges

With a lawn difficulty score of 32.6, maintaining grass here is significantly harder than the national median of 50.0. The parish sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, where tropical humidity and heat create a high-maintenance environment for southern turf.

Abundant Rain and Intense Summer Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 64.8 inches, far exceeding the ideal range of 30-50 inches and potentially drowning sensitive root systems. Homeowners must also manage 92 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than the state average of 84 days.

Acidic Soil and Poor Drainage Issues

The soil pH of 5.51 is much more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, requiring lime applications to balance the chemistry. Because the ground is classified as very poorly drained, careful grading is essential to prevent standing water in your yard.

Low Drought Risk for Local Lawns

The parish saw only two weeks of drought over the past year, and current data shows 0% of the area facing abnormally dry conditions. While drought is rare, consistent rain makes it important to monitor for fungal diseases that thrive in wet conditions.

Planting for the Long Baton Rouge Summer

The last spring frost typically occurs by February 28, providing a long window to establish heat-loving grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede. Focus on sodding or seeding between March and May to ensure deep roots before the peak July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is East Baton Rouge Parish's county score?
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 31.4 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 East Baton Rouge Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
East Baton Rouge Parish ranks #63 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 East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in East Baton Rouge Parish is $1,547, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns East Baton Rouge Parish a tax score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in East Baton Rouge Parish?
The median household income in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is $63,075 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. East Baton Rouge Parish earns an income score of 48.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
East Baton Rouge Parish scores 31.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate East Baton Rouge 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 East Baton Rouge Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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