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Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

LA

#34 in Louisiana

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
53.1
County Score
Property Tax 98.9Schools 68.1Cost of Living 67.8

County Report Card

About Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana

Aligning with National Standards

Jefferson Davis Parish holds a composite score of 53.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the typical American county experience.

Matches the Louisiana Average

The parish matches the Louisiana state average of 53.0 almost exactly. It represents a stable, mid-tier option for residents looking to stay within the state.

Incredible Tax Relief and Solid Schools

With a tax score of 98.9 and an effective tax rate of just 0.282%, the parish is a tax haven. A school score of 68.1 further enhances its appeal for local families.

Navigating Safety and Environmental Risks

The parish faces challenges with a safety score of 19.3 and a natural risk score of 25.7. Improving these areas remains vital for long-term community stability.

A Haven for Young Families

This parish suits young families who value quality education and minimal tax burdens. It offers a pathway to homeownership with a median home value of $145,000.

2040608010098.967.819.336.368.128.725.758.333.6Tax98.9Cost67.8Safety19.3Health36.3Schools68.1Income28.7Risk25.7Water58.3Weather33.653.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Jefferson Davis Parish DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson Davis Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson Davis Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (19.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.9+46.900000000000006
Cost
67.8+19.799999999999997
Safety
19.3-35.7
Health
36.3-13.700000000000003
Schools
68.1+14.099999999999994
Income
28.7-22.3
Risk
25.7-21.3
Water
58.3
Weather
33.6-22.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$145,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$847/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$145,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.7

per 100K

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

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Deep Dives

Jefferson Davis Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson Davis Parish

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson Davis among America's lowest-taxed parishes

Jefferson Davis Parish's 0.282% effective tax rate ranks in the nation's bottom 10% for property tax burden, well below the national median of 0.565%. Despite having homes worth $145,000 on average, residents pay just $409 annually—fewer than one-sixth the national median tax.

Louisiana's lowest-taxed parish by rate

At 0.282%, Jefferson Davis Parish has the lowest effective tax rate among all Louisiana parishes, 33% below the state average of 0.421%. The median tax of $409 is 44% less than Louisiana's state median of $732.

Undercuts every surrounding parish

Jefferson Davis Parish's 0.282% rate beats Jackson Parish (0.330%), LaSalle Parish (0.421%), and every other neighboring parish in southwest Louisiana. This makes it the most tax-friendly parish in its region by a significant margin.

What homeowners actually pay yearly

On the median home value of $145,000, the annual property tax is approximately $409 without a mortgage and $842 with one. This comes to roughly $34 per month for mortgage-free homeowners—the lowest effective burden in Louisiana.

Review assessments even in low-tax parishes

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments, particularly on commercial or agricultural properties. Property owners in Jefferson Davis Parish should periodically request a reassessment or file an appeal if their land's value doesn't reflect recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson Davis Parish

via CostByCounty

Jefferson Davis Parish beats national affordability benchmark

Renters here enjoy a 18.0% rent-to-income ratio, well below the national average and among the best in Louisiana. With a median household income of $56,500—still 24% below the national median—Jefferson Davis Parish achieves solid affordability through balanced housing costs and incomes.

Second-best housing affordability in Louisiana

Jefferson Davis Parish ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes, with an 18.0% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 19.5%. Its median rent of $847/month falls below the state median of $873, contributing to strong overall affordability.

Middle ground between rural and urban costs

Jefferson Davis Parish rents of $847/month split the difference between affordable rural parishes like Jackson ($719) and pricier urban areas like Jefferson Parish ($1,162). The $56,500 median household income positions the parish competitively within the region.

Rent consumes 18.0%; homeownership remains affordable

Renters allocate $847 monthly against a $56,500 income, using just 18.0% of earnings for rent. Homeowners benefit from an even lighter burden: $596/month on a median home value of $145,000, making purchase feasible for moderate-income households.

Jefferson Davis Parish offers balanced affordability

This parish delivers one of Louisiana's best rent-to-income ratios without sacrificing income potential or home values. Families seeking a sweet spot between cost and earning power should seriously explore opportunities here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson Davis Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson Davis near state average

Jefferson Davis Parish households earn $56,500 annually, still 24% below the national median of $74,755. The parish sits slightly above Louisiana's state average of $55,250, reflecting moderate economic conditions.

Solid middle ranking statewide

Jefferson Davis Parish earns $1,250 above Louisiana's state average median household income. This positions the parish in the middle tier of all Louisiana counties for household earnings.

Strong position among regional peers

Jefferson Davis Parish at $56,500 outpaces Jackson Parish ($43,345) by $13,155 and matches regional averages well. The parish holds competitive advantage compared to neighboring rural counties.

Housing costs stay manageable

Jefferson Davis Parish residents spend 18.0% of household income on rent, comfortably within the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $145,000 remains accessible to the median household.

Invest in your financial future

Jefferson Davis households with median income of $56,500 can build wealth by automating savings—setting aside 10% ($470/month) positions households for long-term security. Low housing costs free up capital for investment accounts, education, and emergency funds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson Davis Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Levels in Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis Parish carries a safety score of 96.7, reflecting a stable environment. Its total crime rate of 2109.9 per 100K remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Within the State

The parish's safety score of 96.7 is slightly lower than the state average of 97.1. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1853.7.

Comparing Regional Crime Trends

The local crime rate of 2109.9 is lower than neighboring Jefferson Parish (3099.2). It sits in the middle of the pack for South Louisiana parishes.

Breaking Down the Incidents

Property crime drives most local reports at 1769.1 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 340.8 is lower than the national average of 369.8.

Secure Your Property Today

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing doors and windows. Alarm systems provide a strong deterrent against local theft and burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson Davis Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Educational Framework in Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis Parish supports 5,595 students across 12 public schools managed by a single school district. The landscape features five elementary schools and four high schools, creating a strong pathway for student advancement.

Elite Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The parish boasts an exceptional 99.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 85.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,931, the parish earns a high composite school score of 58.1.

Traditional District Excellence

Jefferson Davis Parish operates a traditional district model with no charter schools currently in the system. All 5,595 students benefit from a centralized administration that prioritizes high academic outcomes and student retention.

Small-Town Feel and Growing Campuses

Schools here are primarily rural, with eight campuses situated in rural zones and four in town settings. Jennings Elementary is the largest school with 1,029 students, while the average school size across the parish remains manageable at 466 students.

Invest in a Top-Performing Community

With a near-perfect graduation rate, this parish is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Look for homes near Jennings or Lacassine to secure a spot in some of the most successful school zones in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson Davis Parish

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson Davis Parish: Moderate National Risk

Jefferson Davis Parish scores 74.33, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average for hazard exposure. This score reflects the parish's location in Louisiana's coastal-adjacent zone, where multiple hazard types overlap.

Above-Average Risk for Louisiana

Jefferson Davis Parish ranks in the higher-risk half of Louisiana parishes with a score of 74.33 versus the state average of 62.37. This 12-point gap signals notably elevated exposure compared to most of your state's inland communities.

Riskier Than Your Northern Neighbors

Jackson Parish to the north scores just 26.18, while Jefferson Davis Parish reaches 74.33—a striking 48-point difference. This contrast reflects Jefferson Davis's position closer to coastal storm tracks and flood-prone terrain.

Hurricane Risk Dominates the Parish

Hurricane risk scores 92.28—among the highest in the state—while tornado risk (75.70) and wildfire risk (67.84) also pose significant concerns. Flood risk of 66.70 reflects the parish's vulnerable lowland position and exposure to storm surge.

Bundle Hurricane and Flood Insurance

Jefferson Davis Parish residents must carry both standard homeowners coverage for wind and separate flood insurance, which federal programs recommend for moderate-to-high-risk zones. Review your policy annually and consider upgrading coverage if you live near standing water, drainage ditches, or coastal access routes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson Davis Parish

via WaterByCounty

Stronger drinking water compliance than state average

Jefferson Davis Parish maintains a Water Quality Grade of C, recording only three health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 7.8 per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the Louisiana average of 407.2.

Impairment rates exceed state averages

Approximately 94.1% of the 34 assessed water bodies in the parish are impaired, higher than the state average of 87.7%. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and turbidity as the primary pollutants.

Comprehensive nutrient and organic monitoring

A network of 19 monitoring sites has generated 5,125 measurements over the last five years. The Water Quality Portal shows a heavy emphasis on tracking nutrients, physical parameters, and organics.

Tracking flow on the Mermentau River

The Mermentau River at Lake Arthur serves as the primary gauge for a drainage area spanning 1,723 square miles. Current discharge levels are not presently reported, but this station is essential for monitoring the parish’s vast watershed.

Manage runoff to protect local rivers

While tap water compliance is stable, the high impairment of local rivers suggests residents should limit fertilizer use to reduce nutrient runoff. High fecal coliform levels in 94.1% of waters indicate a need for caution during recreational activities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson Davis Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth and High Rainfall

The average annual temperature of 67.8°F is significantly warmer than the national median, placing it in a humid subtropical zone. The parish also sees 63.5 inches of rain, nearly double the national average for annual precipitation.

Slightly Warmer than State Average

At 67.8°F, the parish is slightly warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It also ranks as wetter than the state average, recording 63.5 inches of rainfall compared to the statewide 60.8 inches.

Cooler than Neighboring Lafayette

Jefferson Davis Parish is slightly cooler than neighboring Lafayette Parish, which averages 68.8°F. Both parishes share high precipitation levels, with Jefferson Davis receiving 63.5 inches of annual rain.

Sweltering Summers and Damp Winters

The area endures 73 days of extreme heat above 90°F, with July averages reaching 81.9°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average of 50.9°F and negligible snowfall of just 0.1 inches.

Invest in High-Efficiency Cooling

With 73 extreme heat days, a reliable HVAC system is essential for safety and comfort. Residents should also prepare for 63.5 inches of rain with proper flood insurance and heavy-duty rain gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson Davis Parish

via SoilByCounty

Silty plains with high acidity

Jefferson Davis Parish averages a pH of 5.39, which is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the Louisiana state average of 5.74, requiring careful management for most standard crops.

Balanced silt and clay mix

Silt makes up the majority of the soil at 52.5%, providing a smooth texture that holds moisture well. The 21.0% clay and 26.5% sand create a composition that is generally easier to work than the heavy clays found elsewhere in the state.

Strong organic matter and water capacity

At 5.29%, the organic matter content is over twice the national average of 2.0%. This richness supports an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, which beats the state average and indicates high growing potential.

Natural moisture retention

While specific drainage classes are unlisted, the high silt content and high water capacity suggest the soil stays moist longer than sandy neighbors. This makes the land particularly valuable for moisture-intensive agriculture if managed correctly.

Abundant harvests in Zone 9a

The long growing season in zone 9a is perfect for heat-tolerant crops like okra, melons, and sweet potatoes. The rich organic matter provides a great foundation for any home gardener looking to start a backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson Davis Parish

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Jeff Davis

Jefferson Davis Parish presents a difficult environment for lawns with a score of 26.5, trailing both the national median and the state average. This zone 9a region requires specialized care to manage its unique combination of heat and heavy rainfall. Maintaining a lush green space here takes more effort than in most parts of the country.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

The parish sees 73 extreme heat days per year and a massive 63.5 inches of annual rain. With 6,804 growing degree days, the mowing season is exceptionally long, spanning from the last frost in late February to early December. This tropical climate necessitates high-moisture tolerant grass varieties and consistent disease monitoring.

Soil pH and Composition Challenges

Local soil is moderately acidic with a pH of 5.39, requiring lime to move toward the ideal 6.0 range. The soil contains 21.0% clay and 26.5% sand, creating a balanced but heavy texture that can become compacted during wet months. Aeration is a key maintenance task here to keep oxygen reaching the roots in this humid environment.

Monitoring Moisture Levels

The parish experienced 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and 91.7% of the area remains abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the parish is currently in severe drought, though the high annual rainfall of 63.5 inches can mask short-term moisture deficits. Smart irrigation during dry spells helps prevent the grass from going dormant prematurely.

Best Grasses for the Coast

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for the 9a climate and the long growing season. Plant after the last spring frost on February 19th but well before the first fall frost arrives on December 4th. These varieties recover quickly from the 73 heat days common in this part of Louisiana.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson Davis Parish's county score?
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Jefferson Davis Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Jefferson Davis Parish ranks #34 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 Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson Davis Parish is $409, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Jefferson Davis Parish a tax score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson Davis Parish?
The median household income in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is $56,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson Davis Parish earns an income score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Jefferson Davis Parish scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis 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.