countyscore
49.8
County Score
Property Tax 86Schools 77.7Cost of Living 68.3

County Report Card

About Lincoln Parish, Louisiana

A True National Average

Lincoln Parish sits at 49.8, making it almost identical to the national median composite score of 50.0. It represents a very typical slice of American life.

Near the Louisiana Median

The parish’s score of 49.8 is just slightly below the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It provides a consistent and predictable lifestyle within the state.

Excellent Schools and Tax Rates

Education is a highlight here with a school score of 77.7. Combined with a tax score of 86.0, the parish is very attractive for families and property owners.

Income and Infrastructure Hurdles

The parish faces a very low income score of 2.1, with a median household income of $38,035. Additionally, the water score of 12.5 suggests a need for infrastructure investment.

Great for Education-Focused Families

Lincoln Parish is best for families who prioritize high-quality schooling over high-paying local jobs. It is a solid choice for those who value a strong educational foundation for their children.

Score breakdown

Tax86Cost68.3Safety10.8Health42.1Schools77.7Income2.1Risk35.7Water12.5Weather39.4
🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.8
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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Nearby counties

Jackson Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Union Parish
Louisiana
66.8
Claiborne Parish
Louisiana
68.8
Ouachita Parish
Louisiana
35.3
Bienville Parish
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64.2
Union County
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40
Webster Parish
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Caldwell Parish
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58.8

Deep Dives

Lincoln Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln Parish

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln Parish taxes run slightly above national average

At 0.499%, Lincoln Parish's effective tax rate sits slightly below the national median of 0.565%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Homeowners pay $975 annually on a median home worth $195,500—about 36% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Above-average taxes for Louisiana parishes

Lincoln Parish's 0.499% effective rate ranks in Louisiana's upper tier, 18% above the state average of 0.421%. The median property tax of $975 is 33% above the state median of $732, reflecting moderate-to-high parish spending.

Higher taxes than most northeast parishes

Lincoln Parish's 0.499% rate exceeds Jackson Parish (0.330%), LaSalle Parish (0.421%), and most surrounding rural parishes, making it the higher-taxed option in northeast Louisiana. It's nearly identical to Lafourche Parish (0.498%).

What homeowners actually pay yearly

On Lincoln Parish's median home value of $195,500, the annual property tax is approximately $975 without a mortgage and $1,344 with one. This amounts to about $81 per month—above Louisiana's median and near regional highs.

Review assessments on commercial properties

Commercial and industrial properties in Lincoln Parish are often assessed above their actual investment value, particularly older structures. Business owners should request certified appraisals and file reassessment appeals if assessed values significantly exceed recent market transactions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln Parish

via CostByCounty

Lincoln Parish: steepest housing burden in Louisiana group

At 25.9%, Lincoln Parish's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the national average and every other parish here, signaling severe affordability stress. The median household income of just $38,035—the lowest in this group and 49% below the national median—creates acute housing pressure.

Least affordable Louisiana parish in this comparison

Lincoln Parish's 25.9% rent-to-income ratio towers above the Louisiana state average of 19.5%, indicating the most stretched housing burden in this eight-parish group. Low median income compounds the challenge despite moderate absolute rent levels.

Income challenges overshadow moderate rent costs

Lincoln's $821/month median rent falls in the middle range of these parishes, but the combination with the lowest median income ($38,035) creates the worst affordability ratio. This parish's economic challenges require stronger income growth to improve housing sustainability.

Renters stretch to 25.9%; homeownership offers modest relief

The median renter allocates $821 monthly—a crushing 25.9% of just $38,035 household income—the most burdensome ratio in this group. Homeowners face $632/month costs, which helps, but the parish's income level remains the central challenge.

Lincoln Parish: affordability challenges demand attention

With a 25.9% rent-to-income ratio, Lincoln Parish signals economic stress that housing affordability alone cannot solve—local income growth is the critical need. Relocate here only with secure, above-average income prospects that exceed parish medians.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln Parish faces income challenges

Lincoln Parish households earn $38,035 annually, 49% below the national median of $74,755. The parish ranks among Louisiana's lowest-income communities, reflecting structural economic challenges.

Lowest income in this group

Lincoln Parish median household income of $38,035 falls $17,215 short of Louisiana's state average of $55,250. The parish ranks in the lowest tier of all Louisiana counties for household earnings.

Significant regional income gap

Lincoln Parish at $38,035 trails Jackson Parish ($43,345) by $5,310 and lags far behind LaSalle Parish ($67,077). The parish faces the steepest income challenges among north-central Louisiana communities.

Housing burden strains budgets

Lincoln Parish residents spend 25.9% of household income on rent—pushing toward unaffordable levels—while median home value reaches $195,500. Lower incomes struggle to meet housing costs, limiting resources for other essentials.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Lincoln Parish households earning $38,035 should start with emergency funds (3-6 months expenses) before investing, as housing pressure limits discretionary income. Even saving $25/month builds financial resilience and provides foundation for future wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln Parish Crime Rates

Lincoln Parish has a safety score of 95.7, indicating it is less safe than the average US county. The total crime rate of 2710.9 per 100K exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing to State Standards

The parish's safety score of 95.7 falls below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 2710.9 is nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average.

Higher Activity than Neighbors

Lincoln Parish experiences more crime than neighboring Jackson Parish (576.4). It also reports a higher total crime rate than Madison Parish (1495.8).

Violent Crime Concerns

The violent crime rate of 490.4 per 100K is significantly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2220.5 per 100K.

Investing in Home Defense

With both violent and property crime above national averages, a comprehensive security system is recommended. Professional monitoring can provide essential protection for your family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln Parish

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln Parish matches national average

At 75.0 years, Lincoln Parish residents live nearly 3.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years and 2.5 years longer than Louisiana's 72.5-year average. However, 24.0% report poor or fair health, the third-highest rate in this group, suggesting wellness challenges despite longevity.

Strong life expectancy, health disparities

Lincoln Parish ranks well above Louisiana's state average for life expectancy at 75.0 years, yet its 24.0% poor/fair health rate suggests significant gaps in preventive care or health equity. This gap between longevity and self-reported health is notable.

Mental health resources abundant

Lincoln Parish boasts 465 mental health providers per 100K—the highest in this entire cohort and far exceeding its primary care capacity of 67 per 100K. This unusual imbalance suggests strong institutional mental health services but limited primary care coordination.

Nearly at state insurance parity

At 8.0% uninsured, Lincoln Parish is essentially tied with Louisiana's 8.1% state average, suggesting solid insurance penetration. Yet the high poor/fair health rate hints that insurance alone doesn't guarantee quality preventive care.

Lincoln Parish: close the health gap

Lincoln Parish's strong life expectancy masks a 24% poor/fair health rate—among the worst in this group despite good insurance coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure coverage, then work with providers on preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Performing Academic Hub

Lincoln Parish manages 13 schools for 6,235 students across three districts. The system includes a balanced mix of six elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with three multi-level institutions.

Leading the State in Achievement

With a school score of 58.7, Lincoln Parish is a leader in academic performance compared to the Louisiana average of 53.0. The graduation rate is a robust 95.5%, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $8,055.

A Center for Educational Choice

The Lincoln Parish district serves 5,408 students, while Lincoln Preparatory School provides a charter alternative for 691 students. The presence of three separate districts provides families with multiple educational pathways.

Town-Centered Academic Life

Life here revolves around town and rural locales, with Ruston High School serving as the largest campus at 1,310 students. The average school size is 480, offering a mid-sized feel that balances resources with community connection.

Join an Academically Driven Community

Lincoln Parish offers some of the highest academic scores in the region, making it a top pick for homebuyers. Look for residential options in Ruston or Choudrant to be near these high-achieving public and charter schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln Parish

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln Parish: Above-Average National Risk

Lincoln Parish scores 64.34, placing it in the Relatively Low category but slightly above the national average for hazard exposure. Your parish's location in northeast Louisiana means exposure to tornado and hurricane systems that regularly affect the region.

Middle-Tier Risk Among Louisiana Parishes

Lincoln Parish's composite score of 64.34 slightly exceeds Louisiana's state average of 62.37, ranking it in the middle range of the state's 64 parishes. This positions your parish in a moderate-risk zone compared to both the safest and riskiest Louisiana communities.

Riskier Than Jackson, Safer Than Others

Neighboring Jackson Parish to the north scores just 26.18, while Lincoln Parish reaches 64.34; however, LaSalle Parish to the west scores even lower at 12.15. Lincoln Parish sits in a transition zone between northeast Louisiana's safest and higher-risk southern parishes.

Tornadoes Are Your Primary Concern

Tornado risk (86.86) stands as Lincoln Parish's dominant hazard, ranking among the state's highest and reflecting your location in Tornado Alley's southern reach. Hurricane risk (67.00) and earthquake risk (68.19) present secondary concerns; flood risk (54.26) remains moderate.

Tornado Safety Should Lead Your Planning

Lincoln Parish residents should prioritize wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies and consider investing in a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but verify your deductibles and limits with your agent to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Southern Interior Climate

Lincoln Parish has an average annual temperature of 64.8°F, which is significantly warmer than the national median. It receives 55.6 inches of rain, exceeding the national average for precipitation.

One of Louisiana's Cooler Parishes

At 64.8°F, Lincoln Parish is over two degrees cooler than the state average of 67.0°F. It also records 55.6 inches of rain, making it slightly drier than the Louisiana average of 60.8 inches.

Aligning with Jackson Parish

Lincoln's 55.6 inches of annual rainfall is nearly identical to neighboring Jackson Parish. Its temperature profile of 64.8°F is consistent with the northern interior region of the state.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

The parish sees 85 days of extreme heat above 90°F, with July averages reaching 82.0°F. Winters are cool for Louisiana, with an average January temperature of 46.1°F and 0.4 inches of snow.

Manage Heat and High Rainfall

With 85 days over 90°F, efficient air conditioning is a primary concern for residents. While 0.4 inches of snow is minimal, the 55.6 inches of rain requires proper drainage and home maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln Parish

via SoilByCounty

Sandy and acidic northern soil

Lincoln Parish soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.35, falling below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region but lower than the state average of 5.74.

Dominantly sandy textures

A high 66.7% sand content makes this soil very loose and easy to cultivate. However, with only 9.9% clay, the soil has limited ability to hold onto nutrients and water compared to siltier parishes.

Low organic matter and capacity

Organic matter is quite low at 1.64%, which is below both the national 2.0% and state 6.38% averages. This results in a low available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, making the soil prone to drying out quickly.

Runoff risks in Group D

Lincoln Parish belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates despite the sandy surface. This creates a high risk for runoff and erosion during the heavy rain events common in North Louisiana.

Success with the right plants in 8b

Root crops and pine trees thrive in these sandy, acidic conditions within zone 8b. Gardeners should prioritize frequent watering and consistent mulching to overcome the soil's natural drainage and low water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln Parish

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln Parish Lawn Score

Lincoln Parish scores 32.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, which is slightly below the Louisiana state average and well under the national median. As an 8b hardiness zone, the parish faces a shorter growing season than the coast but shares the same heat intensity. Local success depends on managing the sandy soil and summer temperatures.

The Heat of North Louisiana

Lincoln Parish endures 85 days of temperatures above 90°F, one of the highest counts in the state. While the 55.6 inches of rain is slightly lower than the state average, it is still plenty for grass growth. Mowing schedules will peak during the high-heat months when the 5,991 growing degree days are most active.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

The soil here is very sandy at 66.7%, which means it drains quickly and requires more frequent watering during heat waves. A pH of 5.35 is much lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, necessitating lime to improve soil health. Because nutrients wash through sand easily, slow-release fertilizers are highly recommended.

Current Drought Protection

While 100% of the parish is considered abnormally dry, Lincoln has avoided the severe D2+ drought conditions seen elsewhere. The parish faced 11 weeks of drought over the last year, which is relatively low for the region. Focusing on soil organic matter will help your sandy soil hold onto the moisture it does receive.

Planting Tips for Lincoln Parish

Centipede and Bermuda grass are excellent for the sandy, acidic soil conditions found in Lincoln Parish. The best time to start your lawn is after the last frost on March 11th. Be sure to establish your turf before the first frost on November 16th to ensure it survives the winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln Parish's county score?
Lincoln Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Lincoln Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Lincoln Parish ranks #38 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 Lincoln Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln Parish is $975, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Lincoln Parish a tax score of 86/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln Parish?
The median household income in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is $38,035 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln Parish earns an income score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Lincoln Parish scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.