countyscore
64.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 84.2Disaster Risk 83.4

County Report Card

About Red River Parish, Louisiana

Red River Outperforms the National Median

Red River Parish earns a composite score of 64.2, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This strong ranking puts the parish among the more livable rural areas in the United States.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

The parish's overall score of 64.2 far exceeds the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It stands as one of the highest-scoring parishes in this cohort, driven by exceptional safety and affordability.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Values

Safety is a standout feature with a near-perfect score of 97.5, complemented by a cost score of 84.2. Residents enjoy very affordable living with median gross rents of just $731 per month.

Infrastructure and Economic Hurdles

The parish faces a significant challenge in water quality, which scores a low 3.1 out of 100. Economic growth also lags, as evidenced by an income score of 6.7 and a median household income of $44,539.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Budgeters

Red River Parish is ideal for families or retirees prioritizing low crime and inexpensive housing over high-wage job markets. It offers peace of mind and financial breathing room for those who don't mind local infrastructure limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax82.2Cost84.2Safety97.5Health29.4Schools42Income6.7Risk83.4Water3.1Weather34.3
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.2
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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Deep Dives

Red River Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Red River Parish

via TaxByCounty

Red River's taxes far below national average

Red River Parish homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.538%, significantly lower than the national median of 0.955% and placing the parish in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is just $555 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference that reflects both lower home values and favorable tax policy.

Among Louisiana's higher-rate parishes

Red River Parish's 0.538% effective rate ranks above Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing it in the upper third of the state's 64 parishes for tax burden. The median annual tax of $555 exceeds the state median of $732, though this is partly driven by the parish's median home value of $103,200.

Highest rate in the northeast cluster

Red River's 0.538% rate is noticeably higher than neighboring Richland Parish (0.352%) and Sabine Parish (0.383%), making it the steepest in northeast Louisiana. This means a Red River homeowner with a $103,200 home pays roughly $100 more annually than a comparable Richland Parish neighbor.

What $103,200 homes cost to own

A homeowner in Red River Parish with the median home value of $103,200 pays approximately $555 in annual property taxes at the current 0.538% rate. With mortgage-related fees and assessments, that bill rises to $793 per year for property-owning households.

You might be paying too much

Many homeowners across Louisiana are overassessed, and Red River Parish residents are no exception. If you believe your property is valued above market rate, filing an appeal with your parish assessor's office could lower your tax bill at little to no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Red River Parish

via CostByCounty

Red River rents eat 19.7% of income

Red River Parish residents spend nearly one-fifth of their income on rent, slightly above the national benchmark of affordability. With a median household income of $44,539 and median rent at $731 per month, housing costs here track close to the state average rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%, meaning renters face affordability pressure comparable to Louisiana overall.

Middle of the pack in Louisiana

Red River Parish ranks in the middle tier of Louisiana parishes for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average of 19.5%. While median rent of $731 is $142 below the state average, incomes here are also notably lower at $44,539—limiting the affordability advantage.

Cheaper than nearby Richland Parish

Red River's median rent of $731 undercuts neighboring Richland Parish by $105 monthly, though both parishes hover near identical rent-to-income ratios around 19%. Red River offers slightly better value for renters, even as both communities struggle with income-to-housing gaps compared to state averages.

Rent and ownership both strain budgets

Renters in Red River Parish pay $731 monthly (19.7% of income), while homeowners with mortgages spend $560 (15% of income)—a $171 monthly gap favoring ownership. The median home value of $103,200 remains accessible, making purchase-ready households the clear affordability winners here.

Red River works for budget-conscious buyers

If you're considering a move to Louisiana, Red River Parish delivers lower housing costs than state and national averages, with median home values under $104,000. Renters should weigh the tight 19.7% ratio against potential homeownership savings, while buyers will find the most accessible entry prices in this corner of the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Red River Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Red River lags far behind national earnings

Red River Parish's median household income of $44,539 falls nearly $30,000 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a 40% gap that places the parish well below typical American earning power. This significant shortfall reflects broader economic challenges in rural northeastern Louisiana and underscores the income disparity between parish and national averages.

Among Louisiana's lowest income parishes

Red River Parish ranks in the lower tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes, with median household income 19% below the state average of $55,250. The parish's per capita income of $25,081 also trails the state average of $29,702, indicating limited wealth generation across the community.

Neighboring parishes earn more consistently

Red River's $44,539 median income significantly underperforms nearby Richland Parish ($52,960) and Sabine Parish ($52,047), both positioned about $8,400 higher. This regional income gap suggests unequal economic opportunities across northeastern Louisiana's rural landscape.

Housing remains affordable but wages lag

Red River Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% signals manageable housing costs relative to earnings, with renters spending roughly one-fifth of income on rent. However, the parish's low median income leaves households with limited margin for savings, healthcare, and other essential expenses despite affordable housing.

Build financial resilience in Red River

With median household income at $44,539, Red River families benefit from lower cost of living but should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans. Even modest consistent investments in low-cost index funds can compound over time, creating long-term wealth despite current earnings constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Red River Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Data Reporting in Red River Parish

Red River Parish currently shows a 0.0 crime rate per 100,000, leading to a technical safety score of 100.0. This figure likely stems from reporting gaps rather than a true absence of crime compared to the national average.

Evaluating the Technical Safety Rank

While the score of 100.0 is technically higher than the state average of 97.1, it reflects data from only two agencies. Residents should look for supplemental local reports to get a fuller picture of parish safety.

Discrepancies with State Averages

The reported 0.0 rate stands in contrast to the Louisiana average of 1,853.7 per 100,000. This indicates that current annual statistics may not capture all local law enforcement activity.

Status of Crime Category Data

Both violent and property crime rates are reported as zero for the current period. Without active reporting, it is difficult to analyze specific safety trends or compare them to national benchmarks.

Proactive Safety for Your Home

Even with perfect safety scores on paper, basic household precautions are still recommended. Stay connected with local law enforcement to understand actual trends in your immediate neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Red River Parish

via HealthByCounty

Red River falls short on life expectancy

At 71.6 years, Red River Parish residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The parish also sees 26.9% of adults reporting poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 18%. These gaps signal persistent health challenges that shape daily life for Red River's 8,000 residents.

Ranking near the bottom statewide

Red River's life expectancy of 71.6 years trails Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years, placing it among the lower-performing parishes. The parish ranks in the bottom tier for health outcomes across Louisiana's 64 parishes.

Similar struggles with neighboring parishes

Red River's 71.6-year life expectancy closely mirrors Richland Parish (71.5 years) and St. Helena Parish (70.0 years), revealing a cluster of health challenges across northeast Louisiana. All three parishes struggle with limited primary care access—Red River has just 40 providers per 100,000 residents.

Uninsured rates and provider shortages

Red River's uninsured rate of 7.7% sits slightly below the state average of 8.1%, but access remains constrained with only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health support is available through 95 providers per 100,000, yet transportation and awareness gaps often prevent residents from reaching care.

Explore coverage options this year

With 7.7% of Red River residents uninsured, checking eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage can unlock preventive care and treatment. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Louisiana's Department of Health to understand your options and improve your family's health security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Red River Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small, Centralized Rural School System

Red River Parish operates a consolidated system of five public schools serving 1,412 students within a single district. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, providing a streamlined educational path for local families.

Funding Challenges and Performance Gaps

The parish invests $9,640 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,881 but remains below the national $13,000 benchmark. Currently, the graduation rate of 42.0% and a school score of 34.0 significantly trail both state and national averages.

Red River Parish School District

The Red River Parish School District manages all five public campuses in the area, with no charter schools currently in operation. The district focus is centered on its traditional public facilities, which serve the entire student population of 1,412.

Fully Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the parish is classified as rural, with an average school size of 282 students. Red River Elementary School is the largest campus with 631 students, while the Red River Academic Academy offers a more intimate setting for just 73 students.

Quiet Living Near Local Schools

Families looking for a tight-knit, rural community will find a centralized school system where students often remain together from kindergarten through graduation. Explore homes near the main Red River campuses to enjoy a short commute and a community-focused lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Red River Parish

via RiskByCounty

Red River: Among America's Safest

Red River Parish scores 16.67 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it well below the national average and making it one of Louisiana's lowest-risk counties. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes across the parish.

Lowest Risk in Louisiana

Red River Parish ranks as the safest county in Louisiana, with a composite risk score of 16.67—less than one-third the state average of 62.37. This exceptional standing reflects the parish's geographic position and resilience to most major natural hazards.

A Safe Haven in North Louisiana

Red River Parish's 16.67 score dramatically outperforms neighboring Richland Parish (36.67) and more distant Sabine Parish (60.97), making it a notably safer location in the region. The parish benefits from its inland position and distance from Louisiana's coast and major flood corridors.

Hurricane and Tornado Watch Needed

Hurricane risk (63.95) and tornado risk (45.10) are Red River's top hazards, though both remain below state and national averages. While the parish is well-positioned overall, residents should maintain standard hurricane and severe weather preparedness plans.

Essential Coverage for Peace of Mind

Even in a low-risk parish, standard homeowners insurance remains critical for covering tornado and wind damage. Red River residents should also consider a separate wind or named-peril policy to ensure comprehensive protection during hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Red River Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Subtropical Environment

Red River Parish sees 58.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national median. While specific temperature averages are unavailable, the parish reflects the characteristic humidity of the American South.

Slightly Drier Than the State Average

The parish's 58.2 inches of rain falls just below the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches. This makes it one of the relatively drier spots in a state known for extreme wetness.

Comparing Rainfall with Regional Neighbors

Red River is slightly wetter than neighboring Sabine Parish, which averages 57.0 inches of rain. Both regions share the same humid climate that defines North Louisiana's river valleys.

Mild Winters and Rare Snowfall

Winters in Red River are generally mild, recording an annual average of only 0.6 inches of snowfall. Though specific summer heat counts aren't available, the high rainfall suggests frequent humid conditions throughout the year.

Prepare for Consistent Damp Conditions

Residents should invest in high-quality rain gear and maintain home drainage systems to handle nearly 60 inches of annual precipitation. Durable waterproofing is a must for all outdoor structures in this environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Red River Parish

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in Red River

Red River Parish features a soil pH of 6.04, which sits comfortably between the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomy data is limited, this acidity level provides a versatile foundation for most Southern crops. The soil is less acidic than many neighbors, offering a slightly more balanced chemical profile.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil contains 43.2% silt and 32.9% sand, creating a medium-textured profile that is easier to work than heavy clays. With a clay content of 24.0%, the land maintains a decent balance between drainage and nutrient retention. This mix allows for manageable tillage while providing enough body to support plant roots.

Lower Organic Matter but Stable Capacity

Organic matter measures 1.76%, which is below both the state average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.171 in/in remains close to the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. Growers may need to focus on adding compost or cover crops to boost natural fertility.

Runoff Challenges in Hydrologic Group D

The land belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates a high runoff potential and slow water movement through the profile. While specific drainage class data is missing, this group suggests that heavy rains may lead to ponding. Proper grading or raised beds are essential for managing water in this landscape.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

Located in hardiness zone 8b, Red River Parish is ideal for heat-loving crops like okra, peppers, and southern peas. The silty soil supports robust vegetable gardens if supplemented with organic nutrients. Start your garden this spring to take advantage of the long, productive growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Red River Parish

via LawnByCounty

Red River's Above-Average Lawn Score

Red River Parish earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.2, placing it well above the Louisiana state average of 33.8. While it falls slightly below the national median of 50.0, this Zone 8b region offers better growing conditions than many neighboring parishes.

Abundant Rain and Zone 8b Climate

The parish receives 58.2 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal range of 30-50 inches for many grass types. This moisture promotes rapid growth but requires careful monitoring to prevent fungal issues in the warm, humid environment.

Well-Balanced Soil for Local Lawns

The soil pH sits at a near-ideal 6.04, fitting perfectly within the 6.0 to 7.0 target range. With a composition of 24.0% clay and 32.9% sand, your lawn benefits from decent structure though specific drainage data remains unavailable.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Over 94.0% of the parish currently faces severe drought, with 23 weeks of dry conditions recorded in the past year. Maintaining a lawn here requires deep, infrequent watering during these periods to encourage resilient root systems.

Start Growing in Zone 8b

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in this climate and should be established once the threat of frost passes. While local frost dates are not recorded, typical Zone 8b schedules suggest seeding or sodding in early spring for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red River Parish's county score?
Red River Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Red River Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Red River Parish ranks #14 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 Red River Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Red River Parish is $555, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Red River Parish a tax score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Red River Parish?
The median household income in Red River Parish, Louisiana is $44,539 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Red River Parish earns an income score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Red River Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Red River Parish scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Red River 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 Red River 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.