countyscore
36
County Score
Property Tax 77.7Water Quality 46.5Cost of Living 45.1

County Report Card

About Rapides Parish, Louisiana

Trailing National Standards

Rapides Parish receives a composite score of 36.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score suggests that the parish faces more challenges than the majority of counties across the United States. Key improvements are necessary to reach the national midpoint.

Underperforming the State Average

With a composite score of 36.0, Rapides Parish falls significantly short of the Louisiana state average of 53.0. This gap reflects local struggles that are more intense than what is typical for a Louisiana parish. It ranks in the lower tier of livability within the state.

Moderate Taxes and Water Quality

The parish maintains a strong tax score of 77.7 with an effective tax rate of 0.572%. Water quality is also a relative strength with a score of 46.5, which is high for the region. These factors provide a decent foundation for local residents and households.

Severe Safety and Risk Issues

Safety is a critical concern with a score of only 2.7, while environmental risk also scores low at 15.7. Income and schools are also below average, with scores of 27.5 and 37.7 respectively. These compounding factors weigh heavily on the parish's overall livability.

A Choice for the Budget-Oriented

Rapides Parish is best for those who need access to a moderate-income market with relatively low taxes. While safety and environmental risks are high, the parish offers stable water quality and decent housing costs. It suits residents who are focused on the local economy but are cautious about social metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax77.7Cost45.1Safety2.7Health32.1Schools37.7Income27.5Risk15.7Water46.5Weather31.8
🏛77.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.7
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

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53.8
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Evangeline Parish
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Vernon Parish
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Deep Dives

Rapides Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rapides Parish

via TaxByCounty

Rapides Parish taxes still below national norm

At 0.572%, Rapides Parish's effective tax rate places it in the bottom 30% nationally, meaningfully lower than the typical U.S. county. The national median property tax is $2,690; Rapides homeowners pay $1,024—less than 40% of that national benchmark.

Above state average, upper-tier for Louisiana

Rapides Parish's 0.572% effective tax rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421% by roughly 35%, ranking it in the upper third of the state's parishes. Homeowners pay $1,024 median tax versus the state median of $732, roughly $292 more annually.

Higher than most surrounding parishes

Rapides Parish's 0.572% rate exceeds nearby Pointe Coupee Parish (0.281%) and surpasses most other rural Louisiana parishes. It falls below only Orleans Parish's 0.819% among the counties measured here.

Median home costs $1,024 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $179,100 and an effective rate of 0.572%, a typical Rapides Parish homeowner pays approximately $1,024 annually in property taxes. Including escrow for mortgages, annual payments rise to about $1,278.

Challenge overvaluations through appeals

Rapides Parish homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable home sales in their neighborhood; if values are higher, a free assessment appeal can reduce annual taxes. Even modest reductions in assessed value add up to meaningful savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rapides Parish

via CostByCounty

Rapides Parish maintains solid affordability

Rapides Parish renters spend 20.2% of their $55,946 income on housing—slightly above Louisiana's 19.5% average but manageable compared to national stress—paying $942 monthly in rent. The parish's median income sits meaningfully above most Louisiana rural counties, supporting a workable housing balance.

Slightly above Louisiana average

Rapides Parish's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio places it marginally above the state average, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes for affordability pressure. The $942 median rent exceeds state average by $69, reflecting Rapides's role as a regional hub with population draw.

Balanced regional positioning

Rapides Parish renters pay $942 monthly—$175 more than Pointe Coupee but $269 less than Orleans—while earning a solid $55,946 locally. The parish sits comfortably in the regional middle ground, offering stability between isolated rural areas and urban premium pricing.

Sustainable housing-to-income mix

Renters allocate $942 monthly while homeowners pay $798, combining for a manageable 20.2% of the $55,946 median household income. Median home values of $179,100 provide reasonable entry points for buyers seeking to transition from renting.

Rapides Parish offers stable middle ground

Rapides Parish balances modest affordability pressure with solid regional incomes and mid-tier housing costs, making it a practical choice for those seeking stability without rural isolation. Consider Rapides if you value a mid-sized parish community with reasonable housing economics and above-average local earning power.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rapides Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Rapides Parish trails U.S. median by 25%

Rapides Parish households earn $55,946 annually, approximately 25% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The parish matches Louisiana's state median but lags national prosperity benchmarks.

Slightly above Louisiana's state median

At $55,946, Rapides Parish's median household income exceeds Louisiana's state median of $55,250 by 1%, placing it at the state average. Per capita income of $31,688 edges above the state average of $29,702 by 7%.

Mid-tier earner in central Louisiana

Rapides Parish's median household income of $55,946 matches Orleans Parish ($55,339) closely and exceeds Ouachita Parish ($51,241), but trails Pointe Coupee Parish ($59,351). The parish holds steady as a regional middle performer.

Housing costs remain manageable statewide

Rapides Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating sustainable housing costs. Median home values of $179,100 remain accessible for median-income households pursuing homeownership.

Build wealth through consistent financial planning

Rapides Parish residents should establish monthly budgets and redirect even small surpluses toward employer-sponsored retirement plans and emergency savings. Explore low-cost index funds and compound interest strategies to grow wealth steadily over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rapides Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Rapides Parish Safety vs US Trends

Rapides Parish reports a total crime rate of 4,256.7 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 93.3 out of 100.

Parish Safety in Louisiana Context

The safety score of 93.3 is lower than the state average of 97.1. Five reporting agencies contribute data, indicating a more active crime environment than the typical Louisiana parish.

Crime Volume Exceeds State Average

Rapides Parish's total crime rate of 4,256.7 is more than double the state average of 1,853.7. This represents a substantial volume of reported incidents for local law enforcement to manage.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime is high at 3,331.1 per 100,000, while violent crime is 925.6. The property crime rate is more than 50% higher than the national average of 2,015.7.

Strengthening Your Home Security

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should consider professional monitoring or smart home security. Effective lighting and secure locks are essential for protecting property in the parish.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rapides Parish

via HealthByCounty

Rapides Parish health below national average

At 70.5 years, Rapides Parish life expectancy falls 5.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 22.6% reporting poor or fair health—above the national 18% baseline—Rapides faces above-average health burdens that threaten longevity and quality of life.

Below Louisiana average but not among worst

Rapides Parish's 70.5-year life expectancy sits 2 years below Louisiana's 72.5-year state average, placing it in the lower tier of Louisiana parishes. At 7.9% uninsured, Rapides is nearly at the state average of 8.1%, indicating typical insurance enrollment challenges for the state.

Moderate providers, strong mental health services

Rapides Parish's 84 primary care providers per 100,000 residents match Ouachita Parish and significantly exceed rural parishes like Pointe Coupee (30) and Morehouse (24). Mental health providers at 589 per 100,000 rank among the strongest in this dataset, suggesting robust psychiatric and counseling infrastructure supporting residents' behavioral health.

Reasonable primary care, strong mental health care

With 84 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Rapides Parish offers moderate physician access for routine medical needs and chronic disease management. Mental health services are a strength at 589 providers per 100,000, giving residents solid access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care.

Secure insurance and use available care

Rapides Parish's 7.9% uninsured rate means 1 in 12 residents lack coverage; ensure you're enrolled in Medicaid or marketplace plans. With strong mental health infrastructure, insured residents should take advantage of available counseling and preventive services—particularly screenings for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rapides Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Central Louisiana

Rapides Parish manages a large network of 49 public schools serving over 23,000 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 25 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 7 high schools, alongside 11 specialized campuses.

Steady Growth and Consistent Investment

Rapides Parish maintains a graduation rate of 83.0% and a school score of 51.5, which aligns closely with state averages. The parish invests $7,761 per pupil to support its vast student population.

Unified District Management in Rapides

The Rapides Parish district serves nearly all 23,129 students in the area through 47 schools. This traditional district model contains no charter schools but does include three specialized schools for students with unique needs.

Diverse Locales from Cities to Rural Areas

The parish features a wide variety of locales, including 20 city-based schools and 19 rural campuses. Alexandria Senior High School is the largest in the system, enrolling 1,482 students in a bustling city environment.

Finding the Right Fit in Rapides Parish

With its mix of city and rural schools, Rapides Parish offers educational environments for every lifestyle. High-capacity high schools like Alexandria and Pineville make the central urban areas particularly attractive for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rapides Parish

via RiskByCounty

Rapides Parish: Well Above National Average

Rapides Parish scores 84.29 with a Relatively Moderate rating, substantially exceeding the national average for composite risk. Residents face considerably higher natural disaster exposure than most Americans.

High-Risk Parish in Louisiana

Rapides Parish scores 84.29, ranking third-highest in Louisiana and 22 points above the state average of 62.37. It's among the state's most hazard-exposed communities, second only to Orleans and Ouachita parishes.

Riskiest in Central Louisiana Region

Rapides Parish's 84.29 score substantially exceeds nearby Pointe Coupee Parish (63.07) and Natchitoches Parish (56.39), making it a risk hotspot in central Louisiana. Only Ouachita Parish (87.50) carries higher exposure in the surrounding area.

Wildfire and Tornado Threats Mount

Wildfire risk reaches 78.02—substantially elevated—while tornado risk scores 68.70 and hurricane risk peaks at 90.61. Additional concerns include flood risk (82.22) and earthquake risk (73.66), creating a multi-hazard exposure profile.

Wildfire, Wind, and Flood Coverage Required

Rapides Parish residents should verify wildfire coverage (often excluded from standard policies) and ensure windstorm protection for tornado and hurricane damage. Flood insurance is critical given the 82.22 flood risk score, and home hardening measures addressing vegetation and defensible space are strongly advised.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rapides Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A classic southern climate

Rapides Parish averages 66.4°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. This central Louisiana location experiences high humidity and consistent warmth.

Close to the state average

The parish temperature of 66.4°F is nearly identical to the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It serves as a benchmark for the state's interior weather patterns.

Wetter than its neighbors

Rapides receives 59.3 inches of rain, making it wetter than nearby Natchitoches Parish at 55.9 inches. It also matches the high regional count of 94 extreme heat days.

Intense heat and soft winters

Summers are hot, averaging 81.5°F with 94 days over 90°F annually. Winters are mild at 50.5°F, and snow is extremely rare at 0.1 inches per year.

Plan for heavy summer rain

Expect frequent thunderstorms during the 59.3-inch annual rainfall cycle. Cooling is essential for the 94 days of extreme heat, so maintain efficient insulation and AC units.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rapides Parish

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Central Louisiana

Rapides Parish exactly matches the Louisiana state average with a soil pH of 5.74. While it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains a standard and manageable profile for the Gulf Coast.

A Diverse Textural Blend

The soil contains 41.6% silt, 35.8% sand, and 22.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a good balance of drainage from the sand and nutrient holding capacity from the clay and silt.

Moderate Nutrient Potential

Organic matter is measured at 1.73%, slightly below the national average. The available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is also slightly lower than the state average, meaning consistent watering may be necessary during dry spells.

High Runoff Risks

Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil suffers from very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This can lead to erosion on sloped land or localized ponding in flat areas during heavy Louisiana thunderstorms.

Gardening in Zone 9a

The long, hot summers of Zone 9a favor sweet potatoes and okra. Gardeners should use mulch to help the soil retain moisture, given the lower available water capacity and organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rapides Parish

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Turf Battle in Rapides

Rapides Parish faces a difficult lawn care landscape with a score of 29.7, which is lower than the state average. This makes it significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 for Hardiness Zone 9a.

Extreme Heat and High Precipitation

Intense summers bring 94 extreme heat days, while 59.3 inches of rain soak the ground annually. This combination creates high humidity and rapid growth cycles that can quickly overwhelm a neglected lawn.

Acidic and Sandy Foundation

With a pH of 5.74, the soil is slightly more acidic than the 6.0 to 7.0 preference of most grasses. The blend of 35.8% sand and 22.6% clay offers decent drainage but may require extra fertilizer to maintain nutrient levels.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 99.9% of the parish is in severe drought, coming off a year with 20 weeks of dry conditions. Deep, early morning watering is the most effective way to help your grass survive these extreme conditions.

Selecting the Right Grass

St. Augustine and Bahia are top recommendations for this region's specific heat and soil profile. You should plan your seeding or sodding for early March, once the risk of the last spring frost has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rapides Parish's county score?
Rapides Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 36 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 Rapides Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Rapides Parish ranks #58 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 Rapides Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Rapides Parish is $1,024, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Rapides Parish a tax score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rapides Parish?
The median household income in Rapides Parish, Louisiana is $55,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rapides Parish earns an income score of 27.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rapides Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Rapides Parish scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Rapides 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 Rapides 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.