countyscore
51.8
County Score
Property Tax 83.2Soil Quality 68.6Cost of Living 63.1

County Report Card

About St. James Parish, Louisiana

Outperforming the National Median

St. James Parish earns a composite score of 51.8, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is better than roughly half of the counties in the U.S.

Just Below the State Average

With a score of 51.8, the parish sits just below the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It offers a balanced profile that combines decent school performance with a manageable tax burden.

Strong Schools and Low Taxes

Educational quality is a highlight with a school score of 60.5. The tax environment is also favorable at 83.2, complemented by a respectable median household income of $64,536.

Safety and Water Quality Gaps

Safety is a weak point with a score of 21.3, and water quality also lags at 23.4. These factors, alongside moderate environmental risks, are the primary drags on the overall score.

A Balanced Choice for Families

St. James Parish is well-suited for middle-income families who value quality public schools and moderate taxes. It offers a solid economic foundation for those who can navigate local safety and environmental concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax83.2Cost63.1Safety21.3Health53.4Schools60.5Income52.3Risk29Water23.4Weather29.6
🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.5
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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Nearby counties

Ascension Parish
Louisiana
41.2
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
69.4
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
43.2
Livingston Parish
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43.3
St. Charles Parish
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Iberville Parish
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Lafourche Parish
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East Baton Rouge Parish
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Deep Dives

St. James Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. James Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. James Parish below national tax median

St. James Parish residents pay an effective property tax rate of 0.527%, significantly lower than the national median of 0.955% and in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by burden. The median annual property tax of $1,043 remains roughly 61% below the national median of $2,690.

Above-average rate for Louisiana

St. James Parish's 0.527% effective rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's parishes for tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,043 substantially exceeds the state median of $732, driven partly by higher home values in the parish.

Higher than St. Helena, lower than St. Charles

St. James Parish's 0.527% rate falls between St. Helena Parish's 0.421% and St. Charles Parish's 0.574%, positioning it in the moderate-to-higher range for the south-central region. A St. James homeowner with the median $197,800 property pays roughly $100 more annually than a St. Helena resident with the same value.

What $197,800 homes cost to own

St. James Parish homeowners with the median property value of $197,800 pay approximately $1,043 in annual property taxes at the 0.527% rate. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total annual bill climbs to $1,358.

Challenge overassessments on your property

St. James Parish residents paying above-average state taxes should verify their assessments reflect current market values. Filing an appeal with your assessor is free and may lower your annual tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. James Parish

via CostByCounty

St. James achieves excellent rent value

St. James Parish renters spend just 15.3% of income on housing—tied for Louisiana's best rent-to-income ratio and well below national affordability benchmarks. With median rent of $821 and household income of $64,536, St. James delivers strong rental value alongside the state's higher income profile.

Top-tier affordability in Louisiana

St. James Parish ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes for renters at 15.3% rent-to-income, matching Sabine Parish's exceptional performance. The combination of reasonable median rent at $821 and solid household income of $64,536 positions St. James as a standout value within the state.

Better balance than nearby parishes

St. James's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats neighboring St. Bernard Parish's 22.6% and St. John the Baptist Parish's 19.9%, despite comparable proximity to New Orleans economic activity. The $821 rent offers better value than St. Bernard's $1,083 while supporting stronger incomes than rural alternatives.

Both rent and ownership are accessible

St. James renters allocate just 15.3% of income to $821 monthly rent, while homeowners with $700 mortgages claim 13% of income—both exceptional ratios. The median home value of $197,800 provides fair value for buyers, making both rental and ownership paths genuinely affordable in this parish.

St. James balances affordability and access

St. James Parish delivers Louisiana's best overall housing value, combining excellent rent-to-income ratios of 15.3% with solid household incomes and reasonable home prices under $198,000. Whether you're relocating as a renter or buyer, St. James offers affordability advantages rare among parishes with comparable income levels and economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. James Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. James earns 14% below national median

St. James Parish's median household income of $64,536 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $10,200, a respectable but below-average position. The per capita income of $35,832 exceeds the national average, indicating concentrated wealth among a portion of the parish population.

St. James ranks in upper-middle tier

St. James Parish's median household income of $64,536 ranks solidly above Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by roughly $9,300, placing it among the stronger-earning parishes in this sample. The per capita income of $35,832 significantly exceeds Louisiana's average of $29,702, suggesting more robust individual earning power.

St. James second only to St. Charles

St. James Parish's $64,536 median income ranks second highest in this group, trailing only St. Charles Parish's $82,172 but outpacing St. John the Baptist ($67,418) by a margin. St. James's strong position reflects industrial and petrochemical employment opportunities along the Mississippi River corridor.

Excellent housing affordability enables savings

St. James Parish boasts a favorable rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, among the lowest in this sample, with renters spending just over one-seventh of income on housing. This strong affordability combined with $64,536 median household income creates substantial capacity for savings and wealth-building investments.

St. James households should accelerate investing

St. James Parish families earning $64,536 with housing costs at just 15.3% of income should aggressively fund 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. This combination of solid earnings and low housing burden positions St. James households to build serious long-term wealth through disciplined, consistent investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. James Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Moderate Safety in St. James

St. James Parish carries a safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,035.9 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Near State Safety Norms

The parish safety score of 96.8 is slightly lower than the Louisiana average of 97.1. Its crime rate of 2,035.9 is roughly 10% higher than the state average of 1,853.7.

A Typical Profile for the Region

St. James sits in the middle of the pack when compared to its regional neighbors. It offers a more moderate crime profile than the highest-risk parishes in southern Louisiana.

Focus on Property Crime Rates

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,607.8 per 100,000, while violent crime follows at 428.1. The violent crime rate is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8.

Deterring Property-Related Crimes

Enhancing home visibility and securing perimeter fences can deter property-related crimes in the area. Residents should stay proactive with security to keep their homes and families safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. James Parish

via HealthByCounty

St. James performs above many peers

St. James Parish residents live an average of 74.5 years, just 1.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 21.5% reporting poor or fair health—only 19% above the national average—St. James stands out as a relative health success story in Louisiana's struggling landscape.

Top tier parish for health outcomes

St. James's 74.5-year life expectancy ranks well above Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years, placing it among the parish's top performers. The parish also maintains a low uninsured rate of 6.0%, below the state average of 8.1%.

Outshining most nearby parishes

St. James's 74.5 years surpasses St. John the Baptist Parish (73.6 years) and St. Bernard Parish (73.2 years), approaching St. Charles Parish's exceptional 75.3 years. This river parish benefits from industrial employment, stronger tax bases, and better healthcare infrastructure than many rural neighbors.

Low uninsurance, modest provider base

St. James Parish's 6.0% uninsured rate is among Louisiana's best, with 25 primary care providers and 83 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. While primary care capacity is moderate, the low uninsured rate means residents can actually afford and access the care available.

Stay covered and stay healthy

St. James's 6.0% uninsured rate reflects strong enrollment, but 400+ residents still lack coverage—don't be one of them. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage or explore options that keep you on track with St. James's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. James Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Schooling in St. James

St. James Parish operates six public schools that serve 3,537 students across a single school district. The infrastructure is evenly distributed with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools to support its student body.

Top-Tier Funding and Solid Results

With a high per-pupil expenditure of $10,104, St. James Parish demonstrates a strong commitment to its students, yielding an 87.0% graduation rate. This investment has produced a school score of 58.7, which is well above both state and national averages.

St. James Parish School District

The St. James Parish School District manages all education in the county with no charter schools in the mix. The district features Lutcher High School as its largest campus, serving over 1,000 students in grades 7-12.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Roots

The parish features four town-based schools and two rural campuses, with a healthy average enrollment of 590 students. Paulina Elementary stands out as a major primary hub with 774 students, while St. James High offers a mid-sized secondary environment.

High Value for Education Seekers

Families looking for a blend of town life and high-performing schools should prioritize St. James Parish. The combination of high funding and strong academic scores makes it an attractive choice for long-term real estate investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. James Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. James Faces Elevated National Risk

St. James Parish scores 71.02, well above the national average and earning a relatively low risk rating. The parish confronts severe hurricane (94.12) and flood risks (83.40), compounded by above-average tornado exposure (67.56).

High Risk Among Louisiana Parishes

St. James Parish ranks in Louisiana's upper tier with a composite score of 71.02, exceeding the state average of 62.37 by 14%. The parish's position along the Mississippi River corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge concentrates disaster exposure.

Riskier Than Inland Peers

St. James Parish (71.02) significantly exceeds inland parishes like St. Helena (36.29) and Richland (36.67) but sits below the extreme coastal exposure of St. Charles (85.05) and St. John the Baptist (81.52). The parish's river-level location creates unique hurricane surge and riverine flood vulnerability.

Flood, Hurricane, Tornado Threats

St. James Parish faces critical flood risk (83.40) and hurricane risk (94.12), reflecting its Mississippi River corridor location and Gulf proximity. Tornado risk (67.56) adds a third major hazard, particularly during spring and summer severe weather seasons.

Flood and Wind Insurance Essential

St. James residents must obtain homeowners insurance plus a separate flood policy—standard policies do not cover flood damage from rivers or heavy rain. Elevating utilities, installing backflow preventers, and maintaining evacuation routes are critical actions for river-level properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. James Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rainfall and Tropical Influence

St. James Parish experiences 66.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is exceptionally high by national standards. This heavy rainfall is a core feature of its humid subtropical climate.

One of Louisiana's Wettest Areas

The parish averages 66.2 inches of rain, surpassing the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches. It sits in a pocket of high precipitation along the lower Mississippi River.

Regional Leaders in Precipitation

St. James is slightly wetter than St. Charles Parish (66.0 inches) and St. Helena Parish (65.6 inches). It is one of the dampest jurisdictions in the entire state.

Year-Round Damp and Tropical Conditions

With over 66 inches of rain and no recorded annual snowfall, the seasons transition between warm-wet and cool-damp. Summer months typically see the most frequent heavy rainfall events.

Focus on Drainage and Waterproofing

Effective landscape drainage is a priority for managing the 66.2 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should choose moisture-resistant building materials for any new construction or renovations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. James Parish

via SoilByCounty

Optimally Balanced River Soils

St. James Parish features an average pH of 6.79, making it some of the least acidic soil in Louisiana. This value is higher than the national median of 6.5, creating a near-perfect environment for nutrient uptake. It is far more neutral than the state average of 5.74, reducing the need for chemical adjustments.

A Balance of Silt and Clay

The soil is comprised of 45.6% silt and 37.2% clay, with very little sand at 7.6%. This creates a heavy, loamy texture that is excellent for retaining fertility and supporting large plants like sugarcane. It is a dense soil that requires power to till but rewards the effort with productivity.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

With organic matter at 6.64%, the parish exceeds the state average of 6.38% and triples the national average. Despite this high organic content, the available water capacity is slightly lower than the state average at 0.171 in/in. This suggests a soil that is rich in nutrients but may require consistent irrigation.

Dense Soils with Slow Movement

While official drainage classes are not provided, the high clay and silt percentages indicate slow water movement. These soils are prone to staying wet, which is common for the alluvial plains along the Mississippi River. Effective water management is key for both agricultural and residential landscaping.

Sugar and Spice in Zone 9a

The rich, neutral soils of zone 9a are world-famous for supporting sugarcane and Perique tobacco. Home gardeners will find great success with citrus trees and heavy-feeding summer vegetables. This is some of the most fertile land in the state, so plant with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. James Parish

via LawnByCounty

St. James: A Top Tier for Lawns

St. James Parish boasts a lawn difficulty score of 53.5, making it the easiest place for lawn care on this list. It is one of the few areas in Louisiana to exceed the national median score of 50.0.

Managing High Annual Precipitation

Lawns here receive 66.2 inches of rain a year, which is more than double the lower end of the ideal 30-50 inch range. While this reduces the need for watering, it requires diligent mowing to keep up with the fast-growing turf.

Nearly Perfect Soil Conditions

The soil pH of 6.79 is almost perfectly aligned with the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal range for healthy lawns. Although the clay content is high at 37.2%, the balanced pH provides an excellent chemical foundation for grass.

Stable Moisture Levels

Only 0.3% of the parish is in severe drought, significantly lower than many neighboring areas. With only 12 weeks of drought in the past year, St. James lawns typically stay hydrated with minimal intervention.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9a

In Zone 9a, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine will flourish given the excellent soil pH. Begin your spring lawn care as soon as temperatures stabilize to maximize the parish's superior growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. James Parish's county score?
St. James Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 51.8 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. James Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. James Parish ranks #36 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. James Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. James Parish is $1,043, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns St. James Parish a tax score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. James Parish?
The median household income in St. James Parish, Louisiana is $64,536 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. James Parish earns an income score of 52.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. James Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. James Parish scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. James 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. James 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.