countyscore
35.3
County Score
Property Tax 79.8Cost of Living 41.5Schools 40.5

County Report Card

About Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Below the National Benchmark

Ouachita Parish earns a composite score of 35.3, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the parish lags behind many American counties in creating a balanced livability profile. Improvements are needed to move closer to the national average.

Trailing the Louisiana Average

At 35.3, the parish is nearly 18 points below the Louisiana state average of 53.0. This ranking puts it in the lower half of parishes statewide for overall livability. The data suggests local challenges are more acute here than in other parts of Louisiana.

Favorable Taxes and Moderate Income

A high tax score of 79.8 is a major benefit for residents, reflecting an effective tax rate of 0.555%. The parish also has a relatively competitive income score of 17.2, with a median household income of $51,241. These metrics provide a degree of financial stability for local workers.

Critical Safety and Risk Gaps

Safety is a severe challenge with a score of 1.5, while environmental risk also scores poorly at 12.5. Additionally, the cost score of 41.5 suggests that housing affordability is becoming a concern relative to local wages. These areas require significant policy attention to improve quality of life.

Choice for the Tax-Sensitive

Ouachita Parish is most appropriate for residents who value a lower tax burden and moderate income potential. While safety and environmental risks are prominent, the financial benefits of the tax structure are clear. It suits those willing to navigate urban challenges in exchange for tax efficiency.

2040608010079.841.51.537.440.517.212.520.836.9Tax79.8Cost41.5Safety1.5Health37.4Schools40.5Income17.2Risk12.5Water20.8Weather36.935.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Ouachita Parish DNA

Foverall

How Ouachita Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ouachita Parish falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (1.5/100), though Property Tax (79.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.8+27.799999999999997
Cost
41.5
Safety
1.5-53.5
Health
37.4-12.600000000000001
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
17.2-33.8
Risk
12.5-34.5
Water
20.8-37.2
Weather
36.9-19.1
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Ouachita Parish

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$183,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$923/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$183,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,241/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.8

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
Compare Ouachita Parish with Merced County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Merced County
California
Median income: $65,044
35.3
Union County
New Jersey
Median income: $100,117
35.3
Santa Fe County
New Mexico
Median income: $74,689
35.3
Salt Lake County
Utah
Median income: $94,658
35.3
Coconino County
Arizona
Median income: $69,748
35.2
Tulare County
California
Median income: $69,489
35.2
El Paso County
Colorado
Median income: $87,470
35.2
Pierce County
Georgia
Median income: $56,691
35.2

Nearby counties

Richland Parish
Louisiana
58.1
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
58.8
Union Parish
Louisiana
66.8
Lincoln Parish
Louisiana
49.8
Morehouse Parish
Louisiana
42.2
Franklin Parish
Louisiana
54
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
68.4

Deep Dives

Ouachita Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ouachita Parish

via TaxByCounty

Ouachita Parish taxes still below national norm

At 0.555%, Ouachita Parish's effective tax rate falls in the bottom 35% nationally, meaningfully lower than the typical American county. The national median property tax is $2,690; Ouachita homeowners pay $1,016—less than 40% of that national benchmark.

Above state average, mid-range for Louisiana

Ouachita Parish's 0.555% effective tax rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421% by about one-third, ranking it in the upper half of the state's parishes. Homeowners pay $1,016 median tax versus the state median of $732, roughly $284 more annually.

Higher than most surrounding areas

Ouachita Parish's 0.555% rate exceeds both nearby Madison Parish (0.230%) and Morehouse Parish (0.430%), making it one of the more heavily taxed rural parishes in northeast Louisiana. It ranks below Orleans Parish's 0.819% but above most other regional neighbors.

Median home costs $1,016 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $183,000 and an effective rate of 0.555%, a typical Ouachita Parish homeowner pays approximately $1,016 annually in property taxes. Including escrow for mortgages, the annual payment climbs to about $1,177.

Appeal your assessment if it seems high

Ouachita Parish homeowners should compare their assessed value to comparable recent sales in their neighborhood; overassessed properties can be appealed at no cost. Lower assessments reduce annual tax bills without changing the tax rate itself.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ouachita Parish

via CostByCounty

Ouachita Parish keeps rents moderate

Ouachita Parish renters spend 21.6% of their $51,241 income on housing—above Louisiana's 19.5% average but reasonable compared to national stress—paying $923 monthly in rent. The parish's median income sits closer to national levels than most rural Louisiana counties, easing the affordability pressure.

Slightly above-average affordability stress

Ouachita Parish's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper-middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes, suggesting moderate affordability pressure relative to the state. The $923 median rent exceeds the state average of $873 by $50, reflecting Ouachita's position as a mid-sized parish with regional economic draw.

Pricier than rural, cheaper than New Orleans

Ouachita Parish renters pay $923 monthly—$129 more than Natchitoches but $288 less than New Orleans—while earning a competitive $51,241. The parish sits geographically and economically between Louisiana's rural parishes and its urban centers.

Rental and ownership costs

Renters allocate $923 monthly while homeowners pay $868, totaling 21.6% of the $51,241 median household income. Median home values of $183,000 offer moderate entry points for buyers seeking to escape the renter's burden.

Ouachita offers middle-ground balance

Ouachita Parish delivers reasonable affordability with income levels that exceed most rural Louisiana—making it a practical choice for those balancing cost and earning power. Consider Ouachita if you seek moderate-sized parish amenities without New Orleans's premium pricing or isolated rural constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ouachita Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Ouachita Parish falls 31% below national median

Ouachita Parish households earn $51,241 annually, roughly 31% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. The parish lags the nation significantly but performs better than many rural Louisiana counterparts.

Near Louisiana's median, slightly below state average

At $51,241, Ouachita Parish's median household income falls 7% below Louisiana's state median of $55,250, placing it slightly below the state average. Per capita income of $30,656 closely mirrors the state average of $29,702, indicating more equitable income distribution.

Mid-tier income across central Louisiana

Ouachita Parish's median income of $51,241 trails Pointe Coupee Parish ($59,351) and Rapides Parish ($55,946) but exceeds Orleans Parish ($55,339). The parish occupies a competitive middle position among its peers in central Louisiana.

Sustainable housing affordability for households

Ouachita Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% falls comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating housing costs remain manageable. Median home values of $183,000 allow many households to pursue homeownership without excessive financial strain.

Build steady wealth through disciplined saving

Ouachita Parish residents should establish automatic monthly transfers to savings accounts to capture even small surpluses in household budgets. Employer 401(k) matching programs and tax-advantaged health savings accounts offer powerful long-term wealth accumulation opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ouachita Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Ouachita Parish Safety Statistics

Ouachita Parish reports a total crime rate of 5,526.8 per 100,000, which is over twice the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume results in a local safety score of 91.3.

Parish Safety vs State Benchmarks

The safety score of 91.3 falls below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, highlighting a higher incident rate than many other parts of the state.

Comparing Rates to State Averages

With a rate of 5,526.8, Ouachita sees nearly triple the crime volume of the average Louisiana parish. This indicates a very active public safety environment for local law enforcement.

Breaking Down Crime Categories

The parish faces 4,114.4 property crimes and 1,412.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crime is more than double the national average, requiring extra community vigilance.

Effective Home Protection Strategies

Given the elevated property crime figures, residents should focus on securing valuables and improving home surveillance. Neighborhood cooperation and alarm systems can help reduce local risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ouachita Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Education in Ouachita Parish

Ouachita Parish maintains an extensive educational system of 57 public schools, including 35 elementary and 12 middle schools. Over 28,000 students are enrolled across three distinct school districts.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

The parish boasts an impressive 89.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the Louisiana average of 85.4% and the national average of 87%. This high performance is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,829.

A Multi-District Educational Hub

The Ouachita Parish district leads with 19,136 students, followed by the City of Monroe School District which serves 8,646 students. Only 1.8% of the schools in the parish operate as charters, maintaining a traditional public structure.

Suburban Reach and Massive High Schools

Schools are spread across city, suburban, and rural locales, with an average enrollment of 495 students. West Monroe High School is a regional powerhouse, serving a massive population of 2,189 students.

Relocating for Academic Excellence

With graduation rates outperforming the national average, Ouachita Parish is a premier choice for home buyers prioritizing education. Explore suburban neighborhoods near West Monroe or Monroe for access to these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ouachita Parish

via RiskByCounty

Ouachita Parish: Well Above National Average

Ouachita Parish scores 87.50 with a Relatively Moderate rating, significantly exceeding the national average for natural disaster risk. Residents face substantially higher exposure to multiple hazard types than most Americans.

Second Highest Risk in Louisiana

Ouachita Parish's 87.50 score ranks it second in Louisiana, exceeded only by Orleans Parish's 98.25, while being 25 points above the state average of 62.37. This places the parish among the state's most hazard-exposed communities.

Dramatically Riskier Than Surrounding Areas

Ouachita Parish's 87.50 score far exceeds nearby Madison Parish (32.44) and Morehouse Parish (55.28), making it a hotspot of elevated risk in northeast Louisiana. Only Rapides Parish (84.29) approaches its risk level in the immediate region.

Tornado Risk Dominates, Hurricane Close Second

Tornado risk peaks at 96.02—among the highest in the nation—while hurricane risk reaches 79.52, reflecting the parish's position in tornado alley. Flood risk (87.05), earthquake risk (89.28), and wildfire risk (56.20) add serious secondary threats.

Tornado Shelters and Comprehensive Insurance Essential

Ouachita Parish residents should prioritize a certified tornado shelter or safe room and ensure windstorm coverage for both tornado and hurricane damage. Flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and wildfire home hardening should all be evaluated given the parish's extreme multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ouachita Parish

via WaterByCounty

Ouachita Parish faces utility challenges

Ouachita Parish receives an F grade based on 228 drinking water health violations over five years. However, its violation rate of 122.3 per 100,000 residents remains significantly better than the Louisiana average of 407.2. This suggests that while violations are numerous, they may be concentrated in specific smaller systems.

Mercury and oxygen levels stress rivers

Over 90% of the parish's 62 assessed water bodies are impaired, exceeding the state average of 87.7%. Top causes include dissolved oxygen depletion, mercury in fish, and fecal coliform bacteria. These issues are tracked and updated through the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle.

Focused monitoring at 11 sites

The parish utilizes 11 monitoring sites that have recorded 2,684 measurements over the last five years. Data collection prioritizes physical parameters and organic pollutants to monitor the health of the Ouachita River basin. This moderate level of monitoring provides essential data for state environmental regulators.

Low flow on the Ouachita River

The Ouachita River at West Monroe is flowing at 4,830 cfs, which is only 21% of its typical volume. This low-flow state can reduce the river's ability to dilute pollutants from runoff and industrial discharge. The gauge monitors a massive 15,298 square mile area, reflecting regional drought conditions.

Balancing mercury warnings and flow shifts

Residents should heed mercury-based fish consumption advisories given that 90.3% of local waters are impaired. With the Ouachita River at just 21% of its typical flow, pollutants like fecal coliform can become more concentrated. Home filtration is a prudent step for those served by systems with recent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ouachita Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A warm southern climate

Ouachita Parish averages 64.9°F annually, placing it well into the upper bracket of U.S. county temperatures. This reflects a climate dominated by southern humidity.

Cooler than the state average

At 64.9°F, the parish is cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. Despite this, it still faces significant summer extremes.

Higher heat than northern neighbors

Ouachita records 94 extreme heat days, significantly more than neighboring Morehouse Parish at 80 days. Its 56.2 inches of rain is slightly below the state average.

Sweltering summers and mild winters

Summers average 81.4°F with peaks in July hitting 82.5°F. Winters are manageable with a 47.8°F average and only trace amounts of snow at 0.3 inches.

Brace for extreme summer heat

The 94 days of temperatures over 90°F require high-performance cooling systems and hydration. With 56.2 inches of rain, residents should ensure gutters can handle heavy seasonal downpours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ouachita Parish

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Uplands

Ouachita Parish features an average pH of 5.29, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a defining characteristic that influences what can grow without significant intervention.

Silty Loams with Moderate Sand

The soil contains 48.4% silt and 32.0% sand, providing a balanced texture that is generally easier to work than pure clay. With 19.6% clay, it offers enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable brick.

Limited Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 1.89%, slightly under the 2.0% national benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the state average of 0.182, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation during Louisiana's hot summers.

High Risk of Runoff

Belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils have a high runoff potential and very slow infiltration rates. This can lead to standing water after heavy rains, making drainage management a priority for homeowners.

Zone 8b Gardening Tips

Ouachita is perfect for pine silviculture and acid-loving berries. For a successful vegetable garden in Zone 8b, consider using raised beds to bypass the high runoff and acidic nature of the native earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ouachita Parish

via LawnByCounty

Ouachita's Uphill Lawn Battle

With a difficulty score of 27.6, Ouachita Parish is one of the more challenging places in Louisiana for a healthy lawn. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 33.8.

Intense Heat and Surplus Rain

The parish faces 94 extreme heat days, which is ten more than the state average. This heat, paired with 56.2 inches of annual precipitation, creates a stressful environment for all but the most heat-tolerant grass species.

Acidic Soil Needs Lime

The soil pH is quite low at 5.29, indicating highly acidic conditions that fall outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a 32.0% sand content, the soil may struggle to hold onto the nutrients your grass needs.

Coping with Dry Conditions

The parish is currently 100% abnormally dry, following 17 weeks of drought over the last year. To combat these conditions, homeowners should focus on deep watering and avoiding mowing during the hottest part of the day.

Starting Strong in Zone 8b

Centipede grass is a popular choice for the acidic soils found here. The best window for planting begins after the last spring frost on March 9, allowing the lawn to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ouachita Parish's county score?
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 35.3 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 Ouachita Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Ouachita Parish ranks #59 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 Ouachita Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Ouachita Parish is $1,016, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Ouachita Parish a tax score of 79.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ouachita Parish?
The median household income in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is $51,241 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ouachita Parish earns an income score of 17.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ouachita Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Ouachita Parish scores 35.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Ouachita 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 Ouachita Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.