countyscore
33.7
County Score
Property Tax 75.9Soil Quality 56.8Income & Jobs 55.9

County Report Card

About Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

Falling Short of National Medians

With a composite score of 34.3, Lafayette Parish lags behind the national median of 50.0. Urban density and environmental risks account for much of this lower ranking.

Behind the Louisiana Average

Lafayette’s score sits nearly 20 points below the state average of 53.0. While it is a regional hub, its data profile suggests significant livability challenges.

Earning Potential and Fair Taxes

The parish boasts a solid income score of 60.7, supported by a median household income of $67,660. Taxes remain a bright spot with a score of 78.3.

Safety and School Performance Concerns

Safety scores are low at 7.0, and the school score of 20.6 is among the lower rankings in the region. High natural risk (4.8) also remains a persistent concern for homeowners.

Ideal for Career-Minded Individuals

Lafayette suits ambitious workers seeking the state's higher salaries and a vibrant culture. Those choosing this parish usually prioritize career opportunities over school rankings or low risk.

2040608010075.925.4751.520.655.94.841.126.6Tax75.9Cost25.4Safety7Health51.5Schools20.6Income55.9Risk4.8Water41.1Weather26.633.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Lafayette Parish DNA

Foverall

How Lafayette Parish compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lafayette Parish falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (7/100), though Property Tax (75.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.9+23.900000000000006
Cost
25.4-22.6
Safety
7-48
Health
51.5
Schools
20.6-33.4
Income
55.9
Risk
4.8-42.2
Water
41.1-16.9
Weather
26.6-29.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Lafayette Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in Lafayette Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$242,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,057/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$242,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,451/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Acadia Parish
Louisiana
56.2
St. Landry Parish
Louisiana
46.1
Vermilion Parish
Louisiana
56.4
St. Martin Parish
Louisiana
47
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
58.9
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
50.7
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.8
Jefferson Davis Parish
Louisiana
53.7

Deep Dives

Lafayette Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lafayette Parish

via TaxByCounty

Lafayette Parish taxes rank in nation's upper tier

Lafayette Parish's 0.568% effective rate slightly exceeds the national median of 0.565%, placing it just above average nationally. Homeowners pay $1,329 annually on a median home valued at $234,200—about 49% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Highest-taxed parish in Louisiana

At 0.568%, Lafayette Parish has Louisiana's highest effective tax rate among all 64 parishes, 35% above the state average of 0.421%. The median property tax of $1,329 is nearly double the state median of $732, reflecting major parish investments.

Highest taxes in the region by far

Lafayette Parish's 0.568% rate towers over nearby Acadia Parish and St. Martin Parish, as well as Lafourche Parish (0.498%) to the southeast. This makes it the priciest parish for homeowners across south-central Louisiana.

What homeowners actually pay yearly

On Lafayette Parish's median home value of $234,200, the annual property tax is approximately $1,329 without a mortgage and $1,458 with one. This comes to roughly $111 per month—the highest in Louisiana and well above regional norms.

Challenge high assessments aggressively

In Louisiana's highest-taxed parish, inflated property assessments can cost homeowners thousands over a decade. Lafayette Parish residents should request independent appraisals and file formal appeals if their assessed values deviate significantly from market sales data in their neighborhoods.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lafayette Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Lafayette Parish beats state average

Lafayette Parish households earn $67,660 annually, 10% below the national median of $74,755. The parish stands among Louisiana's strongest-earning communities and represents the state's economic growth engine.

Top-earning Louisiana parish

Lafayette Parish median household income of $67,660 exceeds Louisiana's state average by $12,410. The parish ranks at the very top of all Louisiana counties for household earnings.

Regional economic leader

Lafayette Parish at $67,660 edges Jefferson Parish ($65,246) and substantially outperforms Jackson Parish ($43,345) by $24,315. The parish drives regional prosperity through energy sector employment and diversified industry.

Housing affordable for median families

Lafayette Parish residents allocate 18.1% of household income to rent, well within the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $234,200 remains accessible to the median household earning $67,660.

Build generational wealth intentionally

Lafayette Parish households earning $67,660 can aggressively pursue wealth-building through diversified investments, real estate beyond primary residence, and college savings plans. Saving 20% annually ($13,532) compounds into significant wealth and creates pathways for economic advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lafayette Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Lafayette Parish Safety Overview

Lafayette Parish has a safety score of 95.1, which is lower than many US counties. Its total crime rate of 3099.4 per 100K sits above the national average of 2,385.5.

Lafayette vs Louisiana Norms

The parish's safety score of 95.1 is two points lower than the state average of 97.1. Total crime also significantly exceeds the statewide average of 1853.7 per 100K.

A Busy Regional Hub

Lafayette's crime rate of 3099.4 is much higher than nearby Livingston Parish (2220.7). It mirrors the crime activity seen in Jefferson Parish to the east.

A Focus on Property Crime

Property crime accounts for 2732.2 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains near the national average at 367.2. This indicates that theft and burglary are the primary public safety challenges.

Protecting Your Lafayette Home

With property crime higher than national norms, visibility is your best defense. Install bright exterior lighting and maintain clear sightlines around your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lafayette Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A Hot Hub in the South

Lafayette Parish maintains an annual average temperature of 68.8°F, placing it well above the national median. The parish also receives a massive 64.1 inches of rain annually, characterizing its humid subtropical climate.

Exceeding State Temperature Norms

Lafayette is nearly two degrees warmer than the state average of 67.0°F. Its 64.1 inches of rainfall also exceeds the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches, making it a particularly wet and warm part of the state.

Warmer than its Western Neighbor

Lafayette is one degree warmer on average than Jefferson Davis Parish, which sits at 67.8°F. Both parishes experience similar rainfall levels, with Lafayette recording 64.1 inches annually.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

The parish suffers through 86 days of extreme heat above 90°F, one of the highest counts in the region. Winters are gentle with a 54.1°F average and zero recorded snowfall.

Maximize Your Air Conditioning

Residents must plan for nearly three months of extreme heat by ensuring HVAC systems are serviced and efficient. Outdoor activities should be scheduled around the 64.1 inches of annual rainfall and high humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lafayette Parish

via SoilByCounty

A silty heart in Acadiana

Lafayette Parish soil sits at a pH of 5.80, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.74. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it is relatively well-balanced for the region.

Silky texture with minimal sand

Silt dominates the landscape at a high 62.7%, while sand makes up only 10.6% of the mix. This results in a fine-textured soil that offers excellent workability and good moisture retention thanks to its 26.7% clay content.

High water capacity despite low organics

The organic matter content is 2.11%, which meets the national average but falls below the state's 6.38% average. However, the available water capacity is strong at 0.196 in/in, outperforming the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in.

Stable moisture for farming

The high silt and clay percentages indicate that the parish's soil is built for retention rather than rapid drainage. This profile supports consistent plant growth by keeping moisture available in the root zone between rains.

Versatile growing in Zone 9a

From backyard vegetables to lush landscapes, the silty soils of zone 9a are highly productive. Adding compost can help boost the organic matter, making this some of the best gardening land in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lafayette Parish

via LawnByCounty

Lafayette's Turf Challenges

Lafayette Parish scores 30.5 for lawn difficulty, reflecting a tougher environment than the national average. As a zone 9a region, it shares the typical Louisiana struggle with high heat and moisture levels. Local gardeners must work harder than the average American to maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn.

Wet Roots and Hot Days

Eighty-six days of temperatures over 90°F and 64.1 inches of rain create a steam-cooker effect for lawns. The high growing degree day count of 7,091 indicates that grass grows aggressively for most of the year. Homeowners must stay vigilant with mowing to prevent the lawn from becoming unmanageable during the long summer.

Soil Management in the Hub City

The soil pH of 5.80 is just below the preferred 6.0 threshold, so a light application of lime may improve nutrient uptake. With 26.7% clay content, the soil holds water well but is prone to compaction from foot traffic. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling during the parish's frequent heavy rain events.

Resilient Against Recent Drought

Lafayette is currently in a better position than many neighbors, with only 10.7% of the area being abnormally dry. While the parish saw 16 weeks of drought last year, current conditions are relatively stable. Monitoring weather patterns is still vital, as the 86 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the top layers of soil.

Spring Planting in Lafayette

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda are the gold standard for Lafayette's 9a climate. Wait until after the last spring frost on February 26th to begin major lawn renovations. With the first fall frost not arriving until December 4th, your grass has a wide window to establish a deep root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lafayette Parish's county score?
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Lafayette Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Lafayette Parish is $1,380, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Lafayette Parish a tax score of 75.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette Parish?
The median household income in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is $67,451 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette Parish earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Lafayette Parish scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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.