With a composite score of 71.1, Vermilion Parish ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. This parish demonstrates above-average livability compared to counties across the country.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Louisiana
Vermilion's score of 71.1 slightly edges out Louisiana's state average of 70.4, positioning it among the stronger parishes. It ranks in the upper third of Louisiana's 64 parishes overall.
3 / 5
Tax breaks and affordable housing shine
Vermilion excels in affordability, with a tax score of 92.8 (effective rate of just 0.337%) and a cost score of 85.2, reflecting median home values of $159,700 and rents under $800. Health outcomes also rank solid at 65.9, well above the national baseline.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
The income score of 20.9 reflects a median household income of $57,537, notably below national and state aspirations. The risk score of 15.2 also suggests exposure to economic or environmental challenges that warrant closer examination.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious retirees
Vermilion Parish suits budget-minded households and retirees seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and modest health services without needing high incomes. It offers stable, no-frills rural living with solid fundamentals.
With a composite score of 71.1, Vermilion Parish ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. This parish demonstrates above-average livability compared to counties across the country.
Slightly ahead of Louisiana
Vermilion's score of 71.1 slightly edges out Louisiana's state average of 70.4, positioning it among the stronger parishes. It ranks in the upper third of Louisiana's 64 parishes overall.
Tax breaks and affordable housing shine
Vermilion excels in affordability, with a tax score of 92.8 (effective rate of just 0.337%) and a cost score of 85.2, reflecting median home values of $159,700 and rents under $800. Health outcomes also rank solid at 65.9, well above the national baseline.
Income growth remains limited
The income score of 20.9 reflects a median household income of $57,537, notably below national and state aspirations. The risk score of 15.2 also suggests exposure to economic or environmental challenges that warrant closer examination.
Best for cost-conscious retirees
Vermilion Parish suits budget-minded households and retirees seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and modest health services without needing high incomes. It offers stable, no-frills rural living with solid fundamentals.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Vermilion's tax rate is well below national average
At 0.337%, Vermilion Parish's effective property tax rate ranks in the lowest 20% nationally, nearly five times lower than the national median of $2,690 on a typical home. Louisiana homeowners across the state benefit from consistently lower tax burdens than most of the country, and Vermilion performs even better than its state average of 0.421%.
Among the lowest-taxing parishes in Louisiana
Vermilion Parish ranks in the bottom third of Louisiana's 64 parishes for effective tax rates, with a rate of 0.337% compared to the state average of 0.421%. Only the lowest-taxing parishes in rural northern Louisiana undercut Vermilion's already favorable rate.
Lower taxes than most Southwest Louisiana peers
Vermilion's 0.337% rate beats neighboring Vernon Parish (0.541%) and is comparable to Washington Parish (0.350%), putting it in solid standing across the region. Among Southwest Louisiana parishes, only West Carroll Parish taxes more lightly.
Median tax bill runs about $538 annually
On Vermilion's median home value of $159,700, property owners pay roughly $538 per year in parish and local property taxes. With mortgage and homestead exemptions factored in, the typical taxpayer's annual bill drops to around $260.
Many homeowners could lower their bills through appeals
If your assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, you may qualify for a property tax reduction through the parish assessment appeal process. Homeowners who believe they're overassessed should review their assessment notice and consider filing a formal appeal with the Vermilion Parish Assessor's office.
Renters in Vermilion Parish spend just 16.7% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. This puts the parish among the more affordable rental markets in the country, despite median household income of $57,537—well below the national median of $74,755.
Among Louisiana's most affordable
Vermilion's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, ranking the parish as one of the more affordable places to rent in the state. The median rent of $802 per month is also $71 below the state average.
Vermilion versus adjacent parishes
Vermilion Parish offers competitive rental rates compared to nearby Vernon Parish, where renters pay $1,038 monthly—more than $200 above Vermilion's median. Homeownership remains equally accessible, with median home values of $159,700 versus Vernon's $143,500.
Housing costs stay manageable here
Renters dedicate 16.7% of their $57,537 annual income to the $802 monthly median rent, leaving substantial income for other needs. Homeowners fare similarly well, with monthly costs of $582 consuming just 12.1% of household income.
Consider Vermilion for affordability
If housing costs matter in your relocation decision, Vermilion Parish delivers both rental and ownership affordability without sacrificing community stability. The parish's rent-to-income ratio and median home values make it competitive against Louisiana neighbors and the national average.
Vermilion Parish households earn a median of $57,537 annually, about 23% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the parish in the lower-middle range nationally, though it reflects economic patterns common across rural Louisiana parishes.
Above-average earnings for Louisiana
Vermilion Parish ranks above the state median household income of $55,250, positioning it in the stronger half of Louisiana's 64 parishes. The $2,287 advantage over the state average reflects relative economic stability in this coastal region.
Stronger than surrounding parishes
Vermilion's $57,537 median household income exceeds nearby Vernon Parish ($58,281) by a narrow margin, and significantly outpaces Washington Parish ($42,776). Among its peer group, Vermilion competes favorably as a stable economic anchor in southwest Louisiana.
Rent remains manageable here
At a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio, Vermilion households spend proportionally less on housing costs than the national concern threshold of 30%. The median home value of $159,700 remains accessible relative to local income levels, supporting long-term housing stability.
Build financial security in Vermilion
With stable median incomes above the state average, Vermilion residents are positioned to prioritize retirement savings and homeownership investments. Consider automating transfers to savings accounts and exploring employer-sponsored benefits—small consistent actions compound into meaningful wealth growth over time.
Vermilion Parish residents live to 74.1 years on average, beating the U.S. life expectancy of 73.5 years. Just 22.1% report being in poor or fair health, suggesting relatively strong health outcomes despite Louisiana's reputation as a challenging health state.
Above average for Louisiana
At 74.1 years, Vermilion's life expectancy outpaces Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by 1.6 years. The parish ranks as one of Louisiana's healthier communities, with fewer residents reporting poor or fair health than the state norm.
Regional health leader
Vermilion Parish outperforms most neighboring parishes: its 74.1-year life expectancy exceeds Vernon Parish (73.0) and West Carroll Parish (71.7). The 22.1% poor/fair health rate sits between the healthiest neighbors and those facing greater challenges.
Good access, low uninsured rate
Only 8.2% of Vermilion residents lack health insurance—essentially matching the state average. The parish offers 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 58 mental health providers per 100,000, providing reasonable access to both preventive and behavioral care.
Keep health coverage strong
With an uninsured rate near the state average, Vermilion residents should verify their coverage annually through Louisiana's health insurance marketplace. Explore options at louisiana.gov/dhh or visit a local navigator to ensure continuous, affordable coverage.
With a composite risk score of 84.76, Vermilion Parish ranks in the relatively moderate risk category—significantly higher than the national average. The parish faces particular vulnerability to hurricanes, where its score of 95.37 places it among the highest-risk areas in the country for major storm impacts.
Second-riskiest parish in Louisiana
Vermilion's composite score of 84.76 ranks it second among Louisiana's 64 parishes, trailing only Washington Parish. With a state average of 62.37, Vermilion faces significantly elevated risk compared to most neighboring communities.
More vulnerable than surrounding parishes
Vermilion's risk profile stands out sharply against nearby Acadia and Cameron parishes, which have substantially lower composite scores. The parish's hurricane risk score of 95.37 is notably elevated compared to inland Louisiana neighbors, reflecting its Gulf Coast proximity.
Hurricane and flood risks dominate
Vermilion's most pressing threats are hurricanes (95.37) and flooding (79.55), reflecting the parish's exposed Gulf location and low-lying terrain. Tornado risk is comparatively lower at 29.90, but residents should still prepare for multiple hazard types during severe weather seasons.
Comprehensive coverage essential here
Homeowners in Vermilion should prioritize hurricane and flood insurance given scores exceeding 79 for both hazards. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage—contact your insurer today about separate flood coverage and wind mitigation improvements.