countyscore
44.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 83Soil Quality 63.6Property Tax 59.2

County Report Card

About St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

High Wealth Meets High Risk

St. Tammany Parish posts a composite score of 44.1, falling below the national median of 50.0. High costs and significant environmental risks pull down a profile otherwise defined by local wealth.

Falling Behind the State Average

The parish ranks below the Louisiana average of 53.0 due to a severe lack of housing affordability. Despite its high income levels, the cost of living and natural disaster risks create a drag on the overall index.

Economic Power and Public Safety

Economic strength is the major draw, featuring an Income Score of 83.0 and a median household income of $79,277. Residents also enjoy relatively strong health outcomes and public safety, scoring 58.4 and 53.7 respectively.

Extreme Costs and High Risk

Living here is expensive, as seen in the low Cost Score of 12.8 and a median home value of $272,200. Additionally, the Risk Score of 3.4 highlights the parish's extreme vulnerability to natural disasters.

Suits High-Earning Professionals

St. Tammany is designed for professionals and families who prioritize safety and community amenities. Residents must be willing to pay a premium and manage environmental risks for a higher standard of living.

Score breakdown

Tax59.2Cost12.8Safety53.7Health58.4Schools45.5Income83Risk3.4Water36.4Weather33.4
🏛59.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.3
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. Tammany Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in St. Tammany 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. Tammany Parish with Mendocino County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Mendocino County
California
Median income: $64,688
44.1
Irwin County
Georgia
Median income: $53,915
44.1
Berkshire County
Massachusetts
Median income: $72,565
44.1
Dade County
Missouri
Median income: $49,899
44.1
Carteret County
North Carolina
Median income: $70,235
44.1
Love County
Oklahoma
Median income: $62,940
44.1
Buena Vista city
Virginia
Median income: $54,458
44.1
Dinwiddie County
Virginia
Median income: $83,898
44.1

Nearby counties

Hancock County
Mississippi
35.6
Orleans Parish
Louisiana
24
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.5
Tangipahoa Parish
Louisiana
34.1
Washington Parish
Louisiana
46.4
St. Bernard Parish
Louisiana
42.5
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
43.2
St. Charles Parish
Louisiana
48.8

Deep Dives

St. Tammany Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Tammany Parish

via TaxByCounty

St. Tammany taxes significantly above U.S. average

St. Tammany Parish's effective tax rate of 0.737% generates median annual taxes of $2,005, roughly 75% of the national median property tax of $2,690. This places the parish in the upper half nationally, making it one of Louisiana's highest-taxing counties.

Louisiana's highest tax burden

St. Tammany's 0.737% rate is 75% higher than Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, ranking it among the top five tax parishes in the entire state. Median annual taxes of $2,005 far exceed the statewide median of $732—nearly three times higher.

Tax leader in the eight-parish region

St. Tammany's 0.737% rate dramatically exceeds all seven regional peers; the next-highest is Terrebonne Parish at 0.451%. St. Tammany residents pay roughly $1,200 more annually in property taxes than those in low-tax Tensas Parish, the largest gap in the group.

Your annual tax on a median home

With a median home value of $272,200, St. Tammany residents pay approximately $2,005 per year in property taxes, or $2,159 when mortgage escrow is included. This means monthly property tax payments of roughly $167—significantly more than the state average.

Challenge your assessment now

In high-tax parishes like St. Tammany, assessment appeals are especially worthwhile—even small reductions yield large annual savings. If your home's appraised value exceeds recent comparable sales prices in your neighborhood, file a free appeal to lower your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Tammany Parish

via CostByCounty

St. Tammany rents rise with incomes

At 19.8%, St. Tammany's rent-to-income ratio remains at the national affordability threshold despite the parish commanding the state's highest rents at $1,305 monthly. The difference: St. Tammany's median household income of $79,277 actually exceeds the national median by $4,522, allowing residents to absorb higher costs.

Louisiana's priciest but still affordable

St. Tammany stands alone at the top of Louisiana's cost-of-living spectrum, with median rents $432 above state average and home values of $272,200. Yet the parish maintains a reasonable 19.8% rent-to-income ratio, thanks to incomes that outpace all other Louisiana parishes.

St. Tammany costs double nearby parishes

At $1,305 monthly rent and $272,200 home values, St. Tammany dwarfs adjacent parishes—St. Landry rents for $742 and homes cost $142,900. This premium reflects St. Tammany's position as the region's economic engine and most desirable address.

High incomes justify premium housing costs

Renters here spend $1,305 monthly while homeowners carry $1,313, with a median income of $79,277 absorbing these costs elegantly. At 19.8% of household income, housing remains manageable even at premium prices.

St. Tammany for those with higher earnings

Relocating professionals earning above Louisiana's median should evaluate St. Tammany's $1,305 rents and $272,200 homes against their income stability. Compare this parish's premium positioning to lower-cost neighbors to determine if location justifies the price premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Tammany Parish

via IncomeByCounty

St. Tammany exceeds U.S. income

St. Tammany Parish households earn $79,277 annually, surpassing the national median of $74,755 by roughly $4,500. This places St. Tammany among the nation's better-performing parishes and marks it as Louisiana's most affluent region.

Louisiana's income leader

St. Tammany's $79,277 median income towers 43% above Louisiana's $55,250 state average, making it the clear income champion among the state's 64 parishes. Per capita income of $41,854 also ranks highest statewide.

Far outearns surrounding parishes

St. Tammany's $79,277 dwarfs nearby Tangipahoa Parish ($57,256) by $22,000 and St. Martin Parish ($53,394) by $25,800. The stark gap reflects St. Tammany's affluent suburbs and stronger job market near New Orleans.

Highest incomes enable wealth building

St. Tammany's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable despite median home values of $272,200, the highest in the region. The combination of strong incomes and reasonable housing cost ratios creates significant opportunity for savings and investment.

Accelerate wealth through diversification

St. Tammany households earning $79,277 should maximize 401(k) contributions ($23,500 annually for 2024) and invest in diversified portfolios. At 7% annual returns, aggressive saving of $500+ monthly builds $300,000+ within 15 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Tammany Parish

via CrimeByCounty

St. Tammany Ranks High for National Safety

St. Tammany Parish boasts an impressive safety score of 98.3, making it one of the safer regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1047.8 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

A Safety Leader in Louisiana

The parish significantly outperforms the Louisiana safety average score of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1047.8 is far lower than the state average of 1853.7, cementing its reputation as a secure place to live.

Far Safer Than Neighboring Tangipahoa

St. Tammany’s crime rate of 1047.8 stands in stark contrast to neighboring Tangipahoa Parish, where the rate is 3156.3. This makes St. Tammany a preferred location for those seeking lower crime exposure.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in the parish is remarkably low at 143.5 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of activity at 904.3, though this is still very low by national standards.

Maintain Your Secure Environment

While crime is low, maintaining high security standards helps keep these numbers down. Ensure your home is well-lit and your alarm systems are active to deter any rare instances of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Tammany Parish

via HealthByCounty

St. Tammany leads Louisiana on health

At 76.5 years, St. Tammany Parish residents live just 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—exceptional for Louisiana. With only 19% reporting poor or fair health, the parish performs better than the national average of 17%, marking it as a health leader.

Best health outcomes in Louisiana

St. Tammany Parish's 76.5-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Louisiana's 72.5-year state average by 4 years. The parish's 19% poor/fair health rate is the best in the state, reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure and community health.

Clearly outperforms regional peers

St. Tammany's 76.5-year life expectancy leads all comparison parishes by 3+ years, and its 19% poor/fair rate is 5+ percentage points better than most neighbors. With 77 primary care providers and 296 mental health providers per 100,000, the parish has the deepest clinical resources in the region.

Excellent coverage and access infrastructure

At 8.0% uninsured, St. Tammany matches Louisiana's state average despite its high-income profile, suggesting strong outreach and enrollment. The parish offers 77 primary care and 296 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest provider density in this comparison.

Maintain coverage for ongoing health success

St. Tammany's excellent health outcomes reflect strong coverage rates; if you're among the uninsured, explore Louisiana's marketplace to keep your family healthy. Visit Healthcare.gov to review plans and ensure you have continuous access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Tammany Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Schooling in St. Tammany

St. Tammany Parish operates a massive network of 56 public schools, serving nearly 40,000 students. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education, featuring 29 elementary schools and 19 middle schools.

Investing in Large-Scale Success

The parish spends $8,409 per pupil, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of $7,881. While the graduation rate of 84.0% is slightly below the state average, the parish maintains a strong composite school score of 53.4.

A Dominant District with Modern Options

The St. Tammany Parish district manages 55 schools and 39,559 students, making it one of the largest in the region. Louisiana Key Academy operates as a specialized charter option, though it represents less than 2% of the local schools.

Suburban Living and High-Capacity Campuses

Forty schools are located in suburban areas, where the average enrollment is a high 709 students per campus. Mandeville High School is the largest in the parish, serving 2,259 students in a bustling secondary environment.

Suburban Excellence for Growing Families

St. Tammany is a premier destination for those seeking a suburban lifestyle backed by significant educational investment. Consider homes in Mandeville or Slidell to be near some of the state's largest and most active school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Tammany Parish

via RiskByCounty

St. Tammany faces highest national exposure

St. Tammany Parish's composite risk score of 96.56 places it among America's most disaster-prone counties, earning a "Relatively High" rating. The parish confronts extreme exposure across multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Louisiana's riskiest parish by far

St. Tammany's score of 96.56 soars 55% above Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it the single riskiest parish in the entire state. No other Louisiana parish approaches St. Tammany's exposure level.

Substantially riskier than surrounding parishes

St. Tammany (96.56) far exceeds nearby Tangipahoa Parish (93.32) and surpasses every other adjacent parish statewide. Only St. Tammany carries a "Relatively High" rating; all others rank "Relatively Moderate" or lower.

All hazards present acute threats

Hurricane risk reaches 98.92—the state's highest—while flood risk of 94.21 and tornado risk of 86.58 create a severe triple threat. Wildfire risk of 89.57 also stands exceptionally high, adding a fourth seasonal danger.

Maximum protection is essential

St. Tammany residents should invest in comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and wind coverage, separate flood insurance, and consider a safe room or shelter given the extreme tornado risk of 86.58. Verify that coverage limits reflect the parish's exceptional 98.92 hurricane threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Tammany Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat on the Northshore

St. Tammany Parish maintains an average annual temperature of 67.4°F, significantly higher than the U.S. national median. The climate is defined by high humidity and heavy annual precipitation totaling 64.2 inches.

Typical Louisiana thermal patterns

The parish sits slightly above the state average of 67.0°F. While it is cooler than the coastal parishes to the south, it still experiences 76 days of extreme heat annually.

Wetter than Tangipahoa Parish

St. Tammany is slightly warmer and wetter than its neighbor Tangipahoa, which averages 66.8°F and 63.6 inches of rain. Both parishes share a similar Northshore climate profile with nearly identical winter averages.

High humidity and rare snow

Summer averages 80.9°F with 76 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are mild at 53.1°F, though the parish occasionally sees a trace of snow, averaging 0.1 inches annually.

Prepare for wet summers

With 64.2 inches of annual rain, high-capacity drainage systems are essential for local properties. Residents should plan outdoor maintenance around the 76 extreme heat days that occur mostly between June and August.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Tammany Parish

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Entisols of St. Tammany

The average pH here is quite low at 4.75, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.74. These soils are classified as Entisols, which are geologically young and chemically distinct.

A Gritty and Varied Mix

With 32.4% sand and 29.5% silt, these soils have more grit than many of their coastal neighbors. However, the 18.1% clay helps provide enough structure to keep the soil from being overly loose.

Rich Organic Matter and High Capacity

Organic matter is very high at 15.39%, more than double the state average. This helps support an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, ensuring that plants have access to water even in the sandy patches.

Navigating Very Poorly Drained Lands

The soil is classified as very poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. This means water tends to sit on the surface, requiring elevated beds for gardening and specialized foundations for building.

Blueberries Love the Acidic Zone 9a

The acidic 4.75 pH is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Don't let the drainage stop you; with a 63.6 soil score and some raised beds, your landscape will flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Tammany Parish

via LawnByCounty

Extreme difficulty in St. Tammany

St. Tammany Parish faces one of the hardest lawn environments in the state with a difficulty score of only 21.3. Homeowners in this Zone 9a region must overcome significant soil and drainage obstacles.

High moisture and rapid growth

A staggering 64.2 inches of annual precipitation and 6,649 growing degree days mean grass grows aggressively but faces high disease pressure. The 76 extreme heat days add further stress to traditional turf varieties.

Very acidic and poorly drained

The soil pH of 4.75 is critically low, requiring significant lime amendments to reach the 6.0 ideal. Combined with 'very poorly drained' classifications and 32.4% sand, maintaining nutrient levels is a constant battle.

Short but frequent dry spells

The parish experienced 16 weeks of drought recently, and 92.7% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Focusing on organic matter additions can improve the water-holding capacity of the sandy local soils.

Wait for the March warmth

Centipede grass is a popular choice for acidic soils like these, provided you correct the pH first. The safest time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost on March 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Tammany Parish's county score?
St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 44.1 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. Tammany Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
St. Tammany Parish ranks #50 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. Tammany Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Tammany Parish is $2,005, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns St. Tammany Parish a tax score of 59.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Tammany Parish?
The median household income in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana is $79,277 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Tammany Parish earns an income score of 83/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
St. Tammany Parish scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate St. Tammany 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. Tammany 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.