countyscore
63.3
County Score
Property Tax 98.7Schools 87.3Cost of Living 82.7

County Report Card

About East Carroll Parish, Louisiana

Exceeding National Livability Standards

With a composite score of 63.3, East Carroll Parish comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places the parish in the top tier of counties for value and school quality.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

The parish's 63.3 score is well above the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It stands out as a high-performing rural area compared to its regional neighbors.

Elite Schooling and Low Tax Burden

The parish excels with a school score of 87.3 and a nearly perfect tax score of 98.7. Homeowners benefit from a very low effective tax rate of 0.287% and affordable $767 median rents.

Economic Growth and Water Quality Needs

Economic metrics are the primary challenge, with an income score of 0.1 and a median income of $28,321. Water quality also requires attention, scoring just 4.9 on the index.

Perfect for Frugal Families and Retirees

This parish is a great fit for families seeking strong schools and retirees looking to minimize tax expenses. It offers a high quality of life for those whose income is not tied to the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax98.7Cost82.7Safety54.5Health22.5Schools87.3Income0.1Risk78.4Water4.9Weather42
🏛98.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓87.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.3
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 →
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Wheatland County
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Nearby counties

Issaquena County
Mississippi
68.6
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
68.4
Madison Parish
Louisiana
56.6
Sharkey County
Mississippi
57
Warren County
Mississippi
31.9
Morehouse Parish
Louisiana
42.2
Washington County
Mississippi
48.4
Richland Parish
Louisiana
58.1

Deep Dives

East Carroll Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in East Carroll Parish

via TaxByCounty

East Carroll has one of nation's lowest rates

At 0.287%, East Carroll Parish's effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—a rare bargain. The median tax bill of just $251 annually is one-tenth the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a low rate and modest median home values of $87,400.

Lowest taxes in all of Louisiana

East Carroll Parish has Louisiana's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.287%, less than two-thirds the state average of 0.421%. This parish consistently offers property owners some of the lightest tax burdens in the entire state.

By far the cheapest in the region

East Carroll's 0.287% rate is dramatically lower than neighboring Franklin Parish (0.323%), Morehouse Parish, and other nearby parishes. Even modest homes here face minimal annual tax bills compared to surrounding Louisiana counties.

Minimal annual property tax burden

On the median home value of $87,400, East Carroll residents pay just $251 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in America. With a mortgage, this figure rises to $1,210 when other assessments apply.

Even low assessments merit review

Although East Carroll's rates are exceptionally low, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate. If your home's assessed value seems incorrect, an appeal could ensure you're paying only what you truly owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in East Carroll Parish

via CostByCounty

Housing absorbs over one-third of income

East Carroll Parish faces the steepest housing burden in this analysis: residents spend 32.5% of their income on rent, nearly double the national affordability threshold of 18%. With a median household income of just $28,321—well below the national average of $74,755—housing consumes a crushing share of resources.

Louisiana's least affordable parish

East Carroll's 32.5% rent-to-income ratio places it among Louisiana's most unaffordable parishes, far exceeding the state average of 19.5%. The parish median rent of $767 may seem cheap in absolute terms, but paired with the lowest median income here, it creates severe affordability strain.

Low rents, but lower incomes

While East Carroll's median rent of $767 undercuts most comparable parishes, its median household income of $28,321 is the lowest across these eight counties. Neighboring Franklin Parish ($44,103 median income) and Grant Parish ($61,112) offer significantly stronger earning potential.

Rent dominates household budgets

At $767 monthly rent against a $28,321 annual income, renters allocate 32.5% to housing alone, leaving little for other necessities. Owner costs run only $509 monthly, but the rural economy limits homeownership gains for most households.

Limited affordability for remote workers

East Carroll offers rock-bottom rents and home prices ($87,400 median), but severe income constraints make this parish a risky choice unless you bring significant remote income. Job seekers should explore neighboring parishes with stronger wage bases before settling here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in East Carroll Parish

via IncomeByCounty

East Carroll lags far behind

East Carroll Parish median household income stands at just $28,321—less than 38% of the national median of $74,755. This represents one of Louisiana's most economically challenged parishes, with limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Among Louisiana's lowest earners

East Carroll's $28,321 median household income trails the state average of $55,250 by more than half. The parish ranks near the bottom statewide, reflecting decades of agricultural decline and limited economic diversification.

Struggling alongside similar parishes

East Carroll's $28,321 lags Franklin Parish ($44,103) and Evangeline Parish ($42,273) nearby. The gap underscores East Carroll's isolation from regional economic centers and its dependence on a shrinking agricultural base.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

At 32.5%, East Carroll's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend over one-third of income on housing alone. With median home values at just $87,400, homeownership offers modest relief but requires down payment savings many households cannot access.

Start small, build steady

Even modest income requires intentional saving; consider automatic transfers of $25–50 monthly to a dedicated savings account before other spending. Explore free financial counseling through local nonprofits and research skill-building programs that could increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in East Carroll Parish

via CrimeByCounty

East Carroll Outperforms National Safety Marks

East Carroll Parish maintains a total crime rate of 1,031.1 per 100K, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the parish a high safety score of 98.4.

Surpassing the State Safety Average

The parish score of 98.4 exceeds the Louisiana average of 97.1. This confirms East Carroll as one of the safer jurisdictions within the state.

Lower Crime Rate Than Urban Centers

With a rate of 1,031.1 per 100K, East Carroll is much safer than East Baton Rouge. It maintains a profile consistent with lower-density rural safety trends.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Rate

Violent crime accounts for 610.5 incidents per 100K, which is higher than the national rate of 369.8. However, property crime remains very low at 420.6 per 100K.

Stay Alert and Connected

Simple measures like locking doors and knowing your neighbors help maintain this parish's strong safety standing. Community awareness remains the most effective defense against localized crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in East Carroll Parish

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below national average

East Carroll residents live to 71.1 years on average—1.4 years shorter than Louisiana's state average and well below the national median of 78.9 years. Nearly 36.3% of residents report poor or fair health, one of the highest rates in the state and triple the national average.

Parish faces steepest health challenges statewide

East Carroll ranks among Louisiana's most vulnerable parishes on both life expectancy and self-reported health status. The 8.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, compounding access barriers for a population already managing significant health burdens.

Limited primary care amid rural isolation

East Carroll has just 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, leaving residents in this rural parish underserved compared to urban and suburban areas. Mental health providers are more available at 527 per 100,000, though this density doesn't offset the shortage of basic primary care.

Insurance gaps compound rural healthcare barriers

One in nine East Carroll residents lacks health insurance, making routine preventive care unaffordable for a vulnerable share of the population. The combination of limited provider availability and insurance gaps creates daily obstacles to managing chronic disease and accessing mental health support.

Coverage opens doors to critical care access

If you're uninsured in East Carroll, enrolling through Louisiana Medicaid or healthcare.gov can transform your access to the primary care providers and specialists in the parish and region. Don't let cost barriers prevent you from getting the care you need—coverage enrollment happens year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in East Carroll Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in East Carroll

East Carroll Parish operates a compact educational system consisting of just 3 public schools serving 812 total students. This single-district parish maintains one elementary, one middle, and one high school to cover the entire K-12 spectrum. It is one of the most streamlined school infrastructures in Louisiana.

Exceeding State and National Benchmarks

Despite its small size, the parish achieves an impressive 97% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. The county invests $8,996 per pupil, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of $7,881. This commitment reflects in a strong composite school score of 61.5, notably higher than the national median.

A Unified Parish District

The East Carroll Parish district manages all public education for the area with no charter schools currently in operation. The district focuses its resources on three primary campuses that serve as the community's educational anchors. This centralized model ensures consistent oversight for the 812 students enrolled.

Tight-Knit Town Schools

All three schools in the parish are located in town settings, creating a cohesive community feel for students and staff. Schools are small and personal, with an average enrollment of 271 students per campus. Southside Elementary is the largest facility in the parish, currently educating 396 students.

Join a Community with High-Performing Schools

Families looking for a close-knit environment will find East Carroll’s high graduation rates and personalized school sizes very appealing. The area offers a rare combination of small-town living and academic performance that rivals much larger districts. Consider exploring local homes to take advantage of this high-performing, town-centered school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in East Carroll Parish

via RiskByCounty

East Carroll ranks among safest parishes

With a composite risk score of just 21.60, East Carroll ranks in the very-low risk category—well below the national average and among the safest counties nationally. This relatively benign risk profile reflects low exposure to floods (8.68) and wildfires (6.87), though tornado activity remains moderate. For most disaster hazards, residents here enjoy substantially lower threat levels than typical Americans.

East Carroll is Louisiana's safest parish

At 21.60, East Carroll's composite score sits dramatically below Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it the state's least hazard-exposed parish. This nearly 41-point advantage reflects the parish's geographic and demographic circumstances that shield it from the flooding and hurricane threats plaguing coastal and river regions. East Carroll residents enjoy the state's most favorable disaster risk profile.

Safer than all surrounding parishes

East Carroll (21.60) scores significantly lower than nearby Franklin Parish (35.91) and Grant Parish (29.61), offering noticeably superior safety margins. Even comparison to distant parishes shows East Carroll's advantage: it's 35 points safer than Evangeline Parish and 55 points safer than East Baton Rouge. The parish's low-risk status is consistent across its surrounding region.

Tornado risk is your primary concern

Tornadoes represent the parish's highest hazard exposure at 62.66, though this still ranks only moderately compared to other Louisiana parishes. Hurricane risk (66.83) and earthquake risk (58.46) are secondary threats, though all three remain below state averages. Flooding and wildfire pose minimal risk to East Carroll residents.

Standard coverage sufficient for this parish

A solid homeowners insurance policy with tornado/windstorm coverage provides adequate protection for East Carroll's threat profile, as flood and hurricane risks are minimal. You do not require flood insurance unless specifically in a mapped floodplain, nor do you need specialized hurricane coverage. Focus your insurance dollars on tornado preparedness and maintain a basic emergency kit.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in East Carroll Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Louisiana’s Humid Subtropical Climate

East Carroll Parish records an average annual temperature of 64.6°F, which is notably warmer than the national median but cooler than the state average. The region receives 58.8 inches of annual precipitation, slightly below the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches.

Cooler Relative to the Louisiana Average

The parish’s 64.6°F annual average ranks it among the cooler regions of the state, falling 2.4 degrees below the statewide average of 67.0°F. This difference is largely due to its northern position along the Mississippi River.

Colder Winters Than Southern Neighbors

Compared to East Baton Rouge at 67.9°F, East Carroll is significantly cooler. It also sees more winter weather than its southern peers, recording 0.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Delta Heat and Occasional Frost

Summers are intense with 79 extreme heat days and a July average of 82.3°F. Winters are sharper than the state average, featuring a January average of 44.8°F and a winter seasonal mean of 46.9°F.

Balance Seasonal Wardrobes and Insulation

Plan for 79 days of extreme heat with reliable cooling, but keep winter coats ready for the 44.8°F January nights. Homeowners should ensure proper insulation to handle the colder 46.9°F winter average compared to southern parishes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in East Carroll Parish

via SoilByCounty

A balanced pH in the Delta

East Carroll Parish boasts an average pH of 6.26, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average. While taxonomic data is limited here, the soil score of 50.9 indicates a solid foundation for agriculture.

High clay content defines soil structure

With 35.4% clay and 43.2% silt, this mix creates a heavy soil that holds nutrients well but resists easy drainage. The 21.4% sand content provides some relief, though the high clay levels dominate the overall workability.

Reliable moisture despite lower organic matter

Organic matter levels reach 1.80%, falling below the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in is slightly lower than the state norm, requiring consistent irrigation during dry Louisiana summers.

Navigating the Delta's water cycles

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable for this parish, but the high clay content suggests slow water movement. Farmers and builders should expect soils that stay wet longer after heavy rain events.

Bumper crops in Zone 8b

East Carroll's Zone 8b climate supports cotton, soybeans, and backyard pecans with great success. Use the parish's relatively neutral pH to your advantage by planting diverse vegetable varieties this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in East Carroll Parish

via LawnByCounty

East Carroll Scores Above State Average

At 37.3, this parish's lawn difficulty score is slightly better than the Louisiana average of 33.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the climate allows for a wide variety of warm-season grasses to thrive with proper care.

Managing High Rainfall and Humidity

The area receives 58.8 inches of rain annually, which is nearly double the lower end of the national ideal range. With 79 extreme heat days per year, your mowing schedule should remain frequent to keep up with nearly 6,000 growing degree days.

Heavy Clay Requires Aeration Efforts

With a high clay content of 35.4%, the soil naturally resists compaction but can be difficult to work when wet. The soil pH of 6.26 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting comfortably within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake.

Dry Spells Impact Lawn Health

Over the last year, the parish endured 20 weeks of drought, and 88.7% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy here to encourage roots to search for moisture deeper in the clay.

Seeding for Success in Zone 8b

Wait until after the last frost on March 5 to begin spring lawn projects. Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices here, as they tolerate the heavy clay and can bounce back after the region's frequent dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is East Carroll Parish's county score?
East Carroll Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 63.3 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 Carroll Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
East Carroll Parish ranks #16 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 Carroll Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in East Carroll Parish is $251, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns East Carroll Parish a tax score of 98.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in East Carroll Parish?
The median household income in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana is $28,321 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. East Carroll Parish earns an income score of 0.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is East Carroll Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
East Carroll Parish scores 63.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate East Carroll 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 Carroll Parish with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.