countyscore
42.5
County Score
Soil Quality 89.6Water Quality 86Property Tax 85

County Report Card

About St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Below the National Livability Median

St. Bernard Parish scores 42.5 on the composite index, falling below the national median of 50.0. High environmental and safety risks weigh down the parish's overall national standing.

Trailing the Louisiana Average

The parish's score of 42.5 is significantly lower than the Louisiana state average of 53.0. While it offers some localized benefits, it faces more systemic challenges than many of its neighbors.

Reliable Water and Low Taxes

The parish scores a strong 86.0 for water quality and 85.0 for its tax environment. An effective tax rate of 0.508% helps keep the cost of homeownership manageable for local residents.

Safety and Environmental Risks

Safety scores are low at 13.9, and a risk score of 24.4 highlights vulnerability to natural hazards. Cost of living is also a concern, with a score of 34.6 reflecting higher rents and home values.

Suited for Resilient Local Workers

St. Bernard Parish is best for those with established local ties who value strong water infrastructure and moderate taxes. It appeals to residents willing to manage higher environmental risks in exchange for a specific community feel.

204060801008534.613.930.761.132.124.48636.3Tax85Cost34.6Safety13.9Health30.7Schools61.1Income32.1Risk24.4Water86Weather36.342.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

St. Bernard Parish DNA

Foverall

How St. Bernard Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

St. Bernard Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (85/100) but notably weak in Safety (13.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85+33
Cost
34.6-13.399999999999999
Safety
13.9-41.1
Health
30.7-19.3
Schools
61.1
Income
32.1-18.9
Risk
24.4-22.6
Water
86+28
Weather
36.3-19.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,083/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,638/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Jefferson Parish
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St. Charles Parish
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Deep Dives

St. Bernard Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in St. Bernard Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Bernard Parish below national average

St. Bernard Parish has an effective property tax rate of 0.508%, lower than the national median of 0.955% and placing the parish in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $976 annually remains substantially below the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Louisiana parishes

St. Bernard Parish's 0.508% rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 64 parishes. At $976 median annual tax, homeowners pay roughly $244 more than the state median of $732.

Moderate rate for southeast Louisiana

St. Bernard Parish's 0.508% rate is higher than St. John the Baptist Parish (0.451%) and lower than St. Charles Parish (0.574%), positioning it in the middle of the southeast Louisiana corridor. A St. Bernard homeowner with the median $192,100 property pays about $100 more annually than a St. John homeowner with the same value.

What $192,100 homes cost to own

The typical St. Bernard Parish homeowner with a median-valued property of $192,100 pays approximately $976 in annual property taxes at the 0.508% rate. With mortgage and assessment fees, that annual bill reaches $1,007.

Appeal overassessments to lower your tax

Many St. Bernard Parish residents pay taxes on inflated property values, particularly in areas recovering from past damage or undergoing market shifts. Filing a reassessment appeal with your assessor can reveal whether your home is overvalued and help reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Bernard Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Bernard rents strain household budgets

St. Bernard Parish renters spend 22.6% of income on housing—well above the state average of 19.5% and near the federal affordability crisis threshold of 30%. With median rent of $1,083 against a median household income of $57,638, St. Bernard presents genuine affordability challenges for renters despite higher incomes than many rural parishes.

Louisiana's least affordable rental market

St. Bernard Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable parishes for renters, with a 22.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly above the state average of 19.5%. Median rent of $1,083 tops the parishes surveyed, reflecting the parish's proximity to New Orleans and stronger housing demand.

Rents spike closer to New Orleans

St. Bernard's median rent of $1,083 exceeds neighboring parishes by $200+ monthly, with only St. John the Baptist Parish approaching these price points at $1,118. The proximity to New Orleans metro creates rental competition that drives St. Bernard costs well above rural Louisiana averages.

Homeownership offers modest relief

St. Bernard renters allocate 22.6% of income to housing, while homeowners spending $850 monthly claim 17.7% of income—a $233 gap favoring purchase. Though the median home value of $192,100 is highest among these parishes, the homeownership savings justify the higher purchase price for budget-conscious households.

St. Bernard requires stronger finances

St. Bernard Parish suits relocators with above-average incomes seeking New Orleans-area proximity, but budget-conscious renters should compare the 22.6% rental burden against more affordable parishes. Buyers with down payment capacity will find homeownership offers meaningful monthly savings versus rent in this higher-cost area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Bernard Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Bernard earns 23% below national level

St. Bernard Parish's median household income of $57,638 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $17,000, a significant gap that persists despite the parish's proximity to New Orleans. The parish's per capita income of $29,478 sits slightly above the national average, indicating some wealth concentration among fewer residents.

St. Bernard above-average for Louisiana

St. Bernard Parish's median household income of $57,638 exceeds Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by about $2,400, placing it in the upper-middle tier of parish incomes. The per capita income of $29,478 slightly underperforms the state average of $29,702, suggesting relatively distributed earnings across households.

St. Bernard edges out St. Helena and Richland

St. Bernard Parish's $57,638 median income surpasses St. Helena Parish ($50,193) and Richland Parish ($52,960), though it trails stronger parishes like St. James ($64,536) and St. John the Baptist ($67,418). These variations reflect St. Bernard's position as a moderate earner within the greater New Orleans metro region.

Rising housing costs strain budgets

St. Bernard Parish faces a concerning rent-to-income ratio of 22.6%—the highest among these eight parishes—with renters spending nearly one-quarter of income on housing. While median household income is solid, this elevated housing burden limits households' ability to save and invest for the future.

Reduce housing burden, increase savings rate

St. Bernard Parish households earning $57,638 should aggressively negotiate lower rents or explore home purchases to escape the 22.6% housing-cost burden. By reducing housing costs to below 20% of income, families free up $500-700 annually to redirect toward retirement savings and wealth-building investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Bernard Parish

via CrimeByCounty

St. Bernard Matches National Trends

St. Bernard Parish holds a safety score of 96.1, which reflects local urban challenges. Its total crime rate of 2,461.5 per 100,000 residents slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Activity Than State Average

The parish sits below the Louisiana average safety score of 97.1. Residents experience a crime rate higher than the state average of 1,853.7, though data comes from a single reporting agency.

Urban Profile Near New Orleans

St. Bernard faces higher crime benchmarks than many of its rural neighbors in the region. Its rate of 2,461.5 suggests a more urban crime profile compared to the surrounding rural parishes.

Property Crimes Drive Local Stats

Property crime drives the local statistics at 1,984.6 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 476.9. This means property-related offenses are nearly four times more common than violent ones.

Prioritize Your Home Security

High property crime rates make home security a top priority for local residents. Installing smart doorbells and motion sensors can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Bernard Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Schooling Near New Orleans

St. Bernard Parish supports 12 public schools that accommodate 8,277 students within a single school district. The landscape is primarily focused on primary education with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools.

Exceeding State and National Averages

St. Bernard Parish achieves an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 85.4% and the national 87.0% benchmark. This high performance comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,289, yielding a school score of 55.7.

St. Bernard Parish School District

The St. Bernard Parish School District oversees all 12 campuses, including one alternative school, and currently has no charter schools. The district efficiently manages a large student body, with the massive Chalmette High School serving over 2,300 students alone.

A Predominantly Suburban Experience

Eleven of the 12 schools are in suburban locales, creating a consistent neighborhood feel with a high average enrollment of 690 students. Families can choose between large hubs like N.P. Trist Middle and smaller primary environments like Arlene Meraux Elementary.

Suburban Success for Growing Families

With graduation rates that lead the region, St. Bernard Parish is a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Look for homes in Chalmette or Meraux to stay within walking distance of highly-rated suburban schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Bernard Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Bernard: High Risk, Hurricane-Prone

St. Bernard Parish scores 75.60, well above the national average, driven largely by exceptional hurricane risk (95.54) and severe flood vulnerability (74.40). The parish's coastal position near New Orleans exposes it to tropical systems, storm surge, and extended hurricane damage.

Top Tier of Louisiana Risk

St. Bernard Parish ranks among Louisiana's highest-risk parishes with a composite score of 75.60, exceeding the state average of 62.37 by 21%. Only the southernmost coastal parishes and St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes face comparable or greater disaster exposure.

Coastal Risk Hotspot

St. Bernard Parish (75.60) exceeds all northern parishes but falls slightly below the extreme risk profiles of St. Charles (85.05) and St. John the Baptist (81.52). The parish's southeastern location puts it directly in the path of hurricanes approaching the Mississippi River delta and Gulf Coast.

Hurricane and Flood Dominate

Hurricane risk (95.54) and flood risk (74.40) are St. Bernard's defining hazards, reflecting the parish's proximity to the coast and Mississippi River. Tornado risk (50.89) adds a secondary but significant concern during severe weather seasons.

Critical: Flood and Hurricane Coverage

St. Bernard residents must carry both standard homeowners insurance and a separate flood policy, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Elevating homes, installing storm shutters, and reinforcing roofs are essential investments; consider wind mitigation inspections to lower insurance premiums.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Bernard Parish

via WaterByCounty

Top Marks for Drinking Water Compliance

St. Bernard Parish maintains an impressive 'A' grade for its drinking water systems. With zero health violations recorded over the last five years, the county significantly outperforms the state average violation rate of 407.2. This record demonstrates high reliability in the parish's public water infrastructure.

Enterococcus Bacteria Impairs Local Waterways

Despite clean tap water, 88.6% of assessed local water bodies are considered impaired by federal standards. The 2022 reporting cycle names enterococcus, fecal coliform, and low dissolved oxygen as the primary causes of concern. This impairment rate is slightly higher than the Louisiana average of 87.7%.

Extensive Monitoring Across Forty-Five Sites

A robust network of 45 monitoring sites has generated 8,598 measurements over the past five years. Researchers prioritize tracking organics, nutrients, and physical water characteristics. This high volume of sites ensures comprehensive coverage of the county's coastal and inland waters.

Limited Live Streamflow Gauge Data

There is currently no representative USGS streamflow gauge reporting data for St. Bernard Parish. Residents lack real-time discharge metrics for local rivers or bayous through federal channels. Drinking water quality remains the strongest and most consistently available data point for the area.

Safe Tap Water and Recreational Awareness

Your drinking water is currently among the highest-rated in the state, so no additional filtration is strictly necessary for health. However, the presence of enterococcus and fecal coliform in 88.6% of water bodies suggests caution when swimming. Avoid contact with local surface waters immediately after heavy rains to minimize bacterial exposure.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Bernard Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Coastal Warmth and Humidity

St. Bernard Parish averages 68.6°F annually, which is significantly higher than the national median. Its location near the Gulf of Mexico drives a humid and consistently warm climate.

Among the Warmest in Louisiana

The parish's 68.6°F average temperature is higher than the state average of 67.0°F. This makes it one of the warmer coastal regions in Louisiana.

Cooler Summers Than Inland Parishes

St. Bernard experiences only 55 extreme heat days annually, far fewer than inland parishes like Richland which see over 80. The coastal influence helps moderate summer temperature spikes.

Mild Winters with No Snow

Winter temperatures are very mild with a January average of 52.8°F, and snowfall is virtually non-existent. Summers are long and humid, averaging 81.3°F during the peak months of June through August.

Humidity Control and Light Clothing

Dehumidifiers and light, breathable clothing are essential for the damp, coastal air. Residents should also focus on hurricane preparedness given the parish's vulnerability to Gulf weather patterns.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Bernard Parish

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Rich Delta Soils

St. Bernard Parish boasts a soil pH of 6.71, which is higher than the state average of 5.74 and even exceeds the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for most plants, allowing for maximum nutrient availability. It represents some of the most chemically balanced soil in the region.

Heavy Clay and Low Sand

The soil is dominated by 43.2% clay and contains only 10.0% sand, making it a heavy, dense medium. This high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but makes the soil difficult to till when wet. The 30.2% silt helps slightly with texture, but clay defines the landscape.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Organic matter is a staggering 15.74%, far exceeding the state average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse of potential fertility. The high organic content suggests a history of rich alluvial or marsh deposits.

Water-Retentive and Dense

While hydrologic group and drainage class data are not recorded, the high clay and organic content point toward extreme water retention. These soils stay wet longer after rain, which can be a challenge for building foundations or sensitive plant roots. Site planning must account for this persistent moisture.

Abundance in Zone 9b

Zone 9b allows for a nearly year-round growing season for citrus, figs, and tropical ornamentals. The rich, organic soil is perfect for heavy feeders like tomatoes and leafy greens. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-dense coastal environment with very little supplemental fertilizer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Bernard Parish

via LawnByCounty

Strong Lawn Potential in St. Bernard

With a lawn score of 46.1, St. Bernard Parish is among the easier places in Louisiana to maintain a lawn. The parish sits comfortably above the state average of 33.8 and is very close to the national median of 50.0.

Mild Heat and High Growing Potential

St. Bernard averages only 55 extreme heat days, far fewer than the state average of 84. This milder climate, paired with 6,979 growing degree days, provides a long and productive season for Zone 9b lawns.

Ideal pH in Heavy Clay Soil

The soil pH of 6.71 is nearly perfect for most lawn types, falling squarely in the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. However, the high clay content of 43.2% means you must manage potential compaction and drainage issues carefully.

Managing Dry Weeks in the Delta

The parish experienced 18 weeks in drought over the last year, and 34.5% of the area is currently in severe drought. To combat these dry periods, use mulch-mowing techniques to retain moisture in your high-clay soil.

Long Growing Season in Zone 9b

With the last spring frost typically arriving by February 4, you have an exceptionally long window for lawn care. St. Augustine grass is a top performer here, benefiting from the ideal pH and the parish's coastal climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Bernard Parish's county score?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 42.5 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 St. Bernard Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Bernard Parish ranks #54 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 St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Bernard Parish is $976, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns St. Bernard Parish a tax score of 85/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Bernard Parish?
The median household income in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is $57,638 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Bernard Parish earns an income score of 32.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Bernard Parish scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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