CountyScore

Red River Parish

Louisiana · LA

#14 in Louisiana
73.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Red River Parish, Louisiana

Red River scores well above national median

Red River Parish's composite score of 73.7 lands well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This score reflects a parish where affordability and low tax burden outweigh income challenges, creating genuine livability for budget-conscious families.

Third-best livability in Louisiana

Red River Parish ranks among the top performers statewide, scoring 73.7 compared to Louisiana's average of 70.4. This above-average standing signals that the parish offers better overall conditions than most of its neighbors in the state.

Unbeatable affordability and low taxes

Red River Parish shines in tax efficiency (87.1) and housing affordability (86.8), with an effective tax rate of just 0.538% and median homes valued at $103,200. Renters benefit too, with a median gross rent of only $731 per month—among Louisiana's lowest.

Income and health need attention

The parish's median household income of $44,539 lags significantly below state and national benchmarks, driving its income score of just 12.5. Health outcomes (60.0) are modest and warrant investment in preventive care and health infrastructure.

Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families

Red River Parish suits budget-aware households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high earning potential. This is prime territory for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers seeking maximum purchasing power in a rural setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.1Cost86.8SafetyComing SoonHealth60SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.5Risk83.4WaterComing Soon
🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Red River Parish with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pickens County
Alabama
73.7
Median income: $47,014
Montgomery County
Arkansas
73.7
Median income: $49,015
Pike County
Arkansas
73.7
Median income: $51,000
Union County
Florida
73.7
Median income: $64,922
Valley County
Idaho
73.7
Median income: $76,125

Deep Dives

Red River Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.