countyscore
63.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 94.9Cost of Living 91.2

County Report Card

About Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Strong National Livability Standing

Sabine Parish achieves an impressive composite score of 63.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life compared to many other rural counties across the country.

Leading the Way in Louisiana

With a score over ten points higher than the state average of 53.0, Sabine Parish is a regional leader. It combines low costs and high safety to create one of the most livable environments in the state.

High Safety and Low Costs

Sabine Parish boasts a stellar safety score of 97.5 and a tax score of 94.9. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 91.2 and median home values of $129,400.

Environmental and Income Gaps

The water quality score is a significant outlier at 1.8, suggesting a need for better utility infrastructure. Additionally, the income score of 18.7 reflects a median household income of $52,047, which is lower than many urban peers.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

This parish is a perfect match for those with mobile incomes who value low crime and inexpensive living. It offers a high degree of financial security and physical safety for budget-conscious households.

Score breakdown

Tax94.9Cost91.2Safety97.5Health26.7Schools28.4Income18.7Risk39Water1.8Weather34.9
🏛94.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.9
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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Compare Sabine Parish with Sheridan County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Sabine County
Texas
56
Natchitoches Parish
Louisiana
63.1
Vernon Parish
Louisiana
64.4
San Augustine County
Texas
49.1
Shelby County
Texas
40.1
De Soto Parish
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65.1
Red River Parish
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Newton County
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47.7

Deep Dives

Sabine Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sabine Parish

via TaxByCounty

Sabine Parish well below national tax rates

Sabine Parish residents pay an effective property tax rate of 0.383%, placing the parish comfortably below the national median of 0.955% and in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $495 is roughly 82% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Louisiana average

Sabine Parish's 0.383% effective rate falls below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, positioning it among the state's more affordable parishes for property owners. The median annual tax of $495 is about $237 lower than the state median of $732.

Middle ground for northwest Louisiana

Sabine Parish's 0.383% rate sits between Richland Parish's low of 0.352% and Red River Parish's higher 0.538%, making it a moderate option in the region. A Sabine homeowner with a $129,400 property pays $495 annually—notably less than Red River but slightly more than Richland.

What $129,400 homes cost to own

Sabine Parish homeowners with the median property value of $129,400 pay approximately $495 in annual property taxes at the current 0.383% rate. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total annual bill climbs to $631.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Property overassessment is common statewide, and Sabine Parish is no exception to this pattern. If your home is valued higher than comparable local sales suggest, file an appeal with your assessor to potentially reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sabine Parish

via CostByCounty

Sabine offers Louisiana's best rent value

Sabine Parish achieves the lowest rent-to-income ratio of any Louisiana parish profiled here at just 15.3%, well below the national affordability threshold. With median rent of only $664 monthly and household income of $52,047, Sabine delivers exceptional housing value for renters statewide.

Top tier for Louisiana affordability

Sabine Parish leads Louisiana parishes in rental affordability with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio—significantly better than the state average of 19.5%. The combination of the lowest median rent surveyed at $664 and solid income of $52,047 makes Sabine a standout value destination within the state.

Sabine's rents are measurably cheaper

Sabine Parish renters pay $664 monthly—$172 less than Richland Parish and $67 less than Red River Parish—despite comparable local incomes. This rent advantage compounds across the year to roughly $2,000 in savings, making Sabine the clear rental bargain among these northeastern parishes.

Rent stays remarkably low here

Sabine renters dedicate just 15.3% of income to housing at $664 monthly, while homeowners spending $535 claim just 12.3% of income—among the tightest ratios statewide. The median home value of $129,400 offers strong value-to-income ratios for buyers ready to make the leap.

Sabine Parish is a hidden affordability gem

If affordability is your priority, Sabine Parish delivers the lowest rents and best rent-to-income ratios in northeastern Louisiana, with median home values under $130,000. Both renters and buyers will find Sabine offers more housing breathing room than virtually any other Louisiana parish in this survey.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sabine Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Sabine Parish significantly below U.S. average

Sabine Parish's median household income of $52,047 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by nearly $23,000, a 30% gap characteristic of rural Louisiana's economic position. The parish's per capita income of $27,968 also trails the national average, indicating limited individual wealth generation.

Sabine slightly below Louisiana's median

Sabine Parish's median household income of $52,047 sits just below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it in the lower-middle tier of parish earnings. The per capita income of $27,968 exceeds the state average of $29,702 by a modest margin, suggesting concentrated wealth among fewer earners.

Sabine competes with nearby rural parishes

Sabine Parish's $52,047 income closely mirrors Richland Parish's $52,960 and runs ahead of Red River Parish's $44,539, reflecting the similar rural character of northeastern Louisiana. These three neighboring counties represent a tight band of relatively low-income parishes in the state's poorest region.

Strong housing affordability helps households

Sabine Parish leads its neighbors with the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.3%, meaning renters devote just over one-seventh of earnings to housing costs. This favorable housing affordability provides Sabine households more breathing room for other expenses compared to parishes with higher rent burdens.

Leverage Sabine's housing affordability advantage

Sabine Parish's strong housing affordability at 15.3% rent-to-income ratio means households can redirect savings from housing into retirement and investment accounts. Starting a modest investment plan now—even $50-75 monthly—positions Sabine families to build meaningful wealth over time despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sabine Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Records in Sabine

Sabine Parish records a perfect safety score of 100.0 based on 2022 data. The reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents places it far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Top of the State Rankings

Sabine stands out at the top of state rankings with a safety score significantly higher than the Louisiana average of 97.1. While the zero-crime report is unusual, it reflects a period of high reported safety across four agencies.

A Regional Statistical Outlier

Compared to the Louisiana average total crime rate of 1,853.7, Sabine Parish appears as a significant outlier. It offers a level of reported security that neighboring jurisdictions struggle to match.

Zero Reported Incidents in 2022

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the reporting period. This data indicates a community with no reported criminal incidents handled by local law enforcement during the year.

Vigilance Protects the Parish

A perfect safety score is an invitation to stay vigilant rather than becoming complacent. Keeping home security systems active ensures the parish remains a leader in public safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sabine Parish

via HealthByCounty

Sabine's life expectancy trails the nation

Sabine Parish residents live an average of 72.0 years, about 4.4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The parish has 24.5% of adults reporting poor or fair health, notably lower than some peers but still 36% higher than the national average. This gap suggests systemic health challenges despite better-than-average self-reported wellness.

Middle-of-pack performer for Louisiana

Sabine's 72.0-year life expectancy sits slightly below Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years, placing it in the middle range of parish health rankings. While Sabine outperforms the state's worst-hit parishes, it still lags healthier Louisiana communities.

Better than northeast, worse than south

Sabine's 72.0 years surpasses the northeast corridor of Red River (71.6), Richland (71.5), and St. Helena (70.0) parishes, yet falls short of southern neighbors like St. Charles Parish (75.3 years). This geographic health gradient reflects underlying economic and infrastructure disparities across Louisiana.

High uninsured rate, sparse providers

Sabine Parish faces one of Louisiana's highest uninsured rates at 10.0%—nearly 1 in 10 residents without coverage—while having only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the state's lowest. Mental health support is equally thin at 123 providers per 100,000, leaving residents to travel or go without care.

Uninsured? Take action now

Sabine's 10.0% uninsured rate is among Louisiana's highest—don't be left out. Visit healthcare.gov or call the Louisiana Department of Health at 1-855-253-HEALTH to enroll today and protect yourself from medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sabine Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach Across Rural Sabine Parish

Sabine Parish maintains 10 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 4,141 students. The infrastructure is unique, featuring five 'other' level schools that often combine multiple grades into single campuses, alongside two elementary and two high schools.

Academic Struggles in a Rural Setting

Sabine Parish reports an 18.0% graduation rate and a school score of 17.2, both significantly lower than the Louisiana state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,707, which is very close to the state average but trails the national median of $13,000.

One Unified Parish District

The Sabine Parish School District manages all 10 public schools in the county, with no charter school alternatives available. This centralized management ensures all 4,141 students are served under the same administrative umbrella and curriculum standards.

The Heart of Rural Education

All 10 schools are located in rural areas, fostering a community-centric atmosphere with an average size of 414 students. Many Elementary is the largest school with 627 students, while several PK-12 campuses like Converse High provide long-term stability for students.

Find Your Home in the Piney Woods

Sabine Parish offers a classic rural lifestyle with schools that often serve as the focal point of community life. Prospective homebuyers should explore the areas near Many or Zwolle to be close to the parish's largest and most active campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sabine Parish

via RiskByCounty

Sabine Parish Faces Moderate Risk Nationally

Sabine Parish scores 60.97, approaching the national average for composite disaster risk and earning a relatively low rating. The parish confronts elevated hurricane (80.31), wildfire (67.43), and tornado risks (72.01), though these remain manageable with proper preparation.

Mid-Range Risk Across Louisiana

Sabine Parish scores 60.97, just below Louisiana's state average of 62.37, placing it in the middle tier of parish risk levels. While safer than St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes to the south, Sabine faces greater hazards than Red River or Richland to the east.

Higher Risk Than Inland Neighbors

Sabine Parish (60.97) significantly exceeds nearby Red River (16.67) and Richland parishes (36.67), reflecting its western position closer to Texas pineywoods wildfires and Gulf tropical systems. The parish's exposure to both wildfire and hurricane corridors elevates its composite risk relative to northeast Louisiana.

Hurricane, Wildfire, Tornado Trio

Sabine Parish faces a triple threat: hurricane risk (80.31), tornado risk (72.01), and wildfire risk (67.43)—all above state average. Flood risk (66.54) rounds out the parish's significant hazard exposure, reflecting its location at the intersection of Texas weather systems and Gulf influences.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Insurance

Sabine residents need robust homeowners coverage for wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate wildfire and flood policies to close critical gaps. Creating defensible space around your home—clearing brush and tree limbs—is equally vital for wildfire season, typically summer and fall.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sabine Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth Dominates the Year

Sabine Parish maintains an average annual temperature of 65.9°F, which is much warmer than the national median. This consistent warmth is paired with 57.0 inches of annual rainfall.

A Cooler Pocket in a Hot State

At 65.9°F, Sabine Parish is slightly cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks among the more moderate parishes in the state regarding overall heat.

Drier Conditions Than Nearby Parishes

The parish receives 57.0 inches of rain annually, which is less than the 60.0 inches seen in Richland Parish. It experiences similar winter conditions to its neighbors in western Louisiana.

Extreme Heat for Three Months

Sabine Parish faces 88 days of extreme heat above 90°F, even more than some neighboring parishes. Winters stay mild with a January average of 47.7°F and a mere 0.2 inches of annual snow.

Sun Protection and Hydration Priorities

With 88 extreme heat days, residents must prioritize sun protection and hydration during the long summer months. Outdoor work is best scheduled for the early morning to avoid the midday 90°F peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sabine Parish

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic and Sandy Landscapes

Sabine Parish presents a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.43, well below the national target of 6.5. This acidity is typical of East Louisiana and East Texas timberlands where pines often thrive. Taxonomic data is limited, but the chemical profile suggests a need for soil amendments in traditional gardens.

Sand Dominates the Profile

With a high sand content of 60.8% and only 13.8% clay, these soils are coarse and porous. This composition means the soil is incredibly easy to dig and work, but it lacks the 'glue' provided by clay. Nutrient leaching can be an issue as water moves rapidly through the sandy layers.

Lower Reserves for Plant Growth

The organic matter is quite low at 1.55%, sitting below the national 2.0% average and the 6.38% state average. Available water capacity is also low at 0.135 in/in, meaning the soil dries out faster than the state average of 0.182 in/in. Frequent watering and heavy mulching are necessary to maintain moisture.

High Runoff in Group D

Despite the sandy texture, the soil is categorized in hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential during intense storms. This suggests that subsurface layers may be restrictive, preventing deep infiltration. Managing erosion is a priority for landowners on sloped terrains.

Thriving in Zone 8b Sands

The sandy soils of zone 8b are perfect for blueberries, camellias, and azaleas that love acidic conditions. Watermelons also flourish in this well-drained, sandy environment with proper fertilization. Get growing today by choosing plants that enjoy a lighter, faster-draining soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sabine Parish

via LawnByCounty

Conquering Sabine's Tough Turf Conditions

Sabine Parish records a lawn difficulty score of 26.9, making it one of the more challenging places in Louisiana for lawn care. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 33.8.

Intense Heat in Zone 8b

The parish endures 88 extreme heat days per year, which is four days higher than the state average. Combined with 57.0 inches of annual precipitation, this heat puts significant stress on lawns during the peak growing season.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

The soil is notably sandy at 60.8% with an acidic pH of 5.43, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. This high sand content means nutrients and water drain quickly, necessitating more frequent fertilization and irrigation.

Persistent Severe Drought Pressures

Current data shows 100.0% of the parish is in severe drought, following 22 weeks of dry conditions this past year. These extreme conditions demand a strict water conservation plan and drought-tolerant grass varieties.

Spring Planting After Early March

Plan your lawn projects for after the last spring frost on March 3. Because of the sandy, acidic soil, consider drought-hardy Bermuda or Centipede grass to ensure your lawn can withstand the local environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sabine Parish's county score?
Sabine Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 63.8 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 Sabine Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Sabine Parish ranks #15 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 Sabine Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Sabine Parish is $495, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Sabine Parish a tax score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sabine Parish?
The median household income in Sabine Parish, Louisiana is $52,047 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sabine Parish earns an income score of 18.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sabine Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Sabine Parish scores 63.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Sabine 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 Sabine Parish with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.