countyscore
34.3
County Score
Property Tax 78.3Income & Jobs 60.7Soil Quality 56.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax78.3Cost25.5Safety7Health51.5Schools20.6Income60.7Risk4.8Water41.1Weather26.6
🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.5
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 Parish
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Nearby counties

Acadia Parish
Louisiana
55.4
St. Landry Parish
Louisiana
46.1
Vermilion Parish
Louisiana
57.6
St. Martin Parish
Louisiana
47.6
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
59.3
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
50.6
Iberville Parish
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52.2
Jefferson Davis Parish
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53.1

Deep Dives

Lafayette Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Lafayette Parish

via CostByCounty

Lafayette Parish delivers strong affordability relative to income

With an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and a median household income of $67,660, Lafayette Parish beats the national average for affordability while earning reasonably close to the national median of $74,755. This combination makes it one of the most balanced markets in the region.

Top-tier affordability for a growing Louisiana hub

Lafayette Parish achieves an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio—well below Louisiana's 19.5% state average—while serving as the economic engine of Acadiana. The median rent of $1,022/month is 17% above state average but paired with above-average incomes that make it manageable.

Best value among higher-income parishes

Lafayette's $1,022/month rent sits between smaller rural parishes and expensive Jefferson Parish ($1,162), while its $67,660 median income ranks second-highest in the group. This positions Lafayette as an attractive balance of amenities, economic opportunity, and affordability.

Renters spend 18.1%; homeowners face steeper burden

Renters dedicate $1,022 monthly—just 18.1% of $67,660 income—making rent manageable. Homeowners pay $1,083/month on a $234,200 median home value, a higher absolute cost but still reasonable given the parish's income levels.

Lafayette Parish: affordability meets opportunity

As Louisiana's second-largest metro area with a diversified economy, Lafayette offers above-average incomes paired with reasonable housing costs and a strong 18.1% rent ratio. This parish delivers the best combination of affordability and economic potential in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lafayette Parish

via HealthByCounty

Lafayette leads Louisiana and nation

At 75.8 years, Lafayette Parish residents live nearly 4.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years and 3.3 years longer than Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years. Just 19.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest in this cohort and a sign of strong population wellness.

Healthiest parish in the dataset

Lafayette Parish ranks first in this group for life expectancy and has the lowest poor/fair health rate at 19.8%. This economic hub benefits from a diversified economy, strong primary and mental health infrastructure, and high insurance coverage rates.

Regional healthcare powerhouse

Lafayette's 108 primary care providers per 100K residents is the highest in this group, matched by 423 mental health providers per 100K—the top mental health access rate as well. These figures reflect Lafayette's role as a regional medical center.

Good coverage, room to improve

The 8.7% uninsured rate is slightly above Louisiana's 8.1% average despite Lafayette's economic strength and provider availability. This suggests some coverage barriers remain even in the state's healthiest parish.

Lafayette: maintain your advantage

With the state's best health outcomes, Lafayette has momentum—but 8.7% uninsured means roughly 16,000 residents miss access to the parish's exceptional providers. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure no one is left behind.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lafayette Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

An Expansive Mid-Sized School System

Lafayette Parish hosts 36,349 students across 49 public schools divided among five school districts. The system includes 25 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 11 high schools to serve its growing population.

Competitive Academic Standards

The parish achieves a graduation rate of 84.3%, which sits just below the state average of 85.4%. Educational delivery is highly efficient, with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,235—well below the national average of $13,000—while maintaining a score of 48.9.

Lafayette Parish Leading the Way

The Lafayette Parish district manages 32,377 students, while charter schools like Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy enroll nearly 1,900 students. In total, charter schools make up over 8% of the county's public school offerings.

Large Campuses in an Urban Core

Most students attend large city or suburban schools, with an average enrollment of 757 students per campus. Southside High School is the parish leader in size, educating 1,910 students in a modern facility.

Relocate to a Hub of Learning

Families moving to Lafayette can choose between high-performing charter academies and established magnet programs like David Thibodaux STEM. Research homes near the Southside or Acadiana school zones to join this vibrant educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lafayette Parish

via RiskByCounty

Lafayette Parish: Top-Tier National Risk

Lafayette Parish scores 95.17 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and placing it among the most disaster-exposed counties in America. Your parish's central Louisiana location funnels multiple hazard types into one vulnerable zone.

Second-Highest Risk in Louisiana

Lafayette Parish's score of 95.17 ranks it second only to Jefferson Parish among Louisiana's 64 parishes, far exceeding the state average of 62.37. This reflects your parish's position at the intersection of coastal flood risk and regional tornado activity.

Center of a High-Risk Cluster

Neighboring Jefferson Parish (98.66) and Livingston Parish (94.47) both rank among the state's riskiest, creating a contiguous zone of maximum hazard exposure across south-central Louisiana. Your parish sits within one of America's most disaster-prone regions.

Hurricanes Lead, Floods Follow Close

Hurricane risk reaches 98.37 and flood risk scores 93.03, making these the overwhelming hazards residents must prepare for. Tornado risk (65.33) and earthquake risk (68.35) present secondary threats that deserve attention in home and business planning.

Layered Insurance Is Your Foundation

Lafayette Parish residents need homeowners insurance with strong hurricane/wind coverage, mandatory flood insurance for all properties in designated flood zones, and consideration of additional named-storm or earthquake riders. Work with a local insurance agent to understand your exact flood zone and ensure coverage limits match your home's true replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 34.3 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 Lafayette Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Lafayette Parish ranks #60 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 $1,329, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Lafayette Parish a tax score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette Parish?
The median household income in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is $67,660 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette Parish earns an income score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Lafayette Parish scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 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.

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.