43.5
County Score
Property Tax 90.5Water Quality 86Soil Quality 77.6

County Report Card

About Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana

Below National Median Performance

Terrebonne Parish earns a composite score of 43.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. Strong water quality and school scores are offset by high environmental risks and safety concerns.

Underperforming the State Average

The parish sits below the Louisiana state average of 53.0, though it remains a regional economic hub. Its profile shows a high contrast between quality public services and environmental vulnerabilities.

Excellent Infrastructure and Education

Infrastructure and education are highlights, with a Water Score of 86.0 and a School Score of 62.0. Tax burdens remain low at 90.5, with an effective rate of only 0.451%.

Safety and Environmental Risk

Safety and environmental risk are major concerns, scoring 4.5 and 5.8 respectively. These low scores reflect the parish's vulnerability to coastal changes and urban safety issues.

Strong Choice for Families

Terrebonne is a solid choice for families who value good schools and reliable utilities above all else. It suits those who are prepared to navigate the complexities of life in a high-risk coastal environment.

Score breakdown

Tax90.5Cost39.2Safety4.5Health37.4Schools62Income53.7Risk5.8Water86Weather27
🏛90.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠39.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼53.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡4.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
37.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓62
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
5.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤27
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨77.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱29.3
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
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Deep Dives

Terrebonne Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Terrebonne Parish

via TaxByCounty

Terrebonne taxes below national average

Terrebonne Parish's effective tax rate of 0.451% generates median annual taxes of $852, roughly 32% of the national median property tax of $2,690. This places the parish in the bottom third nationally for tax burden.

Moderately above Louisiana's average

Terrebonne's 0.451% rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421% by 7%, ranking the parish in the upper-middle tier statewide. Median annual taxes of $852 run $120 above Louisiana's median of $732, making Terrebonne a moderately taxed parish.

Higher taxes than most regional peers

Terrebonne's 0.451% rate ranks it as the second-highest among the eight parishes, exceeded only by St. Tammany's 0.737%. Regional residents in Terrebonne pay roughly $375 more annually than those in the lowest-tax parishes like Tensas.

Your annual tax on a median home

Terrebonne's median home value of $189,100 results in approximately $852 per year in property taxes, or $1,077 with mortgage escrow included. This translates to about $71 monthly—moderate by both state and national standards.

Challenge inflated assessments today

Terrebonne homeowners paying higher taxes should review whether their assessments match recent comparable sales in their area. Filing a free assessment appeal can reveal whether you're overassessed and potentially save hundreds of dollars annually.

Cost of Living in Terrebonne Parish

via CostByCounty

Terrebonne tops Louisiana for affordability

At 18.7%, Terrebonne Parish boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio, well below the national average and Louisiana's 19.5% mean. With a median household income of $64,819 and rents of $1,010, residents enjoy both strong earning power and manageable housing burdens.

Louisiana's housing affordability champion

Terrebonne Parish outperforms all other Louisiana counties with an 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, proving that higher incomes can offset higher rents. The parish sits in the best quartile statewide for housing affordability.

Strong income offsets moderate-high rents

Terrebonne's $1,010 rent exceeds most rural neighbors but trails St. Tammany's $1,305, while the median income of $64,819 outpaces all regional peers. This income advantage generates the state's best affordability ratio despite above-average rents.

Income strength generates housing cushion

Renters spend $1,010 monthly while homeowners carry $829, with a median income of $64,819 keeping housing at just 18.7% of household budgets. This leaves ample room for savings, debt service, and quality-of-life spending.

Terrebonne for balanced living

If you seek strong income potential paired with sustainable housing costs, Terrebonne Parish delivers with the state's best affordability ratio and $189,100 median home values. Compare this parish's balanced profile against St. Tammany and surrounding areas.

Income & Jobs in Terrebonne Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Terrebonne approaches U.S. income median

Terrebonne Parish households earn $64,819 annually, trailing the national median of $74,755 by about $10,000. This 13% gap is the smallest in the regional cluster, positioning Terrebonne as the second-strongest income performer after St. Tammany.

Above Louisiana's parish average

Terrebonne's $64,819 exceeds Louisiana's $55,250 state median by roughly $9,600, or 17%. The parish ranks in the upper tier of Louisiana parishes, benefiting from robust energy and petrochemical sector employment.

Second-strongest regional earner

Terrebonne's $64,819 trails only St. Tammany Parish ($79,277) and outpaces Tangipahoa Parish ($57,256) by $7,500. The parish demonstrates strong economic health relative to most rural Louisiana counterparts.

Best rent-to-income ratio in group

Terrebonne's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all peers, signaling excellent housing affordability. Combined with strong incomes, Terrebonne households retain maximum flexibility for savings and discretionary spending.

Leverage advantages into lasting wealth

Terrebonne residents earning $64,819 can aggressively build wealth by investing $250–400 monthly in diversified portfolios. At 7% annual returns over 20 years, consistent investing transforms into $120,000–190,000 in wealth accumulation.

Safety in Terrebonne Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Terrebonne Faces Elevated Crime Rates

Terrebonne Parish reports a total crime rate of 3647.8 per 100,000 residents, roughly 53% higher than the national average. This results in a safety score of 94.2, the lowest among this local group.

Behind the Louisiana Safety Baseline

The parish’s safety score of 94.2 is lower than the state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 3647.8 is also nearly double the state average of 1853.7, indicating significant public safety pressure.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring St. Mary

Compared to nearby St. Mary Parish, which has a rate of 2164.3, Terrebonne is much busier for law enforcement. This highlights the concentrated nature of crime in the Terrebonne area.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime is high at 3115.9 per 100,000, which is significantly above the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also sits above the national norm at 531.9 incidents per 100,000.

Prioritize Robust Home Security

With property crime being a major factor, residents should invest in visible security measures. Security cameras and reinforced door frames are effective ways to protect your household from theft.

Health in Terrebonne Parish

via HealthByCounty

Terrebonne approaches national health benchmarks

At 73.2 years, Terrebonne Parish residents live just 2.9 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 21.1% reporting poor or fair health, the parish outperforms the national average of 17%, marking it as one of Louisiana's healthier communities.

Healthier than Louisiana state average

Terrebonne Parish's 73.2-year life expectancy exceeds Louisiana's 72.5-year state average, and its 21.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best in Louisiana. The parish stands as a health success story within the state.

Strong performer in regional context

Terrebonne's 73.2-year life expectancy ties or beats most regional peers except St. Tammany, and its 21.1% poor/fair rate is among the lowest locally. With 48 primary care and 257 mental health providers per 100,000, the parish offers solid clinical resources.

Higher uninsured rate despite good outcomes

At 9.6%, Terrebonne's uninsured rate is the second-highest in this group and above Louisiana's 8.1% average, affecting roughly 1 in 10 residents. Despite this coverage gap, the parish's health outcomes remain strong, suggesting effective use of available providers and safety-net resources.

Strengthen coverage to protect health gains

Terrebonne's uninsured residents should act now to access Louisiana's marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion, which can lower out-of-pocket costs. Go to Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and ensure continuous access to the care that's keeping your community healthy.

Schools in Terrebonne Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Educational Reach in Terrebonne

Terrebonne Parish serves 15,772 students through a network of 31 public schools. The landscape features 18 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and five high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for the parish.

High Graduation Success Rates

Terrebonne Parish achieves a standout 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87%. The parish maintains this performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,937 and a solid school score of 56.0.

A Consolidated Parish District

The Terrebonne Parish district manages all 31 schools in the area, serving the entire student population of 15,772. There are no charter schools in the parish, ensuring a consistent curriculum across the unified system.

Diverse Locales from City to Bayou

Schools are evenly distributed between suburban, city, and rural settings, reflecting the parish's varied geography. H. L. Bourgeois High School is the largest campus with 1,411 students, while the average school size is a balanced 526.

Investing in a High-Performing Community

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Terrebonne Parish is an excellent place to plant roots. Families can find homes in Houma or the surrounding suburbs that offer direct access to these successful public schools.

Disaster Risk in Terrebonne Parish

via RiskByCounty

Terrebonne faces high national disaster risk

Terrebonne Parish's composite risk score of 94.24 places it among America's most disaster-exposed counties, rated "Relatively Moderate." The parish contends with extreme hurricane and tornado threats that shape resident preparedness.

51% above Louisiana's state average

Terrebonne's 94.24 score significantly exceeds Louisiana's 62.37 average, ranking among the state's most hazard-vulnerable parishes. Only St. Tammany (96.56) and Tangipahoa (93.32) present comparably high exposure.

Third-riskiest parish statewide

Terrebonne Parish (94.24) ranks third in Louisiana disaster risk, trailing only St. Tammany (96.56) and Tangipahoa (93.32), while exceeding St. Landry (88.20), St. Mary (88.93), and all lower-risk parishes. The parish forms part of Louisiana's high-risk southern corridor.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate

Hurricane risk reaches 98.41—among the state's highest—while tornado risk of 92.94 creates a severe dual wind threat. Flood risk of 94.00 compounds danger, particularly during tropical systems.

Secure comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Terrebonne residents must maintain homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and tornado coverage, plus mandatory separate flood insurance given the parish's 94.00 flood score. Regular policy reviews ensure adequate limits for the parish's extreme 98.41 hurricane threat.

Weather & Climate in Terrebonne Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South coastal warmth

Terrebonne Parish is one of the warmest spots in the U.S., with an annual average temperature of 69.6°F. Its location on the Gulf of Mexico creates a consistently warm and moist climate.

Exceeding Louisiana temperature norms

The parish’s 69.6°F average is well above the state norm of 67.0°F. Its coastal position keeps it warmer on average than almost any other parish in the state.

Similar to St. Mary

Terrebonne shares an identical 69.6°F average with neighboring St. Mary Parish. It is slightly wetter, however, receiving 65.4 inches of rain annually compared to St. Mary’s 61.9 inches.

Long summers and no snow

July averages 82.7°F, and the parish sees 76 days where the temperature exceeds 90°F. Winters are exceptionally mild, averaging 55.7°F with absolutely zero snowfall.

Water management is key

With 65.4 inches of annual rain and a 55.7°F average winter, heavy winter coats are rarely needed, but waterproof gear is essential. Homes require significant ventilation to combat the high humidity of the coastal summer.

Soil Quality in Terrebonne Parish

via SoilByCounty

The Organic Richness of Terrebonne

Terrebonne's soil pH is 5.44, slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.74. These coastal soils are heavily influenced by organic accumulation and proximity to the Gulf.

Clay-Dominant Coastal Muck

The composition is 40.7% clay and 20.5% silt, with only 5.1% sand. This makes for a dense, heavy soil that retains moisture and minerals extremely well but lacks traditional aeration.

Unrivaled Organic Matter Levels

At 30.02% organic matter, these soils are nearly five times richer than the state average of 6.38%. This extreme fertility is reflected in a high available water capacity of 0.252 in/in.

Saturated Soils and High Water Tables

The high clay content and low elevation mean these soils stay wet for long periods. Careful drainage management is required for any project, as the soil can hold vast amounts of water.

Subtropical Success in Zone 9b

The warm 9b climate and a soil score of 77.6 make this a haven for water-loving native plants and citrus. Start a garden to take advantage of some of the most organic-rich soil in the nation.

Lawn Care in Terrebonne Parish

via LawnByCounty

Terrebonne's coastal lawn struggle

Terrebonne Parish scores a 29.3 on the difficulty scale, making it tougher than the state average. This Zone 9b region faces unique coastal challenges that require a specialized approach to turf management.

High humidity and steady rain

The parish receives 65.4 inches of rain annually, which can saturate the soil and stress root systems. However, with 76 extreme heat days, it stays slightly cooler than the 84-day state average.

Heavy clay and acidic baseline

A high clay content of 40.7% can lead to significant drainage issues and soil compaction. The pH of 5.44 is below the ideal range, so testing for lime requirements is a critical first step for any new lawn.

Total parish under severe drought

Currently, 100% of Terrebonne is in severe drought, a critical situation for local landscapes. Efficient irrigation is a must, as the parish saw 12 weeks of drought over the past year.

Plant early in the year

Zone 9b allows for an early start, with the last frost usually occurring by February 5. St. Augustine grass is highly recommended here for its salt tolerance and ability to handle heavy clay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Terrebonne Parish's county score?
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Terrebonne Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Terrebonne Parish ranks #51 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 Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Terrebonne Parish is $852, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Terrebonne Parish a tax score of 90.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Terrebonne Parish?
The median household income in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is $64,819 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Terrebonne Parish earns an income score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Terrebonne Parish scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Terrebonne 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 Terrebonne Parish with other counties side by side.