34.1
County Score
Property Tax 91.8Soil Quality 55.6Cost of Living 37.7

County Report Card

About Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Significant Room for National Growth

Tangipahoa Parish carries a composite score of 34.1, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges across safety, education, and environmental resilience.

Trailing Louisiana's Average Performance

The parish falls significantly behind the Louisiana state average of 53.0. While it offers some tax advantages, it struggles to compete with neighboring parishes in most quality-of-life metrics.

Tax Advantages and Mid-Range Income

A Tax Score of 91.8 is the parish's strongest asset, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.433%. The median household income of $57,256 provides a more stable economic base than several neighboring rural parishes.

Safety and Education Concerns

Critical areas for improvement include Safety and Risk, which both score a very low 6.7. Education also lags behind the rest of the state, with a School Score of only 16.6.

Best for Commuters Seeking Low Taxes

Tangipahoa is best suited for individuals who need to remain near major transit corridors while maintaining low tax obligations. It appeals to those who are comfortable managing their own safety and educational needs.

Score breakdown

Tax91.8Cost37.7Safety6.7Health34.4Schools16.6Income31Risk6.7Water35.4Weather31.8
🏛91.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠37.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡6.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
34.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓16.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
6.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧35.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤31.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱21.1
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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Deep Dives

Tangipahoa Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tangipahoa Parish

via TaxByCounty

Tangipahoa taxes well below national median

Tangipahoa Parish's effective tax rate of 0.433% produces median annual taxes of $887, roughly one-third the national median property tax of $2,690. This places the parish solidly in the bottom half nationally for tax burden.

Slightly above Louisiana's average

Tangipahoa's 0.433% rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421% by just 3%, placing the parish near the statewide median. Median taxes of $887 run $155 above Louisiana's $732 median, making Tangipahoa a moderate-tax parish by state standards.

Mid-range taxes in the regional group

Tangipahoa's 0.433% rate ranks it as the fifth-highest among the eight parishes, exceeding St. Landry, St. Mary, and Tensas but falling well below St. Tammany's 0.737%. Regional residents pay roughly $375 more annually in Tangipahoa than in the lowest-tax parishes.

Your annual tax on a median home

Tangipahoa's median home value of $204,600 translates to approximately $887 per year in property taxes, or $1,007 with mortgage escrow included. This amounts to about $74 monthly—moderate compared to both state and national averages.

Appeal overassessments to reduce taxes

Many Tangipahoa homeowners can lower their tax bills through assessment appeals, especially if their appraised values exceed recent market sales. Requesting a formal assessment review is free and often results in hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

Cost of Living in Tangipahoa Parish

via CostByCounty

Tangipahoa stretches incomes slightly tight

At 20.4%, Tangipahoa's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national benchmark and Louisiana's 19.5% state average, signaling a tighter housing burden. With a median household income of $57,256, residents earn about $17,500 less than the national median but face higher rents, creating modest affordability pressure.

Above-average housing burden for Louisiana

Tangipahoa ranks in the bottom half of Louisiana parishes for affordability, with a 20.4% rent-to-income ratio sitting 0.9 percentage points above state average. This places the parish among the state's tighter housing markets.

Higher costs than tri-parish cluster

At $974 monthly rent, Tangipahoa exceeds St. Landry ($742), St. Martin ($865), and St. Mary ($839), while home values of $204,600 position it between St. Martin and St. Tammany. This upward pricing reflects Tangipahoa's proximity to the Baton Rouge metro and growing demand.

20% of income goes to rent alone

Renters spend $974 monthly while homeowners carry $872, with a median income of $57,256 allocating 20.4% to rent—a notch above comfortable. This leaves tighter margins for other essentials compared to surrounding parishes.

Tangipahoa for metro-area commuters

If proximity to Baton Rouge and higher earning potential matter more than lowest-cost housing, Tangipahoa's $204,600 homes and $974 rents may suit you. Compare this parish's price premium against lower-cost options in the tri-parish region.

Income & Jobs in Tangipahoa Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Tangipahoa income trails national mark

Tangipahoa Parish households earn $57,256 annually, approximately $17,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This 23% gap is among the smallest disparities in this regional cluster, positioning Tangipahoa as a relative income performer.

Above-average income for Louisiana

Tangipahoa's $57,256 exceeds Louisiana's $55,250 state median by nearly $2,000, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of state parishes. The parish enjoys slightly better economic footing than most of its rural peers.

Strongest income in regional group

Tangipahoa earns $57,256, outpacing St. Martin ($53,394), St. Mary ($51,768), and significantly exceeding St. Landry ($45,637). Only St. Tammany Parish ($79,277) pulls further ahead in the broader region.

Housing costs rise with median values

Tangipahoa's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio is slightly elevated compared to peers, signaling tighter affordability. The median home value of $204,600 approaches what many households can comfortably afford on $57,256 annual income.

Invest steadily despite rising costs

Tangipahoa households should prioritize homeownership as a wealth-building tool while automating retirement savings. Even $150–200 monthly contributions to index funds and retirement accounts grow to $50,000+ over 15 years.

Safety in Tangipahoa Parish

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates in Tangipahoa Parish

Tangipahoa Parish faces a total crime rate of 3156.3 per 100,000 residents, which is about 32% higher than the national average. This higher activity level results in a safety score of 95.0.

Trailing the Louisiana Safety Average

With a safety score of 95.0, Tangipahoa falls below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. The total crime rate of 3156.3 is also much higher than the state average of 1853.7, indicating a busy local justice system.

Contrasting with St. Tammany Parish

The crime rate in Tangipahoa is nearly triple that of neighboring St. Tammany Parish, which reports just 1047.8. This significant gap highlights the distinct public safety challenges faced by Tangipahoa residents.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime stands at 677.8 per 100,000, nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is even more prevalent at 2478.5, meaning residents face a higher statistical risk of theft or burglary.

Enhanced Home Protection is Essential

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should prioritize advanced home security. Using high-quality locks and monitored security systems can provide critical protection and peace of mind.

Health in Tangipahoa Parish

via HealthByCounty

Tangipahoa life expectancy lags nationally

At 72.1 years, Tangipahoa Parish residents live nearly 4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The parish's 22.4% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national 17% average, though it's better than several Louisiana peers.

Slightly below Louisiana state average

Tangipahoa Parish's 72.1-year life expectancy falls marginally below Louisiana's 72.5-year state average. With 22.4% reporting poor or fair health, the parish ranks in the middle tier of Louisiana parishes, suggesting room for improvement.

Middle performer in regional comparison

Tangipahoa's 72.1-year life expectancy places it between the healthier St. Martin (73.3) and struggling St. Landry (69.7) parishes. With 40 primary care providers per 100,000, it offers moderate access, though below the resources of St. Tammany (77) or St. Landry (67).

Moderate uninsured rate, limited provider access

An 8.4% uninsured rate in Tangipahoa slightly exceeds Louisiana's 8.1% average, meaning roughly 1 in 12 residents lack coverage. With 40 primary care providers per 100,000 and 248 mental health providers, the parish offers moderate clinical resources but faces stretched capacity.

Explore marketplace options for peace of mind

Tangipahoa residents without coverage can access affordable plans through Louisiana's health insurance marketplace and expanded Medicaid. Visit Healthcare.gov to see your options and find coverage that works for your budget.

Schools in Tangipahoa Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Learning Landscape in Tangipahoa

Tangipahoa Parish supports 20,700 students across 32 public schools within a single district. The system is composed of 17 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and seven high schools.

Growth Opportunities in Academic Outcomes

The parish currently sees a graduation rate of 78.0%, which is below the Louisiana state average of 85.4%. Educational investment stands at $6,479 per pupil, resulting in a composite school score of 46.1.

Unified District Management

The Tangipahoa Parish district manages all 32 schools and 20,700 students directly. There are currently no charter schools in the parish, maintaining a traditional public educational structure for all local residents.

A Blend of Rural and Suburban Spaces

The parish features a diverse locale mix with 13 rural schools and 11 suburban campuses. Ponchatoula High School is the largest in the parish with 2,262 students, contributing to a high average school size of 647.

Exploring Communities in Tangipahoa

From the quiet of rural Ponchatoula to the suburban reach of Hammond, Tangipahoa offers many settings for families. Evaluate school proximity and local magnet programs as you search for your next home in this growing area.

Disaster Risk in Tangipahoa Parish

via RiskByCounty

Tangipahoa ranks well above national average

With a composite risk score of 93.32, Tangipahoa Parish faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than typical U.S. counties, rated "Relatively Moderate." The parish experiences intense exposure to hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.

49% riskier than Louisiana average

Tangipahoa's 93.32 score substantially exceeds Louisiana's 62.37 state average, positioning it among the state's most hazard-exposed parishes. Only St. Tammany Parish (96.56) presents comparably high risk.

Second only to St. Tammany Parish

Tangipahoa Parish (93.32) ranks second-highest in disaster risk across Louisiana, surpassed only by St. Tammany (96.56) and exceeding St. Landry (88.20), St. Martin (87.28), and St. Mary (88.93). The parish sits well above lower-risk areas like Union (49.65).

Hurricanes and tornadoes lead threats

Hurricane risk scores 97.91—near the state's highest—while tornado risk of 90.24 creates a dual wind threat throughout the year. Flood risk of 91.22 adds substantial water danger, particularly during tropical systems.

Invest in comprehensive disaster coverage

Tangipahoa residents must carry homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and tornado wind coverage, plus separate flood insurance to address the parish's 91.22 flood score. Consider a reinforced safe room given tornado risk of 90.24.

Weather & Climate in Tangipahoa Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern humidity and heat

Tangipahoa Parish averages 66.8°F annually, staying well above the national median for temperature. This region is characterized by high rainfall and long, hot summers.

Mirroring the state average

The parish average of 66.8°F is nearly identical to the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It serves as a middle ground between the cooler northern hills and the hotter southern coast.

Similiar to St. Tammany

Tangipahoa is just slightly cooler than St. Tammany Parish, which averages 67.4°F. However, Tangipahoa experiences more extreme heat days, with 90 days hitting over 90°F compared to St. Tammany’s 76.

Hot summers and crisp winters

The parish endures 90 days of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging 81.3°F. Winters are cool but not freezing, averaging 51.7°F with no recorded annual snowfall.

Focus on summer cooling

Residents spend 90 days a year in temperatures above 90°F, making reliable air conditioning a life-safety requirement. The 63.6 inches of annual rainfall also necessitates regular checks on home roofing and seals.

Soil Quality in Tangipahoa Parish

via SoilByCounty

Tangipahoa's Strongly Acidic Profile

Average pH in the parish is 5.09, which is lower than the state average of 5.74 and well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a defining characteristic of the local piney woods environment.

Balanced Texture for Easier Working

The soil is a balanced blend of 37.2% sand, 40.1% silt, and 17.5% clay. This composition offers better workability and drainage than the heavy clay soils found elsewhere in the state.

Strong Fertility Above State Benchmarks

Organic matter content is high at 8.74%, comfortably exceeding the Louisiana average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in also beats the state average, providing a great buffer for crops.

Efficient Water Management Potential

Though specific drainage classes aren't listed, the 37.2% sand content suggests relatively good surface infiltration. This texture generally helps prevent the long-term saturation common in heavier clay regions.

Ideal for Strawberries in Zone 9a

Tangipahoa is famous for strawberries, which thrive in this acidic, high-organic soil. With a soil score of 55.6 and a long growing season, it is the perfect time to plant your favorite berries.

Lawn Care in Tangipahoa Parish

via LawnByCounty

Tangipahoa's tough lawn environment

Ranking at a difficulty score of 21.1, Tangipahoa is among the most challenging parishes for lawn enthusiasts. This Zone 9a area requires specific interventions to match the success of easier regions.

Stifling heat and heavy rain

The parish endures 90 extreme heat days per year, surpassing the Louisiana average of 84. This heat combines with 63.6 inches of rain, often creating a humid environment that invites fungal turf diseases.

Acidic soil with high sand

With a pH of 5.09 and 37.2% sand content, nutrients often wash through the soil profile before grass can use them. Regular soil testing and slow-release fertilizers are vital for maintaining lawn health here.

Current conditions are mostly stable

While the parish saw 17 weeks of drought last year, currently only 15.5% of the area is abnormally dry. Maintain a mowing height of 3 inches or more to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during sunny weeks.

Prepare for a March start

Bermuda grass is resilient against the 90 days of extreme heat common in this region. Wait until the threat of frost passes around March 8 before laying new sod or seeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tangipahoa Parish's county score?
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 34.1 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 Tangipahoa Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Tangipahoa Parish ranks #62 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 Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Tangipahoa Parish is $887, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Tangipahoa Parish a tax score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tangipahoa Parish?
The median household income in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana is $57,256 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tangipahoa Parish earns an income score of 31/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Tangipahoa Parish scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Tangipahoa 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 Tangipahoa Parish with other counties side by side.