countyscore
58.1
County Score
Property Tax 96.1Safety 92.9Cost of Living 69.4

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.

Score breakdown

Tax96.1Cost69.4Safety92.9Health26.2Schools16.1Income20.6Risk63.3Water9.8Weather33.3
🏛96.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.1
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

Richland Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Richland Parish

via CostByCounty

Richland rents are genuinely affordable

Richland Parish renters spend just 18.9% of their income on housing, below both Louisiana's state average of 19.5% and the national affordability benchmark. With median rent at $836 and median household income of $52,960, Richland offers one of the better rent-to-income ratios among rural Louisiana parishes.

Louisiana's affordable rental market

Richland Parish ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes for renters, with an 18.9% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 19.5%. Median rent of $836 sits slightly below state median of $873, while local incomes of $52,960 provide stronger purchasing power than many neighboring parishes.

Pricier than Red River, cheaper overall

Richland's median rent of $836 exceeds neighboring Red River Parish by $105 monthly, but Richland's higher median income of $52,960 makes renting proportionally easier. The parish offers a sweet spot between rural affordability and slightly higher incomes than its western neighbors.

Homeownership is the real bargain

Richland renters allocate 18.9% of income to housing, while homeowners spending $590 monthly keep costs to just 13.4% of income—a significant $246 monthly advantage. The median home value of $124,500 positions the parish as an attractive entry point for buyers seeking Louisiana real estate.

Richland Parish punches above its weight

Relocating to Richland Parish delivers solid affordability for both renters and buyers, with housing costs tracking below state averages and median home values under $125,000. The combination of reasonable rents and stronger incomes than neighboring parishes makes this a standout choice for Louisiana movers on a budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Richland Parish

via HealthByCounty

Richland lags far behind national health

Richland Parish residents have a life expectancy of 71.5 years—5.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 26.1% reporting poor or fair health, the parish faces health burdens nearly 45% higher than the national rate of 18%. These disparities reflect underlying inequities in healthcare access and economic opportunity.

Second-lowest life expectancy in state

At 71.5 years, Richland Parish ranks among Louisiana's worst-performing parishes for life expectancy, just 1 year above St. Helena's 70.0 years. Only a handful of parishes struggle more with health outcomes than Richland's residents.

Part of northeast Louisiana's health crisis

Richland's 71.5-year life expectancy places it in a troubling cohort with Red River Parish (71.6 years) and St. Helena Parish (70.0 years). This northeast Louisiana corridor faces compounding challenges in poverty, education, and healthcare infrastructure.

Uninsured rate and provider access

Richland's uninsured rate of 8.9% exceeds the state average of 8.1%, meaning nearly 1 in 11 residents lack health coverage. The parish offsets some gaps with 66 primary care providers and 619 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Louisiana's highest concentrations—yet residents still struggle to navigate and afford care.

Don't let uninsurance keep you vulnerable

With 8.9% of Richland uninsured, enrollment in a health plan can prevent medical bankruptcy and catch illness early. Call 211 or visit healthcare.gov today to find a plan that fits your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richland Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Choice in Richland Parish

Richland Parish features 12 public schools serving 3,558 students across two distinct districts. The system is well-distributed with five elementary, three middle, and three high schools to support the parish's growing population.

Performance and Spending Below Benchmarks

The graduation rate stands at 64.2%, falling short of the Louisiana state average of 85.4%. With per-pupil spending at $6,757 and a school score of 39.4, Richland is working to close the gap between local outcomes and national standards.

Traditional Districts and Charter Options

The Richland Parish School District is the primary provider with 11 schools and 2,885 students. Delhi Charter School operates as a standalone district, serving 673 students and representing roughly 8% of the parish's total school options.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

The landscape features eight rural schools and four town-based campuses, with an average enrollment of 297 students. Delhi Charter School is the largest at 673 students, while Start Elementary School provides a smaller primary environment with 318 students.

Diverse Residential Options Near Schools

From the town center of Rayville to the more secluded rural stretches, Richland Parish offers varied living environments near its 12 campuses. Consider looking for properties in the Delhi or Mangham areas to take advantage of the local charter and elementary school hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland Parish

via RiskByCounty

Richland Parish Below National Average

Richland Parish scores 36.67 on the composite risk scale, significantly lower than the national average, earning a very low risk rating. The parish faces moderate tornado risk (71.82) and hurricane exposure (66.17), but benefits from lower flood and wildfire vulnerability.

Among Louisiana's Safest Counties

Richland Parish ranks near the bottom of Louisiana's risk spectrum with a score of 36.67, less than 60% of the state average of 62.37. Only a handful of Louisiana parishes—including neighboring Red River—score lower, making Richland one of the state's safer locations.

Safer Than Regional Peers

Richland Parish (36.67) sits well below Sabine Parish (60.97) to the west but slightly exceeds nearby Red River Parish (16.67). The parish's inland northeast location buffers it from coastal hurricane surge and storm surge flooding that threatens southern parishes.

Tornado and Hurricane Lead Concerns

Tornado risk (71.82) and hurricane risk (66.17) dominate Richland Parish's hazard profile, both above state average. However, flooding and wildfire threats remain relatively contained, thanks to the parish's higher elevation and distance from coastal systems.

Prepare for Severe Weather Events

Homeowners insurance is essential to cover tornado and wind damage, the parish's primary threats. Richland residents should maintain a safe room or storm shelter plan and ensure their policies explicitly cover severe convective storms and named hurricanes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 58.1 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 #24 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 $438, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Richland Parish a tax score of 96.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland Parish?
The median household income in Richland Parish, Louisiana is $52,960 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland Parish earns an income score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Richland Parish scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 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.

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