countyscore
47.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.7Cost of Living 67.3Soil Quality 64.1

County Report Card

About St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

St. Martin Near National Performance

St. Martin Parish holds a composite score of 47.6, placing it slightly behind the national median of 50.0. It offers a profile that emphasizes low-cost living over high-income potential.

Trailing the Louisiana State Average

The parish's 47.6 score ranks below the Louisiana average of 53.0. While it provides a more affordable alternative to neighboring hubs, its composite reflects a need for infrastructure and education improvements.

Low Tax Burden and Affordable Housing

Tax benefits drive the score, highlighted by a strong 93.7 Tax Score and an effective tax rate of 0.404%. A Cost Score of 67.3 ensures that median gross rents stay manageable at $865 per month.

Infrastructure and Education Need Attention

Environmental and infrastructure metrics lag, specifically a Water Score of 19.8 and a Risk Score of 12.7. Educational outcomes also present room for growth with a School Score of 25.4.

Best for Quiet, Low-Tax Living

St. Martin suits individuals looking for a quiet lifestyle in the heart of Acadiana with minimal property tax obligations. It is a solid choice for those who value financial predictability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax93.7Cost67.3Safety35.5Health39.7Schools25.4Income21.5Risk12.7Water19.8Weather34.3
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.9
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in St. Martin Parish

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

See Today's Rates

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
Compare St. Martin Parish with Graham County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Graham County
Arizona
Median income: $67,326
47.6
San Mateo County
California
Median income: $156,000
47.6
Levy County
Florida
Median income: $53,805
47.6
Shoshone County
Idaho
Median income: $49,975
47.6
Grant County
Indiana
Median income: $54,007
47.6
Madison County
Kentucky
Median income: $62,407
47.6
Washington County
Minnesota
Median income: $114,457
47.6
Lamar County
Mississippi
Median income: $69,106
47.6

Nearby counties

Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.2
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
59.3
Lafayette Parish
Louisiana
34.3
West Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
46.9
St. Mary Parish
Louisiana
48.9
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
69.4
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
41.2
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
31.4

Deep Dives

St. Martin Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Martin Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Martin taxes well below U.S. median

St. Martin Parish's effective tax rate of 0.404% generates a median annual tax of $610, roughly one-quarter the national median property tax of $2,690. This places the parish comfortably in the bottom third of all American counties for tax burden.

Slightly above Louisiana's middle

St. Martin's rate of 0.404% sits just below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, ranking the parish in the middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes. Median taxes of $610 annually exceed the statewide median of $732, placing residents near the state's average burden.

Moderate taxes in a low-tax region

St. Martin Parish (0.404%) taxes slightly more than St. Landry (0.297%) and Tensas (0.289%) but less than Tangipahoa (0.433%) and Terrebonne (0.451%). Among the eight-parish peer group, St. Martin ranks fourth in tax rate, making it a moderate-tax parish regionally.

Your annual tax on a median home

With a median home value of $151,000, St. Martin residents typically pay $610 per year in property taxes, or $984 when mortgage escrow is included. This amounts to about $51 monthly—reasonable by both state and national standards.

Appeal if your assessment is high

Many St. Martin Parish homeowners pay taxes on assessments higher than their home's true market value. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and often results in lower taxes; if your property's appraised value exceeds recent comparable sales, you likely have grounds to challenge it.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Martin Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Martin hits affordability sweet spot

At 19.4%, St. Martin's rent-to-income ratio falls slightly below the national average of 30% and matches Louisiana's state average, signaling healthy housing affordability. With a median household income of $53,394, residents here enjoy better earning power than many rural Louisiana parishes while maintaining manageable housing costs.

Among Louisiana's most affordable parishes

St. Martin ranks at the very top of Louisiana's affordability ladder with a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, matching or beating 90% of the state's parishes. This places renters and homebuyers in an enviable position for financial stability.

Slight cost advantage in the region

St. Martin's $865 monthly rent sits between St. Landry ($742) and St. Mary ($839), offering a middle ground in the tri-parish region. Home values at $151,000 position St. Martin above St. Landry but below Tangipahoa's $204,600, creating balanced options for different budgets.

Income and housing costs align well here

Renters spend $865 monthly while homeowners pay $574, with a median income of $53,394 cushioning the burden. Just 19.4% of household income flows to rent, leaving room for savings and other household priorities.

St. Martin balances affordability and income

Relocating families seeking affordability with decent earning potential should examine St. Martin's favorable 19.4% rent-to-income ratio and $151,000 median home value. Compare this parish's stability to neighbors like St. Landry and St. Mary to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Martin Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Martin trails U.S. income median

St. Martin Parish households earn $53,394 annually, about $21,300 short of the national median of $74,755. This 29% gap places St. Martin solidly below national income benchmarks, though closer to national norms than some peer parishes.

Slightly above Louisiana's median

St. Martin's $53,394 median income edges just under Louisiana's $55,250 state average. The parish ranks in the middle tier of Louisiana's 64 parishes, positioning it as a moderate-income region by state standards.

Outearns struggling peers

St. Martin's $53,394 outpaces St. Landry Parish ($45,637) and Union Parish ($45,743) by roughly 17%, though Tangipahoa Parish pulls ahead at $57,256. The parish sits in a competitive middle ground within its regional cluster.

Housing costs remain affordable

With a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, St. Martin residents spend less than one-fifth of earnings on rent, well below affordability concerns. The median home value of $151,000 also remains accessible to households earning near the parish median.

Strategic saving fuels long-term gains

St. Martin residents can boost wealth by automating savings and exploring employer 401(k) matches. A household earning $53,394 that saves just $150 monthly ($1,800 yearly) accumulates $36,000 in emergency funds within five years before interest.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Martin Parish

via CrimeByCounty

St. Martin Parish Outperforms National Safety Norms

St. Martin Parish maintains a high safety score of 97.6, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1496.5 per 100,000 people is roughly 37% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Louisiana Safety Average

The parish's safety score of 97.6 sits comfortably above the Louisiana state average of 97.1. With a total crime rate of 1496.5, St. Martin is safer than many typical parishes across the state.

A Safer Neighbor in Southern Louisiana

Compared to nearby St. Mary Parish, which reports a crime rate of 2164.3, St. Martin is significantly quieter. This lower rate makes it one of the more peaceful jurisdictions in the immediate region.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Property crimes account for 1159.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crimes are much lower at 337.5. For residents, this means that while theft is the primary concern, violent encounters remain below the national rate of 369.8.

Focusing on Residential Security

Since property crime is the most common local issue, simple security upgrades can make a big difference. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells helps deter opportunistic theft and keeps the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Martin Parish

via HealthByCounty

St. Martin edges ahead nationally on health

At 73.3 years, St. Martin Parish residents live about 2.8 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, a smaller gap than most Louisiana parishes. A 22.5% poor or fair health rate, while above the national 17% average, is markedly better than many neighbors.

Healthier-than-average Louisiana parish

St. Martin Parish's 73.3-year life expectancy ranks above Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by 0.8 years. The parish stands in the healthier half of Louisiana parishes, with only 22.5% reporting poor or fair health compared to higher rates across the state.

Top performer among surrounding parishes

St. Martin's 73.3-year life expectancy beats St. Landry (69.7) and Tangipahoa (72.1), and its 22.5% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the region. However, the parish has just 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest in this comparison group.

Good health outcomes despite provider scarcity

With a 7.9% uninsured rate slightly below Louisiana's 8.1% average, most St. Martin residents have coverage. But the parish serves its population with only 21 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest locally—suggesting strong health outcomes despite provider constraints.

Keep coverage strong for all residents

St. Martin's low uninsured rate is a strength, but those 7.9% without coverage should explore Louisiana's marketplace plans and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Visit Healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage options and ensure continuity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Martin Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in St. Martin Parish

St. Martin Parish operates a focused network of 16 public schools serving 7,563 students. The system is balanced between eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools under a single unified district.

Graduation Rates Meet the National Average

The parish achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average and outperforming the Louisiana state average of 85.4%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,133, which is significantly lower than the national benchmark of $13,000.

The Unified St. Martin Parish District

The St. Martin Parish district oversees nearly all local students, with 7,537 enrolled in its 15 primary campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the parish, ensuring a traditional public school experience for all families.

Town-Centered Schools and Mid-Sized Campuses

Most students attend one of the 10 schools located in town settings, while six schools serve the surrounding rural areas. Breaux Bridge High School leads the parish in enrollment with 851 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 473.

Settling Down in St. Martin Parish

With graduation rates that lead the state, St. Martin Parish is an attractive destination for education-focused homebuyers. Explore homes near Cecilia or Breaux Bridge to find a community that prioritizes academic consistency.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Martin Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Martin faces above-average disaster risk

St. Martin Parish's composite risk score of 87.28 places it well above typical U.S. disaster exposure levels with a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The parish confronts a concentrated threat from hurricanes and tornadoes that shape year-round preparedness needs.

39% riskier than Louisiana average

At 87.28, St. Martin Parish scores 39% higher than Louisiana's average of 62.37, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed parishes. This elevated risk is driven primarily by intense hurricane and tornado threats unique to south Louisiana.

Part of high-risk southern cluster

St. Martin sits alongside St. Mary Parish (88.93) and St. Landry Parish (88.20) in a corridor of elevated risk in southern Louisiana. These three parishes consistently exceed state average risk by roughly 40%, distinguishing them from lower-risk areas like Tensas Parish (14.50).

Hurricanes and tornadoes drive threat

Hurricane risk reaches 96.12—among the highest in the state—while tornado risk of 89.50 creates a dual seasonal threat. Flooding at 87.00 compounds these risks, particularly during tropical systems that bring heavy rainfall to the region.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance

St. Martin residents must carry separate flood insurance on top of homeowners coverage, as standard policies exclude water damage. Hurricane-force wind coverage is essential given the parish's 96.12 hurricane score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Martin Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A subtropical Louisiana climate

With an average annual temperature of 67.8°F, St. Martin Parish is much warmer than the typical U.S. county. This area experiences the high humidity and heavy rainfall characteristic of the Gulf Coast region.

Following the state temperature curve

The parish matches the Louisiana state average closely, coming in at 67.8°F versus the 67.0°F state baseline. It remains consistently warmer than the northern parishes while avoiding the absolute peak heat of the deep coast.

Wetter than nearby St. Landry

St. Martin Parish is significantly wetter than its neighbor St. Landry, receiving 66.6 inches of rain compared to 61.4 inches. Temperature-wise, both parishes stay within a fraction of a degree of each other year-round.

Mild winters and humid summers

Extreme heat hits 70 days per year here, which is notably lower than some inland neighbors. July temperatures average 81.5°F, while winter remains comfortable with a 53.8°F average and zero snow.

Invest in moisture management

Because the parish receives 66.6 inches of rain—well above the state average of 60.8—drainage and moisture control are top priorities for homeowners. Outdoor activities should be planned for the 53.8°F winter months to avoid the 70 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Martin Parish

via SoilByCounty

St. Martin's Balanced Acidic Profile

The parish maintains a pH of 6.10, sitting closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of Louisiana. This makes the soil less acidic than the state average of 5.74, reducing the need for heavy lime applications.

A Silty Mix with Clay Body

Composition consists of 54.4% silt and 33.7% clay, making it a dense and moisture-retentive medium. With only 10.6% sand, these soils are naturally fertile but require careful timing for tilling.

Strong Organic Content for Crops

Organic matter is healthy at 3.15%, well above the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in, these soils provide a stable reservoir of nutrients and moisture for local agriculture.

High Clay Leads to Slow Drainage

The 33.7% clay content indicates that water moves slowly through these soils compared to sandier parishes. Proper grading is essential for residential building to prevent ponding in backyards.

Grow Year-Round in Zone 9a

The mild climate of zone 9a and a soil score of 64.1 create a highly productive environment for citrus and sugarcane. Grab some seeds and take advantage of this above-average Louisiana soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Martin Parish

via LawnByCounty

St. Martin lawn care demands precision

St. Martin Parish earns a difficulty score of 30.9, making it slightly easier to manage than its neighbor St. Landry but still harder than the national average. This Zone 9a parish requires consistent maintenance to stay green.

Excessive rain meets moderate heat

Annual precipitation reaches 66.6 inches, which is nearly 17 inches above the ideal upper limit for most turfgrass. While rainfall is high, the area only sees 70 extreme heat days, which is lower than the Louisiana state average.

Ideal pH but heavy clay

The local soil pH of 6.10 falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. However, a high clay content of 33.7% means gardeners must watch for compaction and aeration needs.

Managing a year of drought

The parish weathered 25 weeks of drought in the last year, though only 5.9% of the area remains in severe drought currently. Mulching your lawn clippings helps retain moisture during these frequent dry periods.

Time your planting for February

Zoysia and St. Augustine are excellent choices for the local soil and humidity levels. Aim to begin your lawn projects after the typical last frost on February 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Martin Parish's county score?
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 47.6 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. Martin Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Martin Parish ranks #42 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. Martin Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Martin Parish is $610, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns St. Martin Parish a tax score of 93.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Martin Parish?
The median household income in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is $53,394 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Martin Parish earns an income score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Martin Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Martin Parish scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Martin 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. Martin Parish with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.