countyscore
48.9
County Score
Property Tax 93.8Soil Quality 85.5Cost of Living 71.6

County Report Card

About St. Mary Parish, Louisiana

St. Mary Nears National Median

St. Mary Parish scores a 48.9, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. This score balances strong local educational outcomes against moderate environmental and economic risks.

Competitive Within the State Profile

While the parish is slightly under the Louisiana average of 53.0, it remains competitive in the coastal region. It stands out specifically for providing better school performance than many of its immediate neighbors.

Strong Schools and Low Expenses

The parish excels in education with a School Score of 69.1, which is complemented by a 93.8 Tax Score. Homebuyers enjoy a low median value of $128,000, supported by an impressive 71.6 Cost Score.

Managing Environmental and Income Gaps

Natural hazards and water quality are the primary drawbacks, evidenced by a Water Score of 14.4 and a Risk Score of 11.1. Income levels also remain low, with a dimension score of 18.1.

A Good Fit for Families

St. Mary is a great fit for families seeking a low cost of living without sacrificing school quality. It rewards residents who are comfortable living in a region with higher environmental risk factors.

2040608010093.871.618.524.369.118.111.114.434.5Tax93.8Cost71.6Safety18.5Health24.3Schools69.1Income18.1Risk11.1Water14.4Weather34.548.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

St. Mary Parish DNA

Foverall

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

St. Mary Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (93.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.8+41.8
Cost
71.6+23.599999999999994
Safety
18.5-36.5
Health
24.3-25.7
Schools
69.1+15.099999999999994
Income
18.1-32.9
Risk
11.1-35.9
Water
14.4-43.6
Weather
34.5-21.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$128,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$839/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$128,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,768/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

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

Iberia Parish
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59.3
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
69.4
St. Martin Parish
Louisiana
47.6
Terrebonne Parish
Louisiana
43.5
Iberville Parish
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St. James Parish
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51.8
Ascension Parish
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Lafayette Parish
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Deep Dives

St. Mary Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Mary Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Mary rates among America's lowest

St. Mary Parish's effective tax rate of 0.402% produces median annual taxes of $515, less than one-fifth the national median property tax of $2,690. This places the parish in the lowest quintile nationally for property tax burden.

Just below Louisiana's average

St. Mary's 0.402% effective rate ranks slightly below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing the parish very near the statewide median. With median taxes of $515, St. Mary residents pay about $217 less annually than Louisiana's median of $732.

Lower taxes than most surrounding parishes

St. Mary (0.402%) undercuts Tangipahoa (0.433%) and Terrebonne (0.451%) but exceeds St. Landry (0.297%) and Tensas (0.289%). Among the eight-parish region, St. Mary ranks near the middle, offering moderate tax rates compared to its neighbors.

Your annual tax on a median home

St. Mary's median home value of $128,000 results in annual property taxes of approximately $515, or $614 with mortgage escrow included. This translates to roughly $43 monthly—well below the national average and among Louisiana's most affordable.

Review your assessment for errors

Even in lower-tax parishes like St. Mary, overassessments are common and correctable through appeals. If your property tax bill seems high relative to recent neighborhood sales or comparable homes, request a formal assessment review at no cost to challenge inflated valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Mary Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Mary matches national affordability norms

At 19.4%, St. Mary's rent-to-income ratio sits at the national benchmark, reflecting sustainable housing costs for renters. With a median household income of $51,768, residents earn significantly less than the national median of $74,755 but achieve affordability through lower regional rents.

Top-tier affordability across Louisiana

St. Mary ranks among Louisiana's most affordable parishes with a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, outperforming the state average of 19.5%. This consistency places the parish in the best quartile statewide for housing burden.

Lower rents, lower home values too

St. Mary's $839 monthly rent undercuts the state average of $873 by $34, sitting in the middle of the tri-parish cluster. Median home values of $128,000 make St. Mary the most affordable for buyers among St. Landry, St. Martin, and St. Mary.

Housing takes 19% of household budgets

Renters pay $839 monthly while homeowners carry $552, with a median income of $51,768 spreading that burden comfortably. At 19.4% of income, housing leaves substantial room for healthcare, food, and other necessities.

St. Mary offers deep affordability for movers

If lowest home values and rent burdens appeal to you, St. Mary Parish delivers with median ownership costs of $552 and homes valued near $128,000. Test this parish against neighboring options before committing to your Louisiana relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Mary Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Mary households earn below average

St. Mary Parish's median household income of $51,768 falls $22,987 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 31% income deficit. Despite this gap, the parish income outpaces several rural Louisiana parishes.

Below-average income for Louisiana

St. Mary's $51,768 sits about 6% below Louisiana's $55,250 median, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of state parishes. The parish faces similar income pressures as other coastal and rural regions in South Louisiana.

Mid-range income in coastal cluster

St. Mary earns $51,768, placing it between struggling Union Parish ($45,743) and stronger Tangipahoa Parish ($57,256). The parish mirrors income levels seen in St. Martin Parish ($53,394), reflecting shared regional economic conditions.

Affordable housing supports families

St. Mary's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability, with households spending well under 30% of income on rent. The low median home value of $128,000 further stretches household budgets in the parish.

Build wealth through disciplined investing

St. Mary residents earning $51,768 can establish wealth by opening a high-yield savings account and investing $100–200 monthly. A 20-year investment horizon at 7% returns turns modest deposits into $60,000+ in growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Mary Parish

via CrimeByCounty

St. Mary Parish Below National Crime Rates

St. Mary Parish reports a total crime rate of 2164.3 per 100,000 residents, remaining below the national average of 2,385.5. The parish earns a safety score of 96.6, indicating a generally stable public safety environment.

Safety Slightly Behind State Average

With a safety score of 96.6, St. Mary Parish trails just behind the Louisiana average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 2164.3 is also higher than the state-wide average of 1853.7 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Rates with St. Martin Parish

St. Mary's crime rate of 2164.3 is notably higher than neighboring St. Martin Parish, which sees only 1496.5 incidents per 100,000. This disparity highlights a more active law enforcement environment in St. Mary.

Higher Than Average Violent Crime

The violent crime rate of 521.2 exceeds the national average of 369.8, signaling a need for community vigilance. Property crime accounts for 1643.1 incidents per 100,000, which remains the most frequent type of offense reported.

Stay Vigilant Against Property Theft

Because property crime represents the majority of local offenses, home security is a smart investment. Reliable locks and neighborhood watch participation are effective ways to protect your property and family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Mary Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Infrastructure in St. Mary Parish

St. Mary Parish supports 8,548 students across 22 public schools and two districts. The system includes 10 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools, plus two specialized campuses.

Elite Graduation Rates Lead the Region

The parish boasts an impressive 96.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 85.4% and the national average of 87%. This high performance is reflected in a school score of 57.3, achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,271.

Parish Control and Charter Innovation

The St. Mary Parish district is the primary provider with 21 schools and 8,054 students. V. B. Glencoe Charter School offers an alternative option, serving 494 students as the parish's sole charter institution.

Town-Based Learning with Small School Vibes

Eighteen of the parish's schools are situated in town locales, creating a community-centric feel for the average student body of 389. Morgan City High School is the largest at 732 students, while unique options like Berwick High provide smaller secondary environments.

A Top Choice for Educational Success

With graduation rates near the top of the state, St. Mary Parish offers a compelling case for families on the move. Look for properties in Morgan City or Berwick to take advantage of this high-performing educational landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Mary Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Mary ranks among nation's riskier counties

With a composite risk score of 88.93, St. Mary Parish exceeds typical U.S. disaster risk significantly, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The parish faces compounded hazards from water and wind that demand serious preparation.

42% above Louisiana's state average

St. Mary Parish scores 88.93 compared to Louisiana's 62.37 average, placing it in the state's upper tier of disaster-exposed parishes. This elevated profile reflects the parish's geographic position along Louisiana's coast and hurricane-prone zone.

Highest-risk parish in southern trio

St. Mary Parish edges slightly above St. Landry (88.20) and St. Martin (87.28) in composite risk, forming the state's most hazard-concentrated cluster. All three dramatically outpace lower-risk parishes like Union (49.65) and Tensas (14.50).

Hurricane and flood dominate risks

Hurricane risk peaks at 97.33—the highest threat facing the parish—while flood risk of 93.00 reflects coastal vulnerability and heavy rainfall patterns. Tornadoes also present significant danger at 86.36, creating a year-round hazard environment.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

St. Mary residents must obtain both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood insurance immediately, as the parish's 93.00 flood score demands dual protection. Ensure wind coverage explicitly includes hurricane-force conditions given the 97.33 hurricane threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Mary Parish

via WaterByCounty

St. Mary Drinking Water Records 131 Violations

St. Mary Parish currently holds an F grade for drinking water quality after recording 131 health violations in the last five years. Its violation rate of 209.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the Louisiana state average. These figures reflect significant room for improvement in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Bacteria and Oxygen Levels Impact Watersheds

Data from the 2022 cycle shows that 85.7% of the 119 assessed water bodies in St. Mary Parish are impaired. Major concerns include low dissolved oxygen and the presence of fecal coliform and enterococcus. This impairment rate is slightly better than the statewide average of 87.7%.

Extensive Data Collection in St. Mary

The parish benefits from 43 monitoring sites that have logged 15,591 measurements over the past five years. Investigators focus primarily on physical characteristics, organic compounds, and nutrient levels. This high density of data allows for detailed tracking of local environmental health.

Wax Lake Outlet Sees Increased Discharge

The USGS gauge at Wax Lake Outlet at Calumet currently measures a massive flow of 126,000 cubic feet per second. This current discharge is 130% of the long-term typical mean of 96,655 cfs. High flows in this outlet can influence sediment distribution and local water chemistry.

Safe Steps for St. Mary Residents

With high flow rates and watershed bacteria levels, residents should monitor local alerts for waterborne illness risks. Installing a high-quality water filter can mitigate concerns stemming from the parish's failing compliance grade. Supporting local wetland restoration can naturally improve dissolved oxygen levels in the basin.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Mary Parish

via WeatherByCounty

One of America’s warmest parishes

St. Mary Parish averages 69.6°F annually, placing it nearly 15 degrees above the national median temperature. This coastal climate is defined by mild winters and a persistent, heavy maritime influence.

Surpassing the state average

At 69.6°F, the parish is nearly three degrees warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks as one of the warmest regions in the state due to its southern, coastal position.

Matching the Terrebonne profile

St. Mary shares an identical annual average temperature of 69.6°F with neighboring Terrebonne Parish. Both areas benefit from coastal breezes that limit extreme heat days to 51 per year, fewer than inland parishes.

Warm winters and tempered heat

July averages 82.9°F, but the proximity to the Gulf keeps extreme heat days to a manageable 51. Winters are very mild with a 55.5°F average, and snow is virtually non-existent.

Designed for coastal living

Homeowners should focus on salt-air resistant materials and robust cooling systems for the 82.4°F summers. With 61.9 inches of rain, consistent rain gear is more important than any winter clothing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Mary Parish

via SoilByCounty

Robust Soils in Coastal St. Mary

St. Mary Parish boasts a soil pH of 5.95, outperforming the state average of 5.74. While still acidic compared to the national 6.5 median, these soils are chemically dynamic and highly fertile.

Dense Composition and Low Sand

This soil is remarkably heavy, containing only 5.1% sand alongside 35.9% clay and 39.8% silt. Such a low sand percentage means the soil holds water tightly, which is characteristic of the region's alluvial history.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The parish features a massive 20.51% organic matter content, dwarfring the state average of 6.38%. This richness, paired with a high water capacity of 0.223 in/in, creates a powerhouse for plant growth.

Managing Water in Heavy Ground

High clay and silt levels suggest very slow drainage across the parish. Careful water management is necessary for any construction or gardening project to handle the high available water capacity.

Tropical Potential in Zone 9b

In the warm 9b zone, these nutrient-dense soils are perfect for lush tropical ornamentals and winter vegetables. With a premier soil score of 85.5, your gardening potential is among the highest in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Mary Parish

via LawnByCounty

St. Mary leads in lawn ease

With a difficulty score of 35.8, St. Mary Parish is actually easier to maintain than the Louisiana state average of 33.8. Its Zone 9b classification offers a warm environment where tropical turfgrasses flourish.

Milder heat than most neighbors

St. Mary experiences only 51 extreme heat days annually, far fewer than the state average of 84 days. This reduced heat stress, combined with 61.9 inches of rain, creates a more stable environment for grass growth.

Rich clay requires careful drainage

The soil features a high clay content of 35.9% and a pH of 5.95, which is very close to the ideal range. Proper grading is essential here to prevent the 61.9 inches of annual rain from pooling on the clay surface.

Severe drought impacts half the parish

Despite 17 weeks of drought over the last year, 48.8% of the parish currently faces severe drought conditions. Implementing a smart irrigation controller can help manage water use during these intense dry stretches.

Late winter is planting time

The very early last frost on February 2 allows for an exceptionally long growing season. Bermuda and Seashore Paspalum are great choices for this coastal parish's climate and soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Mary Parish's county score?
St. Mary Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 48.9 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. Mary Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Mary Parish ranks #39 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. Mary Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Mary Parish is $515, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns St. Mary Parish a tax score of 93.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Mary Parish?
The median household income in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana is $51,768 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Mary Parish earns an income score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Mary Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Mary Parish scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Mary 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. Mary 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.