countyscore
57.1
County Score
Property Tax 98.7Safety 92.9Cost of Living 63.3

County Report Card

About Richland Parish, Louisiana

Solid Standing Above the National Average

With a composite score of 58.1, Richland Parish ranks higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that combines southern affordability with respectable safety levels.

Surpassing the Louisiana Average

Richland Parish exceeds the state average composite score of 53.0 by over five points. Its low tax burden and high safety scores make it a competitive choice within the region.

Low Taxes and Secure Neighborhoods

The parish excels with a tax score of 96.1, featuring a very low effective tax rate of 0.352%. A safety score of 92.9 further enhances its appeal for those seeking a secure environment.

Education and Water Quality Needs

Local schools present a challenge with a score of 16.1, while water quality remains a concern at 9.8. Addressing these infrastructure and service gaps is key to improving long-term livability.

A Haven for Tax-Minded Residents

Richland Parish best suits individuals looking to minimize their tax bill while enjoying a safe, quiet lifestyle. It is a strong fit for those who can supplement educational needs or prioritize low property taxes above all else.

2040608010098.763.392.926.216.118.663.39.833.3Tax98.7Cost63.3Safety92.9Health26.2Schools16.1Income18.6Risk63.3Water9.8Weather33.357.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Richland Parish DNA

Foverall

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

Richland Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.7+46.7
Cost
63.3+15.299999999999997
Safety
92.9+37.900000000000006
Health
26.2-23.8
Schools
16.1-37.9
Income
18.6-32.4
Risk
63.3+16.299999999999997
Water
9.8-48.2
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Richland Parish

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$141,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$903/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$141,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,544/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

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

Franklin Parish
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54.5
Ouachita Parish
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34.8
Morehouse Parish
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41
West Carroll Parish
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Caldwell Parish
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Madison Parish
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East Carroll Parish
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Tensas Parish
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Deep Dives

Richland Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richland Parish

via TaxByCounty

Richland Parish taxes among nation's lowest

Richland Parish has an effective property tax rate of just 0.352%, placing it in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties and well below the national median of 0.955%. The median annual property tax of $438 is about 84% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Louisiana's most tax-friendly parish

Richland Parish ranks as one of Louisiana's lowest-taxing parishes, with an effective rate of 0.352% compared to the state average of 0.421%. This represents a savings of roughly $294 annually for a homeowner with the state's median home value.

Clear tax advantage over region

Richland Parish's 0.352% rate is the lowest in northeast Louisiana, undercutting neighboring Red River Parish (0.538%) by nearly 2 percentage points and Sabine Parish (0.383%) by about 0.03%. A Richland homeowner with a $124,500 property pays roughly $100 less annually than a similar Red River homeowner.

What $124,500 homes cost to own

The typical Richland Parish homeowner with a median-valued property of $124,500 pays just $438 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the nation. With mortgage and assessment fees included, that figure rises to $709 per year.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Even in one of Louisiana's most tax-efficient parishes, overassessment happens and can inflate your bill unnecessarily. Contact your parish assessor to request a reassessment if you believe your property is valued above its fair market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Richland earns notably below national average

Richland Parish's median household income of $52,960 trails the U.S. median by $21,795—a 29% shortfall that reflects the parish's rural character and limited high-wage employment sectors. While higher than some Louisiana peers, Richland still sits substantially below what typical American households earn.

Mid-range income for Louisiana parishes

Richland Parish's median household income of $52,960 ranks near the state average of $55,250, positioning it in the middle of Louisiana's economic spectrum. The parish's per capita income of $26,762 sits just slightly below the state average of $29,702, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Richland outperforms Red River significantly

Richland Parish's $52,960 median income exceeds Red River Parish's $44,539 by roughly $8,400, though it falls short of Sabine Parish's $52,047—all three counties cluster in the rural northeastern Louisiana income zone. These modest differentials suggest fairly similar economic conditions across the region.

Rents manageable, but savings limited

Richland Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% indicates housing costs are reasonable, with renters typically spending less than one-fifth of income on rent. The median household income of $52,960, however, constrains discretionary spending and retirement savings after covering housing and basic living costs.

Invest steadily in Richland's future

Richland Parish households earning $52,960 should prioritize maxing out employer 401(k) matches and opening Roth IRAs when possible. Even $100 monthly investments in diversified funds can accumulate substantially over decades, helping bridge the income gap with wealthier regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richland Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Richland Parish

Richland Parish maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 99.9 per 100,000 residents sits dramatically lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Louisiana Safety

With a crime rate far below the Louisiana average of 1,853.7, Richland ranks as one of the safest parishes in the state. This safety score of 99.8 easily exceeds the state average of 97.1.

Safe Haven Compared to Neighbors

While nearby parishes often mirror the state's higher crime trends, Richland’s 99.9 rate provides a stark contrast. It offers residents a security profile that is rare for the northern Louisiana region.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is minimal at just 25.0 per 100,000 people, while property crime accounts for 74.9. These figures suggest that most residents will rarely encounter serious criminal activity in their daily lives.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Despite the high safety score, residents should maintain basic security habits to keep these numbers low. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and locked doors help preserve this exceptionally safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures Above National Levels

Richland Parish averages 66.6°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. The parish experiences a humid subtropical climate with long, warm periods throughout the year.

Consistently Close to Louisiana Norms

The parish average of 66.6°F is nearly identical to the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks as a typical representative of the state's warm and moist climatic profile.

Wetter Than Neighbors to the West

With 60.0 inches of annual precipitation, Richland is wetter than Sabine Parish, which receives 57.0 inches. It maintains a similar temperature profile to other parishes in the northern half of the state.

Prolonged Summers and Eighty-Four Heat Days

Summers are intense, featuring an average of 84 days per year with temperatures reaching at least 90°F. Winters are mild and short, with a January average of 47.7°F and less than an inch of snow.

Energy Efficiency for High Heat

Reliable air conditioning is vital for the 84 days of extreme heat residents face each year. Proper insulation also helps manage the humidity brought on by 60 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland Parish

via SoilByCounty

Entisols with a Sour Edge

Richland Parish is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with undeveloped layers. The average pH of 5.42 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level often requires lime applications to unlock essential nutrients for most agricultural uses.

Rich in Silt, Low in Sand

The soil is remarkably high in silt at 61.2%, with a low sand content of only 12.3%. This silty profile makes the earth prone to compaction if worked while wet but offers excellent smooth texture. The 26.5% clay content provides enough structure to hold onto fertilizers effectively.

Strong Water Retention Potential

Available water capacity stands at 0.198 in/in, which surpasses the state average of 0.182 in/in. While organic matter at 2.73% is higher than the national average, it remains below Louisiana's high average of 6.38%. The high water capacity ensures plants have access to moisture during dry spells.

Managing Slow Drainage

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and falls into the A/D hydrologic group. This dual classification means that while the soil can drain well in a natural state, high water tables often limit movement. Farmers must be mindful of drainage patterns when planning seasonal plantings.

Success in Silt for Zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b supports a wide range of fruit trees and hearty vegetables like kale and squash. The silty Entisols are perfect for root crops and grains if the acidity is properly managed. Embrace the rich Louisiana climate and start your garden early this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland Parish

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Richland's Lawn Challenges

Richland Parish faces a difficult lawn score of 28.1, notably lower than both the state average and the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in this Zone 8b area must overcome environmental hurdles to maintain healthy, green turf.

High Heat and Heavy Rain

With 84 extreme heat days and 60.0 inches of rain, your lawn must endure intense humidity and saturated soil. The 6,548 growing degree days indicate a very long and active season for warm-season grasses.

Managing Acidic and Poorly Drained Soil

Local soil is acidic with a pH of 5.42 and is classified as somewhat poorly drained. To improve turf health, you likely need to apply lime to raise the pH toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Monitoring Moisture During Dry Spells

The parish spent 17 weeks in drought over the last year, though only 6.8% of the area is currently in severe drought. Despite the high annual rainfall, consistent monitoring is essential during these dry weeks to prevent turf stress.

Best Grasses for Early Spring Starts

The last spring frost typically occurs around February 28, allowing for an early start to the growing season. St. Augustine or Centipede grasses are excellent choices for these acidic, wet conditions once the soil warms.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland Parish's county score?
Richland Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Richland Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Richland Parish ranks #25 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 Richland Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Richland Parish is $401, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Richland Parish a tax score of 98.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland Parish?
The median household income in Richland Parish, Louisiana is $53,544 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland Parish earns an income score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Richland Parish scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland 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.