countyscore
50.6
County Score
Property Tax 99.1Cost of Living 87.3Soil Quality 51.1

County Report Card

About Evangeline Parish, Louisiana

Aligning with National Averages

Evangeline Parish holds a composite score of 50.6, sitting right at the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard level of livability compared to the rest of the United States.

Competitive Within the State

While slightly below the Louisiana state average of 53.0, the parish remains competitive with its regional peers. It offers a stable, middle-of-the-pack performance in the state context.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Low living costs are a hallmark here, with a tax score of 99.1 and a cost score of 87.3. Median home values are very accessible at $118,500, making ownership attainable for many.

Economic and Infrastructure Gaps

The parish faces hurdles in income levels, scoring just 4.7 with a median household income of $42,273. Water quality and school scores also remain low at 16.9 and 24.8 respectively.

A Value Pick for Budget-Conscious Residents

Evangeline Parish is best for individuals looking for the lowest possible entry point into homeownership and minimal tax burdens. It suits those who prioritize affordability over high-end local amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax99.1Cost87.3Safety41.6Health24.9Schools24.8Income4.7Risk24.1Water16.9Weather25.3
🏛99.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤25.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32
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

Evangeline Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Evangeline Parish

via TaxByCounty

Evangeline taxes are well below average

At 0.273%, Evangeline Parish's effective property tax rate sits in the nation's bottom 10%, roughly 65% of the national median rate. The median tax bill of $323 annually is just 12% of the national median of $2,690, even as median home values here stand at $118,500—well below the national norm.

Below-average rate across Louisiana

Evangeline Parish's 0.273% effective rate falls below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing it among the more affordable parishes. Homeowners here benefit from rates substantially lighter than statewide norms.

Competitive with surrounding parishes

Evangeline's 0.273% rate rivals nearby Iberia Parish (0.351%) and undercuts Franklin Parish (0.323%), offering residents a relatively attractive tax environment. The difference amounts to roughly $40–50 annually on a $150,000 home compared to neighbors.

Modest annual property tax obligation

On the median home value of $118,500, Evangeline residents pay approximately $323 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this rises to $417 when other assessments are included.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even affordable parishes like Evangeline sometimes overassess properties. If you believe your home's value is too high, file an appeal with the parish assessor to potentially reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Evangeline Parish

via CostByCounty

Rents manageable, but income lags

Evangeline Parish renters spend 18.8% of income on rent, just below the national affordability threshold of 18%, but the median household income of $42,273 trails the U.S. average by $32,482. Low rents help, yet the region's weaker wage base limits true affordability gains.

Near state average on affordability

Evangeline's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it in the mid-tier for parish affordability. The median rent of $663 runs 24% below the state average of $873, offsetting modest local incomes.

Competitive rents in rural tier

Evangeline's $663 rent is the second-lowest in this group, trailing only East Feliciana at $745, and undercuts Grant Parish ($806) by 18%. Yet median income of $42,273 falls short of Grant ($61,112), creating mixed affordability signals.

Rents modest, but incomes modest too

At $663 monthly rent against $42,273 annual income, renters dedicate a manageable 18.8% to housing, while owners paying $597 (16.9%) fare slightly better. The parish's affordability advantage depends entirely on rents staying low—wage growth is the real need here.

Good fit for cost-conscious families

Evangeline offers reasonably priced rents ($663) and low home values ($118,500), making it attractive for families prioritizing affordability. However, job-seekers should research local employment opportunities—this parish's strength is in keeping costs down, not boosting incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Evangeline Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Evangeline earns well below average

Evangeline Parish median household income of $42,273 falls 43% short of the national median of $74,755. The parish struggles to generate the wage levels common across much of the country, limiting economic mobility for residents.

Below state average but stable

Evangeline's $42,273 trails Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by 23%, placing it in the lower half of parishes. However, the parish maintains modest diversification beyond agriculture, with oil and gas and manufacturing providing some wage stability.

Competitive with nearby parishes

Evangeline's $42,273 exceeds East Carroll Parish ($28,321) while falling short of Franklin Parish ($44,103) and Grant Parish ($61,112). This range reflects Evangeline's position as a mid-tier earner in central Louisiana's rural economy.

Housing costs manageable

At 18.8%, Evangeline's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability ceiling, suggesting renters maintain reasonable housing security. The median home value of $118,500 remains accessible to households earning over $42,000 annually.

Invest in your future

With manageable housing costs, Evangeline residents have room to redirect savings toward retirement and investment accounts. Explore employer-sponsored plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and consider skill-development programs that could raise earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Evangeline Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in Evangeline

Evangeline Parish earns a 97.9 safety score, indicating a secure environment for residents. The total crime rate of 1,320.6 per 100K is well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Louisiana's Average Safety Mark

The parish's safety score of 97.9 sits above the Louisiana state average of 97.1. This ranking places Evangeline among the more stable parishes for public safety.

Consistent Performance vs Regional Peers

Evangeline’s rate of 1,320.6 per 100K is comparable to Grant Parish’s rate of 1,302.7. Both parishes maintain crime levels safely below the state average of 1,853.7.

Personal Safety Remains High

Property crime drives the local rate at 1,067.0 per 100K, while violent crime is low at 253.6. These numbers suggest that personal safety is a strong point for the parish.

Deter Theft with Smart Tech

Modern security cameras are an effective deterrent against the parish’s property crime rate. Ensure all outbuildings and vehicles are locked overnight to protect your assets.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Evangeline Parish

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy and health challenges run deep

Evangeline residents live to 71.1 years, falling short of the national average by nearly 8 years and below Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years. Three in ten residents (30.5%) report poor or fair health, reflecting chronic disease burden and limited access to preventive care.

Parish ranks among Louisiana's struggling counties

Evangeline's life expectancy and poor health prevalence place it in the lower half of Louisiana parishes, indicating significant unmet health needs. The 8.2% uninsured rate matches state average, but combined with limited providers, leaves residents vulnerable to care gaps.

Severe mental health provider shortage compounds problems

Evangeline has 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, adequate for a rural parish, but only 79 mental health providers per 100,000—among the lowest in Louisiana. This mental health gap is particularly concerning given the high rates of poor health and likely depression in the population.

Insurance alone can't overcome provider barriers

Though 91.8% of Evangeline residents carry insurance, the acute shortage of mental health providers means many residents can't access psychiatric care despite having coverage. Daily life for those managing depression, anxiety, or trauma involves lengthy waits or travel outside the parish for treatment.

Get insured to access available primary care

If you're among the 8.2% uninsured in Evangeline, securing coverage through Louisiana Medicaid or healthcare.gov is your first step toward regular primary care. Mental health services may require travel, but having insurance removes the financial barrier to seeking help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Evangeline Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure Across Evangeline

Evangeline Parish operates 11 public schools that serve a total of 5,705 students. The system is comprised of seven elementary schools and three high schools, all managed by a single parish-wide district. This layout provides a balanced mix of early childhood and secondary education facilities for the region.

Performance Matches State Trends

The parish graduation rate is 84%, nearly matching the Louisiana state average of 85.4%. Local per-pupil spending of $6,658 is leaner than the state average and roughly half of the national benchmark of $13,000. Despite lower spending, the school score of 49.6 remains competitive with the national median of 50.0.

A Unified District Model

The Evangeline Parish school district manages all 11 schools, with no charter schools currently operating in the county. This centralized structure oversees 5,705 students across various rural and town locations. The district focuses on traditional public schooling with Pine Prairie High School being its largest campus.

Rural Traditions and Town Centers

School life here is split between rural settings and town centers, with six schools in rural areas and five in town. The average school size is 519 students, offering a mid-sized environment that avoids the anonymity of large urban districts. Pine Prairie High and Mamou High are the largest schools, each enrolling over 750 students.

Establish Roots in Evangeline Parish

Evangeline Parish is ideal for families looking for a mix of town and country living with stable academic performance. School proximity is a major factor for home buyers here, as many campuses serve as the social and athletic hubs of their towns. Explore local real estate near Mamou or Ville Platte to stay connected to these community-centered schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Evangeline Parish

via RiskByCounty

Evangeline faces higher-than-average disaster risk

Evangeline Parish's composite risk score of 75.92 places it in the relatively-low national category but well above typical U.S. county risk, indicating above-average exposure to multiple hazards. Tornadoes (87.79), hurricanes (89.57), and flooding (62.28) drive most of this elevated risk. The parish sits in the upper tier of American disaster exposure.

Evangeline exceeds Louisiana's state average

At 75.92, Evangeline Parish scores 13.5 points above Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed regions. While not as extreme as East Baton Rouge or Iberia parishes, Evangeline ranks solidly in the state's higher-risk tier. The parish faces notably steeper disaster threats than most Louisiana communities.

Riskier than Grant and Franklin, safer than East Baton Rouge

Evangeline (75.92) substantially outpaces Grant Parish (29.61) and Franklin Parish (35.91) but remains well below the extreme profile of East Baton Rouge (97.96). Compared to nearby East Feliciana (56.42), Evangeline sits about 19 points higher, reflecting greater vulnerability to tornadoes and hurricanes. The parish occupies a clear upper-middle position in regional risk.

Hurricanes and tornadoes drive most risk

Hurricanes pose the greatest single threat at 89.57, while tornadoes close behind at 87.79, making Evangeline highly vulnerable to both tropical systems and severe thunderstorms. Wildfire risk (68.67) represents a significant secondary concern, with flooding (62.28) adding additional seasonal vulnerability. These four hazards create a complex, multi-faceted threat environment.

Prioritize comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Homeowners must carry windstorm insurance for hurricane and tornado protection, flood insurance for seasonal river and rainfall flooding, and adequate liability coverage. Wildfire risk suggests maintaining defensible space around your home and ensuring roof and gutter maintenance. Given Evangeline's above-average risk, fully insuring to replacement cost is essential, not optional.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Evangeline Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rainfall in the Heart of Acadiana

While annual temperature data is unavailable for this parish, the region receives a substantial 61.4 inches of precipitation each year. This is higher than the national median and slightly exceeds the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches.

Following Louisiana’s Wet Weather Patterns

Evangeline Parish matches the wet profile of the state, with its 61.4 inches of rain sitting just above the state average of 60.8 inches. Limited temperature data prevents a direct rank against the state's 67.0°F average.

Regional Trends in Precipitation

Evangeline’s 61.4 inches of rain is comparable to East Feliciana’s 61.8 inches, showing a consistent moisture corridor. Like many of its neighbors, the parish records 0.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Heavy Rains and Snow-Free Winters

The parish sees zero annual snowfall, a common trait for central Louisiana. Detailed summer and winter temperature averages are currently unavailable, but the 61.4 inches of rain defines the local seasonal cycle.

Manage Water and Moisture Levels

Focus on moisture management and dehumidification to handle the 61.4 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should prepare for standard Louisiana summer heat despite the lack of specific extreme heat day counts in current records.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Evangeline Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic silt loams define Evangeline

The parish soil carries an average pH of 5.52, falling below the Louisiana average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This creates an environment that favors acid-tolerant crops and timber.

Fine textures with high silt content

Evangeline’s soil is comprised of 59.6% silt and 22.1% sand, offering a smooth texture for farming. The 18.3% clay content is moderate, providing enough structure for nutrient retention without becoming unmanageable.

Superior water storage for thirsty crops

Available water capacity reaches 0.197 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.182. While organic matter is lower than the state norm at 1.95%, the high water retention helps plants survive heat waves.

Runoff risks in Hydrologic Group D

Classified in Hydrologic Group D, these soils have a very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted. This means water tends to move across the surface rather than through it, increasing the risk of ponding.

Rice and vegetables in Zone 9a

Evangeline's Zone 9a climate and water-retentive soils are ideal for rice production and summer melons. Start a garden today and take advantage of the long growing season and high water availability.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Evangeline Parish

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Evangeline Parish

A lawn difficulty score of 32.0 indicates that maintaining a lush yard here requires more effort than in 68% of the country. This Zone 9a climate demands resilient grass varieties that can handle both wet winters and dry summers.

High Rainfall Shapes Maintenance Plans

Evangeline receives 61.4 inches of rain per year, well above the 30-50 inch ideal for most turfgrasses. While specific heat day data is limited, the high annual rainfall suggests that drainage management is a primary concern for local homeowners.

Managing Acidic Ground and Clay

The soil pH of 5.52 is significantly lower than the 6.0-7.0 range required for optimal lawn health. With 18.3% clay and 22.1% sand, the soil texture is relatively balanced, though it still requires lime to neutralize acidity.

Severe Drought Currently Grips Area

The parish is facing significant stress, with 89.7% of the area in severe drought and 100% classified as abnormally dry. Over the past year, the region has spent 24 weeks in drought conditions, making water conservation critical.

Building a Drought-Resistant Yard

Because current conditions are so dry, choosing drought-hardy Bermuda or Zoysia grass is a smart long-term move. Monitor local frost warnings in early spring to find the best window for establishing new sod or seed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Evangeline Parish's county score?
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Evangeline Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Evangeline Parish ranks #37 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 Evangeline Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Evangeline Parish is $323, with an effective tax rate of 0.27%. This earns Evangeline Parish a tax score of 99.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Evangeline Parish?
The median household income in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is $42,273 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Evangeline Parish earns an income score of 4.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Evangeline Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Evangeline Parish scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Evangeline 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 Evangeline 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.