countyscore
34.2
County Score
Soil Quality 85.9Property Tax 84Water Quality 69

County Report Card

About Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Trailing the National Median

Jefferson Parish scores a 34.2 overall, which falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the complex trade-offs found in this dense urban area.

Below the Louisiana State Average

The parish ranks well behind the state average composite score of 53.0. High costs and urban risks pull its overall ranking down compared to rural neighbors.

Strong Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Residents enjoy a median household income of $65,246, supporting a healthy income score of 55.4. The tax score of 84.0 also suggests a relatively light burden for an urban center.

Urban Costs and Environmental Vulnerabilities

The parish struggles with a critical natural risk score of 1.3 and a safety score of 7.1. Housing is also less affordable, with a median gross rent of $1,162 per month.

Best for Urban Professionals

Jefferson Parish is best for professionals who want higher earning potential and don't mind the higher costs of coastal living. It provides a classic Louisiana urban experience for those who prioritize income over peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax84Cost21.6Safety7.1Health42.2Schools26.4Income55.4Risk1.3Water69Weather24
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.8
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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Jefferson County
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Nearby counties

St. Charles Parish
Louisiana
48.8
Lafourche Parish
Louisiana
47.1
Orleans Parish
Louisiana
24
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
43.2
St. Bernard Parish
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42.5
Plaquemines Parish
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St. Tammany Parish
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St. James Parish
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51.8

Deep Dives

Jefferson Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson Parish

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson Parish taxes significantly above national average

At 0.519%, Jefferson Parish's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.565% by a notable margin, placing it in the upper third nationally. Homeowners pay $1,265 annually on a median home valued at $243,500—about 47% of the national median tax.

Second-highest taxed parish in Louisiana

Jefferson Parish's 0.519% effective rate ranks second among Louisiana's 64 parishes, 23% above the state average of 0.421%. The median property tax of $1,265 is 73% above the state median of $732, reflecting robust parish funding.

Highest taxes among Crescent City area parishes

Jefferson Parish's 0.519% rate significantly exceeds Orleans Parish and St. Tammany Parish, making it the priciest parish in metro New Orleans for property taxes. Only Lafayette Parish (0.568%) taxes residents more heavily in the state.

What homeowners actually pay yearly

On Jefferson Parish's median home value of $243,500, the annual property tax is approximately $1,265 without a mortgage and $1,496 with one. This amounts to about $105 per month—among the highest rates in Louisiana and the South.

Appeal inflated assessments to reduce burden

With high tax rates, overly generous assessments can add hundreds to annual bills, especially on commercial or multi-family properties. Jefferson Parish homeowners and business owners should file reassessment appeals if their assessed values exceed comparable recent sales by more than 10%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson Parish

via CostByCounty

Jefferson Parish: higher costs, near-national incomes

At 21.4%, Jefferson Parish's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and Louisiana's state average, signaling tighter affordability. However, with a median household income of $65,246, the parish comes closest to the national median ($74,755) among these eight Louisiana counties, providing some income cushion for higher housing costs.

Most expensive Louisiana parish in this group

Jefferson Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable parishes for renters, with a 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.5%. Its median rent of $1,162/month—33% above the state average—reflects the urban pressure of proximity to New Orleans.

Urban pricing with suburban distance

At $1,162/month, Jefferson Parish rents top this group and nearly match Lafayette Parish ($1,022), reflecting urban and suburban demand near New Orleans. Home values ($243,500) exceed most rural parishes but remain moderate compared to major metro areas.

Renters pay 21.4%; homeowners pay steep monthly costs

The median renter allocates $1,162 monthly to housing—21.4% of a $65,246 household income—the highest burden in this group. Homeowners face similar pressure at $1,070/month, reflecting the parish's position as the costliest market among these eight counties.

Jefferson Parish for those prioritizing metro access

Expect to pay premium housing costs for proximity to New Orleans jobs, culture, and services—your highest income potential in the group partly offsets the 21.4% rent burden. Consider this parish only if metro access justifies the elevated housing expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson Parish approaches national income

Jefferson Parish households earn $65,246 annually, 13% below the national median of $74,755. The parish ranks among Louisiana's higher-earning counties and performs better than most southern metro areas.

Top tier statewide earnings

Jefferson Parish median household income of $65,246 exceeds Louisiana's state average by $9,996. The parish ranks in the top tier of all Louisiana counties for household earnings.

Competitive with Lafayette Parish

Jefferson Parish at $65,246 trails Lafayette Parish ($67,660) by $2,414 but substantially outpaces Jackson Parish ($43,345). The parish represents strong economic performance in the greater New Orleans region.

Housing demands higher income share

Jefferson Parish residents spend 21.4% of household income on rent—above the 30% threshold but reflecting higher home values of $243,500. Median households can afford housing, though less than optimal affordability ratios.

Leverage higher earnings for wealth

Jefferson Parish households earning $65,246 should maximize retirement contributions and diversify investments beyond primary residences. Saving 15% annually ($9,787) creates substantial wealth accumulation over 20 years and positions families for intergenerational security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson Parish Crime Trends

Jefferson Parish holds a safety score of 95.1, indicating higher risks than the national average. Its total crime rate of 3099.2 per 100K exceeds the US benchmark of 2,385.5.

Below the State Safety Average

At 95.1, the parish's safety score trails the Louisiana average of 97.1. Total crime here is also higher than the state average of 1853.7 per 100K.

Comparing Jefferson to Lafayette

Jefferson’s crime rate of 3099.2 is almost identical to Lafayette Parish’s rate of 3099.4. Both parishes experience significantly higher crime activity than neighboring Jefferson Davis (2109.9).

Violent vs Property Crime

Property crime is high at 2678.3 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 420.9. These numbers mean property incidents are roughly six times more common than violent ones.

Prioritize Home Security Systems

The elevated property crime rate makes smart home security a wise investment. Use motion sensors and cameras to discourage potential intruders from targeting your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson Parish

via HealthByCounty

New Orleans area leads the state

At 75.2 years, Jefferson Parish residents live nearly four years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years—the highest life expectancy in this Louisiana cohort. Yet 10.9% lack health insurance, the highest uninsured rate here, creating a coverage paradox.

Jefferson Parish beats Louisiana's average

Jefferson Parish's 75.2-year life expectancy runs 2.7 years ahead of Louisiana's 72.5-year average, reflecting its status as the economic and medical hub of Southeast Louisiana. This advantage comes with urban healthcare infrastructure that neighboring rural parishes cannot match.

Urban healthcare advantage evident

With 92 primary care providers per 100K and 326 mental health providers per 100K, Jefferson Parish dwarfs rural neighbors like Jackson Parish (20 and 115 per 100K respectively). This concentration of providers explains both the longevity and the uninsured rate—high-capacity systems attract more insured patients while leaving uninsured residents behind.

High uninsured despite urban access

Jefferson Parish's 10.9% uninsured rate is the highest in this group—roughly 79,000 residents without coverage—despite robust provider availability. Urban poverty and transient populations likely drive this gap despite infrastructure advantages.

Jefferson Parish: cover the gap

Jefferson Parish's excellent healthcare infrastructure is out of reach for 1 in 9 residents without insurance. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or stop by a local community health center to explore Medicaid and marketplace options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Network

Jefferson Parish manages a sprawling network of 85 public schools serving 52,104 students across four distinct districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward primary education, featuring 54 elementary schools and 19 high schools.

Navigating Performance Challenges

The graduation rate sits at 75.8%, trailing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 46.7 and per-pupil spending of $7,318, the county continues to work toward closing the gap with neighboring regions.

A Diverse Mix of School Districts

The Jefferson Parish district is the primary provider with 50,628 students, but charter schools represent a significant 10.6% of all campuses. Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy is the largest single school, enrolling 2,283 students as a high-profile charter option.

Suburban and City Life Combined

Education here feels distinctly urban-suburban, with 60 schools in suburbs and 21 in city settings. High schools are generally large, with institutions like John Ehret and West Jefferson both exceeding 1,500 students.

Find Your Niche in Jefferson Parish

This parish offers an incredible variety of educational environments, from massive magnet high schools to specialized charters. Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Kenner and Metairie to find the right educational fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson Parish

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson Parish: High National Hazard Exposure

Jefferson Parish scores 98.66—one of the highest in the nation—and earns a Relatively High risk rating. This places your parish in the top tier of disaster-exposed counties nationwide, driven primarily by its coastal location and major metropolitan infrastructure.

Highest-Risk Parish in Louisiana

Jefferson Parish's composite score of 98.66 far exceeds Louisiana's state average of 62.37 and ranks as the riskiest parish in the state. Your parish faces a uniquely concentrated hazard profile due to its position along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River.

Gateway to Louisiana's Riskiest Zone

Neighboring Lafayette Parish scores 95.17 and Livingston Parish scores 94.47—both also extremely high—forming a cluster of maximum-risk parishes in southeast Louisiana. Jefferson Parish sits at the heart of Louisiana's most disaster-prone region.

Hurricane and Flood Risk Are Extreme

Hurricane risk scores 99.79 (nearly the national maximum) and flood risk reaches 95.99, making these the parish's defining hazards. Earthquake risk (78.02) and tornado risk (72.20) add secondary but still significant concerns for residents and property owners.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable

Jefferson Parish residents must maintain full homeowners coverage with high wind/hurricane deductibles, separate flood insurance (mandatory in FEMA high-risk zones), and consider additional earthquake or named-storm coverage. Review and update your policies annually with an agent familiar with Gulf Coast risks, and document your home's condition for faster claims processing.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Warmth on the Gulf Coast

Jefferson Parish is exceptionally warm, with an annual average temperature of 69.7°F that far exceeds the national median. Its annual precipitation of 64.3 inches is among the highest in the country.

One of Louisiana's Warmest Spots

The parish's average temperature of 69.7°F is nearly three degrees warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It also receives 64.3 inches of rain, surpassing the state's already high average of 60.8 inches.

Consistent Coastal Heat

Jefferson Parish shares nearly identical climate traits with neighboring Lafourche Parish, which averages 69.8°F. Both areas face intense moisture and frequent summer storms coming off the Gulf.

Long Summers and No Snow

The parish experiences 85 days of extreme heat over 90°F and maintains a summer average of 82.7°F. Snow is non-existent at 0.0 inches, and even January stays comfortable with an average of 53.6°F.

Plan for Heat and Humidity

Homeowners must prepare for 85 days of extreme heat with robust air conditioning and ventilation. Given the 64.3 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear drainage systems is critical for tropical weather patterns.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson Parish

via SoilByCounty

Rich, dark soils near the coast

Jefferson Parish boasts a Soil Score of 85.9, driven by an average pH of 5.94. This pH is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Louisiana counties, creating a more neutral environment for plant growth.

Dense clay dominates the landscape

The soil contains 35.9% clay and only 12.0% sand, leading to a heavy, nutrient-rich texture. While this mix provides excellent nutrient retention, it can be difficult to work and slow to drain after heavy storms.

Exceptional organic matter levels

The parish contains a massive 24.69% organic matter, nearly four times the 6.38% state average. This results in a high available water capacity of 0.220 in/in, providing plants with a deep reservoir of moisture.

Managed hydrology in a wet environment

With high clay and organic content, these soils naturally hold significant amounts of water. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the physical composition suggests a landscape that remains saturated longer than inland parishes.

Subtropical gardening in Zone 9b

The mild winters of zone 9b and nutrient-dense soil support citrus trees and tropical ornamentals. Gardeners should focus on raised beds to manage the heavy clay and take advantage of the incredible fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson Parish

via LawnByCounty

Low Scoring Lawn Success

Jefferson Parish scores 29.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder to maintain than the national average of 50.0. Located in zone 9b, the parish faces intense heat and high humidity that can stress common turfgrasses. Only the hardiest warm-season grasses can thrive in this subtropical coastal environment.

Extreme Heat and Long Seasons

With 85 days of temperatures above 90°F and 64.3 inches of rain, your lawn faces extreme environmental pressure. The growing season is nearly year-round, starting as early as February 1st and continuing until the year's end. This means mowing schedules remain intense for ten months of the year.

High Clay and Near-Ideal pH

Jefferson Parish has a soil pH of 5.94, which is very close to the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. However, the soil is 35.9% clay, which leads to slow drainage and easy compaction in this high-rainfall area. Regular core aeration is necessary to ensure roots don't drown during heavy Louisiana downpours.

Dealing with Persistent Dry Spells

Despite the rain, the parish suffered through 21 weeks of drought last year, with 55.1% currently in severe drought. This volatility requires a flexible watering plan that accounts for both deluges and sudden dry periods. Focus on morning watering to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of evening fungal growth.

Timing Your Jefferson Lawn

Zoysia and St. Augustine are the top picks for the 9b hardiness zone because they tolerate both heat and clay. Aim to establish new sod or seed after the final frost on February 1st to take advantage of the long growing season. Your lawn has until December 31st to mature before the first frost typically arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson Parish's county score?
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 34.2 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 Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Jefferson Parish ranks #61 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 Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson Parish is $1,265, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Jefferson Parish a tax score of 84/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson Parish?
The median household income in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana is $65,246 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson Parish earns an income score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Jefferson Parish scores 34.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Parish with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.