countyscore
46.1
County Score
Property Tax 98.3Cost of Living 86.3Soil Quality 55.2

County Report Card

About St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

St. Landry Trails the National Median

St. Landry Parish earns a 46.1 composite score, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a balance of exceptional affordability against lower scores in economic opportunity and safety.

Falling Below the Louisiana Average

The parish's score of 46.1 sits significantly below the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It faces more development hurdles than many of its neighbors, despite maintaining lower tax burdens than most urban centers.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Financial ease is the parish's biggest draw, featuring a Tax Score of 98.3 and a Cost Score of 86.3. The effective tax rate is a remarkably low 0.297%, while the median home value remains accessible at $142,900.

Navigating Economic and Safety Hurdles

Income levels lag with a score of 8.0, as the median household income is just $45,637. Public safety and environmental risk also present challenges, with both dimensions scoring low at 11.8.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Lifestyles

This parish best suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low taxes and housing costs above all else. It offers significant financial breathing room for those not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax98.3Cost86.3Safety11.8Health23.4Schools39.3Income8Risk11.8Water23.7Weather26
🏛98.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.9
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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Nearby counties

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Pointe Coupee Parish
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West Feliciana Parish
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St. Martin Parish
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Deep Dives

St. Landry Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Landry Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Landry taxes far below national average

St. Landry Parish homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.297%, less than one-fifth the national median property tax burden of $2,690 on a typical home. This places the parish in the lowest quartile nationally, meaning most American counties tax property significantly more heavily.

Among Louisiana's lowest tax rates

St. Landry's 0.297% effective rate ranks it well below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing the parish in the bottom third of the state's 64 parishes for tax burden. Median taxes here average just $425 annually, compared to the statewide median of $732.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

St. Landry's rate of 0.297% undercuts neighboring Tangipahoa Parish (0.433%) and St. Martin Parish (0.404%), though it runs slightly below Tensas Parish (0.289%), the region's lowest. Among the eight-parish comparison group, only Tensas residents pay less in absolute dollars.

Your annual tax on a median home

On St. Landry's median home value of $142,900, homeowners pay approximately $425 per year in property taxes—or $581 if they have a mortgage with tax and insurance escrow. This means a typical resident spends about $35 monthly on property taxes, among Louisiana's lowest costs.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax parishes like St. Landry, many homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's market value. If your property taxes seem high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, you may qualify for an assessment appeal—a free or low-cost process that saves hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Landry Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Landry's rent burden matches the nation

Renters here spend 19.5% of income on housing, exactly matching the national benchmark and the Louisiana state average. This alignment masks a deeper reality: St. Landry's median household income of $45,637 runs $29,118 below the national median, meaning residents achieve affordability through lower rents, not higher earnings.

Right in the middle for Louisiana

St. Landry ranks squarely at the state average for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%—neither a burden nor a bargain among Louisiana's 64 parishes. The parish sits in the affordable tier statewide, though income levels remain below state norms.

Cheaper than neighbors, cheaper than state

At $742 monthly rent, St. Landry undercuts the state average of $873 by $131, and sits below nearby St. Mary ($839) and St. Martin ($865). For home buyers, the median value of $142,900 positions it as an accessible entry point compared to pricier southeastern parishes.

Rent and ownership split housing load evenly

Renters pay $742 monthly while homeowners carry $490 in monthly costs, reflecting a median home value of $142,900. With a median income of $45,637, housing consumes roughly 19.5% of household income for renters—sustainable but leaving limited room for other essentials.

Consider St. Landry for low-cost living

If housing affordability tops your relocation priorities, St. Landry delivers rents and ownership costs well below Louisiana's median, anchored by a median home value near $143,000. Compare this parish's stable, affordable market to higher-priced southeastern neighbors before deciding where to plant roots.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Landry Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Landry's income gap widens

St. Landry Parish households earn $45,637 annually, trailing the nation's median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000. This 39% gap reflects broader economic pressures facing rural Louisiana parishes compared to wealthier U.S. counties.

Below Louisiana's parish average

St. Landry ranks near the lower end of Louisiana parishes, with incomes about 17% below the state median of $55,250. Only a handful of Louisiana parishes earn less, placing it among the state's economically challenged regions.

Struggling relative to neighbors

St. Landry's $45,637 median falls significantly short of nearby Tangipahoa Parish ($57,256) and St. Martin Parish ($53,394). The parish lags even its nearest-struggling neighbor, Union Parish, by roughly $100.

Rent-to-income ratio stays manageable

At 19.5%, St. Landry's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain reasonable for renters. However, the lower overall median income leaves less room for savings, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

Build wealth despite modest income

St. Landry residents should prioritize employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds to grow assets over time. Even small monthly contributions compound significantly: investing $100 monthly at 7% annual returns grows to over $100,000 in 20 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Landry Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Challenges to Safety in St. Landry

St. Landry Parish records a safety score of 95.9. Its total crime rate of 2,614.6 per 100,000 is higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Trailing State Averages

The parish falls below both the Louisiana safety average of 97.1 and the state crime average of 1,853.7. With eight reporting agencies, the data provides a comprehensive look at local safety.

Higher Crime Frequency Than Peers

St. Landry experiences more crime per capita than many of its surrounding parishes. Its total rate of 2,614.6 indicates a higher frequency of police interactions than the Louisiana norm.

Significant Violent and Property Concerns

Violent crime is high at 607.9 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 2,006.7. This means residents face higher risks for both theft and personal safety compared to national benchmarks.

Strong Defenses for St. Landry

Robust security measures are highly recommended for St. Landry residents to protect their homes. Joining neighborhood watch programs and upgrading home alarms can help mitigate these higher risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Landry Parish

via HealthByCounty

St. Landry falls short on life expectancy

At 69.7 years, St. Landry Parish residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The parish also reports a 26.7% poor or fair health rate, well above the national average of 17%. These gaps signal deeper health challenges that shape daily life here.

Among Louisiana's poorest health outcomes

St. Landry's 69.7-year life expectancy ranks below Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by nearly 3 years. The parish's 26.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, placing it in the lower tier of Louisiana parishes for overall health status.

Significant gap compared to nearby parishes

St. Landry's life expectancy of 69.7 years trails St. Martin Parish (73.3 years) and Tangipahoa Parish (72.1 years) by 3+ years. With only 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the parish still exceeds its neighbors Union Parish (19) and Tensas Parish (25), though access remains stretched.

Limited access compounds health struggles

An 8.5% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 12 residents lack health coverage, above Louisiana's 8.1% state average. With 67 primary care providers per 100,000, St. Landry offers some access, but the high rate of self-reported poor health suggests barriers to effective preventive and ongoing care.

Explore health coverage options today

If you're among the uninsured, Louisiana's marketplace offers plans at multiple price points, and you may qualify for Medicaid expansion or subsidies. Visit Healthcare.gov or Louisiana's health insurance marketplace to see your options and find coverage that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Landry Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in St. Landry

St. Landry Parish manages 37 public schools, including 17 elementary, nine middle, and nine high schools, across three districts. The infrastructure serves 13,111 total students, maintaining a significant presence in the local community.

Performance Scores and Spending Benchmarks

The parish reports a graduation rate of 84.5%, which sits just below the state average of 85.4% and the national mark of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,687, slightly trailing the Louisiana average but resulting in a 52.1 school score that exceeds the national median.

Large Parish Districts and Emerging Charters

The St. Landry Parish district is the dominant provider, serving 12,554 students across 35 schools. Charter options represent 8.1% of the landscape, including institutions like JS Clark Leadership Academy and St. Landry Primary School.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Education here happens largely in town settings, which host 23 of the 37 schools, while 14 schools remain rural. Beau Chene High School is the largest campus with 891 students, though the average school size across the parish is a modest 375 students.

Finding Your Home Near St. Landry Schools

Families looking for a blend of town-center convenience and rural quiet can find diverse housing options near top-performing campuses. Researching local school scores is a vital step in discovering the right neighborhood for your student's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Landry Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Landry ranks above national average

With a composite risk score of 88.20, St. Landry Parish faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects the parish's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes that regularly threaten the region.

Well above Louisiana's typical risk

St. Landry's 88.20 score towers 41% above Louisiana's state average of 62.37, placing it among the riskier parishes statewide. The parish experiences compound threats that most of the state does not face at comparable intensity levels.

Similar risk to southern Louisiana parishes

St. Landry's risk profile closely mirrors that of St. Martin Parish (87.28) and St. Mary Parish (88.93), three southern parishes sharing comparable tornado and hurricane exposure. All three face substantially higher risk than Tensas Parish (14.50) in northeast Louisiana.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate

Tornado risk scores an exceptionally high 94.15, while hurricane risk reaches 92.24—making these the two primary threats residents must prepare for. Flooding also registers as significant at 87.44, creating a triple threat during severe weather events.

Bundle coverage for multiple threats

St. Landry residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance that includes coverage for wind damage (hurricanes and tornadoes) and flood damage, which standard policies exclude. A safe room or storm shelter adds crucial protection given the parish's extreme tornado risk of 94.15.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Landry Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

St. Landry Parish records an average annual temperature of 68.0°F, significantly higher than the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid subtropical climate stays warm throughout the year with very little variation in cold extremes.

Slightly warmer than state norms

The parish's 68.0°F annual average sits one full degree above the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. While Louisiana is famously warm, St. Landry typically experiences more intense heat than many of its northern peers.

Climate matching the Acadiana region

St. Landry is nearly identical in temperature to neighboring St. Martin Parish, which averages 67.8°F. However, St. Landry receives slightly less rain, recording 61.4 inches annually compared to St. Martin’s 66.6 inches.

A long, grueling summer season

Summer averages reach a stifling 81.8°F, fueled by a staggering 102 days per year where temperatures hit 90°F or higher. Winters are mild with a 53.2°F average and absolutely no recorded annual snowfall.

Prepare for heat and humidity

Residents must maintain high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle over 100 extreme heat days each year. With 61.4 inches of annual rainfall, heavy-duty gutter systems and rain gear are essential for local storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Landry Parish

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in St. Landry

St. Landry Parish features an average pH of 5.91, which is more alkaline than the Louisiana average of 5.74. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, this level is suitable for many regional row crops.

Silt-Heavy Soils Require Careful Management

The soil composition is dominated by 58.9% silt and 27.2% clay, with very little sand at 13.9%. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can become compacted if worked while wet.

Resilient Water Capacity Meets National Norms

Organic matter sits at 2.00%, matching the national average though trailing the state's high 6.38% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in exceeds the state average, offering crops better protection during dry spells.

Managing Runoff in Silty Landscapes

While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the 27.2% clay content suggests moderate to slow permeability. Farmers and builders should focus on surface drainage to manage Louisiana's heavy rainfall.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9a

The long growing season in zone 9a makes this soil ideal for heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. With a soil score of 55.2, you have a reliable foundation to start your home garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Landry Parish

via LawnByCounty

St. Landry faces steep lawn challenges

With a difficulty score of 25.9, St. Landry Parish is significantly tougher to maintain than the 50.0 national average. This Zone 9a region ranks well below the Louisiana state average of 33.8, demanding extra effort from local gardeners.

High heat and heavy rainfall

The parish receives 61.4 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. Residents must manage 102 extreme heat days per year, a figure much higher than the state average of 84 days.

Managing acidic, clay-heavy soils

A soil pH of 5.91 sits just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating occasional lime applications to reduce acidity. The soil contains 27.2% clay, which can lead to drainage issues during heavy Louisiana downpours.

Extended dry spells test turf

Lawns in St. Landry survived 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and 47.4% of the area currently experiences severe conditions. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems.

Start your Zone 9a lawn early

Heat-tolerant species like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass thrive in this climate. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on February 28 to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Landry Parish's county score?
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 46.1 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 St. Landry Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Landry Parish ranks #47 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. Landry Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Landry Parish is $425, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns St. Landry Parish a tax score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Landry Parish?
The median household income in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana is $45,637 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Landry Parish earns an income score of 8/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Landry Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Landry Parish scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Landry 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. Landry 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.