countyscore
50
County Score
Property Tax 87.9Schools 77.7Cost of Living 68.2

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.

2040608010087.968.210.842.177.71.935.712.539.4Tax87.9Cost68.2Safety10.8Health42.1Schools77.7Income1.9Risk35.7Water12.5Weather39.450/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Lincoln Parish DNA

Foverall

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

Lincoln Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (87.9/100) but notably weak in Income (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.9+35.900000000000006
Cost
68.2+20.200000000000003
Safety
10.8-44.2
Health
42.1
Schools
77.7+23.700000000000003
Income
1.9-49.1
Risk
35.7-11.299999999999997
Water
12.5-45.5
Weather
39.4-16.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Lincoln Parish

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$210,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$825/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$210,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,172/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.3

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

Jackson Parish
Louisiana
64.4
Union Parish
Louisiana
65.7
Claiborne Parish
Louisiana
67.7
Ouachita Parish
Louisiana
34.8
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Union County
Arkansas
39.6
Webster Parish
Louisiana
58.2
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
55.9

Deep Dives

Lincoln Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 50 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 $971, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Lincoln Parish a tax score of 87.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln Parish?
The median household income in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is $39,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln Parish earns an income score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Lincoln Parish scores 50/100 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.
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.