countyscore
48.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.9Soil Quality 80.8

County Report Card

About St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Near the National Median Score

St. Charles Parish earns a 48.8 composite score, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it struggles with affordability, its high income levels keep it competitive on a national scale.

Slightly Below the State Average

The parish's score of 48.8 sits below the Louisiana average of 53.0, largely due to high costs and environmental risks. However, it remains an economic powerhouse within the state's industrial corridor.

High Incomes and Strong Utilities

St. Charles Parish leads with an income score of 85.9, driven by a median household income of $82,172. Residents also benefit from high-quality water (86.0) and solid school performance (62.5).

Affordability and Natural Risks

A low cost score of 16.7 reflects median home values of $256,800, making it expensive for the region. Environmental risk is also a major concern, with a score of 15.0 indicating high vulnerability.

A Choice for High Earners

This parish is tailor-made for professionals who prioritize high salaries and good schools over low living costs. It is the best fit for families who can afford higher housing prices and want strong municipal services.

2040608010077.416.731.366.262.585.9158627.1Tax77.4Cost16.7Safety31.3Health66.2Schools62.5Income85.9Risk15Water86Weather27.148.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

St. Charles Parish DNA

Foverall

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

St. Charles Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.9/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (15/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.4+25.400000000000006
Cost
16.7-31.3
Safety
31.3-23.7
Health
66.2+16.200000000000003
Schools
62.5+8.5
Income
85.9+34.900000000000006
Risk
15-32
Water
86+28
Weather
27.1-28.9
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Compare mortgage rates in St. Charles Parish

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$256,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,144/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$256,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,172/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.4

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

St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
43.2
Jefferson Parish
Louisiana
34.2
Lafourche Parish
Louisiana
47.1
St. James Parish
Louisiana
51.8
Orleans Parish
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24
Livingston Parish
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43.3
Ascension Parish
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Assumption Parish
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Deep Dives

St. Charles Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Charles Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Charles Parish taxes remain moderate

St. Charles Parish residents pay an effective property tax rate of 0.574%, still notably below the national median of 0.955% and in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,475 annually is approximately 45% below the national median of $2,690.

Among Louisiana's highest tax rates

St. Charles Parish ranks among the highest-taxing parishes in Louisiana with a 0.574% effective rate, well above the state average of 0.421% and in the upper 10% statewide. The median annual tax of $1,475 nearly doubles the state median of $732.

Steepest rate in the southeast cluster

St. Charles Parish's 0.574% rate is the highest in southeast Louisiana, notably exceeding St. James Parish (0.527%) and St. John the Baptist Parish (0.451%). A St. Charles homeowner with the median $256,800 property pays roughly $250 more annually than a comparable St. James resident.

What $256,800 homes cost to own

St. Charles Parish homeowners with the median property value of $256,800 pay approximately $1,475 in annual property taxes at the 0.574% rate, the highest in the southeast region. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total annual bill reaches $1,564.

Review your assessment carefully

With the parish's above-average tax rate, St. Charles residents should carefully review their property assessments for potential overvaluation. An appeal to your assessor costs nothing and could result in significant annual savings on your property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Charles Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Charles has state's highest incomes

St. Charles Parish residents enjoy a median household income of $82,172—$7,417 above the national average—making housing more affordable despite higher absolute costs. At 16.7%, the rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below state and national affordability thresholds, supported by significantly stronger earning power.

Income advantage drives affordability

St. Charles Parish boasts Louisiana's highest median household income at $82,172, enabling residents to absorb higher housing costs while maintaining a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio below the state average. This income strength explains why St. Charles can support median rents of $1,144—the second-highest surveyed—while remaining relatively affordable.

Premium prices, premium incomes

St. Charles rents and home values rival New Orleans-area parishes like St. Bernard and St. John the Baptist, yet the 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both due to substantially higher local incomes. St. Charles residents earn roughly $15,000 more annually than neighbors, enabling them to afford higher housing costs comfortably.

High earners, high costs balanced

St. Charles renters spend 16.7% of income on $1,144 monthly rent, while homeowners with $1,270 mortgages allocate 18.6% of income—an unusual reversal where renting is slightly cheaper. The median home value of $256,800 reflects the parish's affluent character and proximity to industrial corridors that support high local wages.

St. Charles rewards higher earners

If your relocation comes with a strong salary, St. Charles Parish offers the most affluent Louisiana community surveyed, with median incomes and home values reflecting economic strength. The 16.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing remains manageable for professionals and established households, despite the parish's premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Charles Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Charles earns 10% above national median

St. Charles Parish's median household income of $82,172 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $7,400, making it one of Louisiana's strongest-earning parishes. The per capita income of $39,716 significantly outpaces the national average, indicating robust individual wealth generation across the parish.

Louisiana's highest-earning parish in this sample

St. Charles Parish dominates Louisiana's income rankings in this group with a median household income of $82,172, more than $27,000 above the state average of $55,250. The parish's per capita income of $39,716 also substantially exceeds Louisiana's state average of $29,702, marking St. Charles as an economic outlier.

St. Charles far outpaces neighboring parishes

St. Charles Parish's $82,172 median income towersover all comparison parishes, exceeding St. John the Baptist ($67,418) by $14,754 and St. James ($64,536) by $17,636. This significant lead reflects St. Charles's access to petrochemical, industrial, and port-related employment clustered in the greater New Orleans area.

Excellent earnings power meets housing costs

St. Charles Parish's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% remains healthy and well below the concerning 22.6% observed in St. Bernard Parish. With strong median income and manageable housing costs, St. Charles households enjoy substantial capacity for savings, investments, and quality-of-life spending.

St. Charles families can build serious wealth

St. Charles Parish households earning $82,172 should maximize retirement contributions, diversify into real estate and stock portfolios, and consider wealth-building strategies like tax-advantaged 529 plans. This income level provides St. Charles residents competitive advantage to accumulate generational wealth and retire comfortably.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Charles Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in St. Charles

St. Charles Parish earns a strong safety score of 97.4. The total crime rate of 1,619.0 per 100,000 is much lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Louisiana Average

Ranking above the state average safety score of 97.1, St. Charles is a safer alternative to many neighboring parishes. Its crime rate is roughly 12% lower than the state average of 1,853.7.

A Secure Pocket in the Region

While some nearby parishes see crime rates spike near 2,000, St. Charles maintains a more controlled environment at 1,619.0. It serves as a relatively secure area within the larger metropolitan region.

Lower Than National Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 1,295.2 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 323.8. These numbers show that violent incidents remain below the national average of 369.8.

Smart Habits for Homeowners

Consistent security habits are the best defense against property crime in the area. Local homeowners should focus on securing entry points and maintaining visible deterrents to discourage theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Charles Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Model for Educational Infrastructure

St. Charles Parish operates 15 public schools serving 9,496 students within its single school district. The parish provides a comprehensive ladder of learning with nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools.

High Investment and Academic Excellence

The parish invests $10,899 per pupil, nearly $3,000 more than the Louisiana state average, resulting in a high school score of 60.4. This investment supports an 87.0% graduation rate, which matches the national average and exceeds the state mark.

St. Charles Parish District Excellence

Managed by a single district, the system includes large, well-resourced campuses like Hahnville High and Destrehan High, each serving nearly 1,500 students. There are no charter schools in the parish, as the traditional public system maintains high standards for all students.

The Best of Suburbia and Rural Life

The parish offers a mix of 10 suburban and five rural schools, with an average school size of 633 students. Large secondary schools are balanced by community-centered primary sites like Luling Elementary, which serves 734 students.

Invest in Your Family's Future

St. Charles Parish stands out for its high per-pupil spending and excellent school scores, making it a premier destination for homeowners. Explore the suburban neighborhoods of Destrehan or Luling to find high-quality education right in your backyard.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Charles Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Charles: Louisiana's Riskiest Parish

St. Charles Parish scores 85.05, significantly exceeding the national average and earning a relatively moderate risk rating—the highest composite score in Louisiana. The parish confronts extreme hurricane (95.95) and flood risks (95.40), combining to create exceptional disaster exposure.

Highest Risk in Louisiana

St. Charles Parish ranks as Louisiana's riskiest parish with a composite score of 85.05, 36% above the state average of 62.37. The parish's position directly south of New Orleans along the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast creates unmatched exposure to hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding.

Most Perilous in the Region

St. Charles Parish (85.05) significantly exceeds St. John the Baptist Parish (81.52) to the north and St. James Parish (71.02) to the northwest. Only the southernmost Louisiana coastal parishes rival St. Charles's composite risk score, reflecting its extreme position on the Gulf of Mexico.

Flood and Hurricane Crisis Risks

St. Charles faces North America's highest hurricane risk (95.95) and flood risk (95.40)—both near-maximum values. Tornado risk (77.19) compounds the parish's triple threat, making multi-hazard preparedness non-negotiable for residents.

Mandatory Multi-Layer Protection Plan

St. Charles residents absolutely must carry homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and consider additional wind or hurricane-specific coverage to close gaps. Elevation, storm-resistant retrofits, and regular evacuation planning are life-safety imperatives—consult FEMA's mitigation resources for your specific property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Charles Parish

via WaterByCounty

St. Charles Parish Earns Perfect Compliance

St. Charles Parish achieves an 'A' grade with zero health violations in its five-year drinking water record. This perfect performance stands in stark contrast to the Louisiana state average violation rate of 407.2. Local utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act standards for their residents.

High Number of Assessed Water Bodies

The county manages a vast watershed, with 138 water bodies assessed in the 2022 cycle. Approximately 84.8% are listed as impaired, primarily due to enterococcus, low dissolved oxygen, and fecal coliform. This impairment level is slightly better than the 87.7% statewide average despite the high volume of sites.

Biological and Algal Monitoring Focus

Environmental agencies have collected 5,550 measurements from 31 monitoring sites in recent years. Uniquely, the monitoring footprint includes significant data on biological health, algae, and cyanobacteria. These records help the county track ecological shifts in its complex bayou and lake systems.

Real-Time Discharge Data Currently Unavailable

St. Charles Parish does not have a primary USGS streamgage providing live discharge measurements. Without active NWIS streamflow data, real-time hydrological changes are difficult to track locally. The parish's perfect drinking water compliance record remains the primary indicator of water safety.

Maintain Vigilance Over Local Algae

While your tap water is safe and reliable, the high rate of watershed impairment suggests staying alert during outdoor activities. Be mindful of cyanobacteria and algae measured in the area, as these can impact pets and children. Check local advisories before recreating in water bodies showing signs of bacterial contamination.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Charles Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Annual Rainfall Levels

St. Charles Parish receives a massive 66.0 inches of rain annually, nearly doubling the precipitation levels of many U.S. regions. While specific temperature data is limited, the environment is defined by its high moisture.

Wetter Than Most of Louisiana

The parish's 66.0 inches of precipitation far exceeds the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches. It is one of the wettest parishes in a state that is already among the nation's dampest.

Consistent Wetness Across the Region

St. Charles sees rainfall similar to St. Helena (65.6 inches) and St. James (66.2 inches). This region forms a high-precipitation belt across southern Louisiana.

Dominated by Rain Rather Than Snow

Snow is a rare occurrence in this part of the state, as the climate is dominated by tropical moisture. Residents experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy seasonal downpours.

Invest in Robust Water Management

Homeowners should prioritize high-capacity gutters and flood insurance due to the 66 inches of annual rain. Waterproof footwear and reliable umbrellas are daily essentials for residents here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Charles Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Organic Deep Soils

St. Charles Parish averages a soil pH of 5.76, aligning almost perfectly with the Louisiana state average of 5.74. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, typical for high-organic wetlands. These soils are chemically active and reflect the parish's unique river-delta geography.

A Clay-Dominant Landscape

This soil is composed of 47.7% clay and a tiny 4.1% sand fraction, creating a very heavy texture. Such high clay levels mean the soil holds onto nutrients and water with extreme tenacity. However, this also makes it prone to shrinking and swelling, which affects both gardening and construction.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

The organic matter content is an incredible 20.48%, which is more than ten times the national average. This high carbon level, combined with a water capacity of 0.210 in/in, creates a spongy, highly fertile environment. This soil acts as a massive reservoir for both moisture and plant nutrients.

High Capacity for Moisture

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the low sand and high organic matter ensure the soil remains saturated for long periods. The soil acts like a sponge, holding 0.210 inches of water per inch of soil. This requires careful management of drainage to prevent anaerobic conditions for plant roots.

Tropical Potential in Zone 9b

In the mild winters of zone 9b, you can grow satsumas, papayas, and ginger with ease. The high-clay, high-organic soil is a dream for moisture-loving plants like hibiscus and cannas. Start your backyard oasis today and enjoy the incredible natural fertility of the delta.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Charles Parish

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Humidity in St. Charles

St. Charles Parish scores a 39.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, beating the Louisiana average of 33.8. While challenging compared to the national median, it offers a relatively favorable environment for southern turf varieties.

Heavy Rainfall Totals

Annual precipitation reaches 66.0 inches, significantly higher than the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This excess water requires lawns to have excellent drainage and may increase the risk of waterborne turf diseases.

Heavy Clay and Acidic Soil

The soil is dominated by clay at 47.7% and has a slightly acidic pH of 5.76. You may need to aerate regularly to prevent compaction and apply soil amendments to move the pH closer to 6.0.

Resilience Through Severe Droughts

Roughly 51.9% of the parish is currently in severe drought, part of a 20-week drought trend over the past year. Even with high annual rainfall, these intense dry spells mean supplemental irrigation is occasionally vital.

Durable Grasses for Zone 9b

The humid, high-clay environment of Zone 9b is best suited for resilient grasses like St. Augustine. Aim to start your lawn in late February or early March to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Charles Parish's county score?
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 48.8 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 St. Charles Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Charles Parish ranks #40 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. Charles Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Charles Parish is $1,475, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns St. Charles Parish a tax score of 77.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Charles Parish?
The median household income in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is $82,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Charles Parish earns an income score of 85.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Charles Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Charles Parish scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Charles 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. Charles Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.