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East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

LA

#63 in Louisiana

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
30.5
County Score
Water Quality 70.4Property Tax 64.4Health 47.1

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.

2040608010064.419.9247.128.443.1270.427.9Tax64.4Cost19.9Safety2Health47.1Schools28.4Income43.1Risk2Water70.4Weather27.930.5/100
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 nine baseline dimensions

East Baton Rouge Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (64.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.4+12.400000000000006
Cost
19.9-28.1
Safety
2-53
Health
47.1
Schools
28.4-25.6
Income
43.1
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

$248,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,147/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,071/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.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

West Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
47.6
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.8
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
58.2
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
40.8
Livingston Parish
Louisiana
43.8
St. Helena Parish
Louisiana
42.3
Pointe Coupee Parish
Louisiana
54.4
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
64.5

Deep Dives

East Baton Rouge Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 30.5 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 $1,656, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns East Baton Rouge Parish a tax score of 64.4/100 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 $63,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. East Baton Rouge Parish earns an income score of 43.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
East Baton Rouge Parish scores 30.5/100 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.