countyscore
57.6
County Score
Property Tax 97Soil Quality 84.2Cost of Living 73.9

County Report Card

About Vermilion Parish, Louisiana

Vermilion Parish Surpasses the National Median

With a composite score of 57.6, Vermilion Parish ranks well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that combines coastal living with strong economic advantages.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

Vermilion's 57.6 composite score comfortably beats the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It stands as a competitive option for residents seeking the best of what the state has to offer.

Exceptional Tax and Cost Advantages

The parish excels in financial metrics, posting a near-perfect Tax Score of 97.0 and a strong Cost Score of 73.9. Homeowners benefit from a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.337% and a median home value of $159,700.

Navigating Environmental and Income Hurdles

Environmental risk is the primary concern here, with a Risk Score of only 15.2. Additionally, an Income Score of 31.7 reflects a median household income of $57,537, which trails national benchmarks.

The Verdict: Ideal for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Vermilion is perfect for families or retirees looking to minimize their tax burden while enjoying affordable housing. Its high school score of 65.5 adds further appeal for those raising children in a low-cost environment.

204060801009773.940.542.165.531.715.227.135.5Tax97Cost73.9Safety40.5Health42.1Schools65.5Income31.7Risk15.2Water27.1Weather35.557.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Vermilion Parish DNA

Foverall

How Vermilion Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Vermilion Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (15.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97+45
Cost
73.9+25.900000000000006
Safety
40.5-14.5
Health
42.1
Schools
65.5+11.5
Income
31.7-19.3
Risk
15.2-31.8
Water
27.1-30.9
Weather
35.5-20.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$802/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,537/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.0

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

Lafayette Parish
Louisiana
34.3
Acadia Parish
Louisiana
55.4
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
59.3
Jefferson Davis Parish
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53.1
St. Martin Parish
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St. Landry Parish
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St. Mary Parish
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Deep Dives

Vermilion Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Vermilion Parish

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vermilion Parish

via CostByCounty

Vermilion ranks better than nation

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vermilion Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Vermilion's income falls below national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Vermilion Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Vermilion Parish is Safer Than Average

Vermilion Parish enjoys a high safety score of 97.9. Its total crime rate of 1356.6 per 100,000 residents is about 43% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Above the Louisiana Average

The parish's safety score of 97.9 exceeds the state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1356.6 is also well below the Louisiana state-wide average of 1853.7.

Comparing Well to St. Martin Parish

Vermilion's crime rate of 1356.6 is slightly lower than that of St. Martin Parish, which reports 1496.5. This makes Vermilion one of the safer jurisdictions in its immediate region.

Low Violent Crime, Moderate Property Crime

Violent crime in the parish is 312.9, which stays below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1043.7, which remains the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Secure Your Home and Assets

Since property crime is the most frequent report, residents should focus on deterring theft. Simple steps like leaving outdoor lights on at night and securing sheds or garages can prevent most crimes of opportunity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Vermilion Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Foundation Across Vermilion Parish

Vermilion Parish supports a robust network of 23 public schools, serving a total of 10,742 students. This infrastructure includes 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, and seven high schools managed across two districts. The system provides a comprehensive educational framework for families across the region.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The parish achieves an exceptional 99.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 85.4% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,737 is lower than the state average, the parish maintains a strong school score of 57.7. These results suggest a high return on educational investment for local students.

Vermilion Parish District and Emerging Charters

The Vermilion Parish district is the primary provider, managing 20 schools and 9,708 students. A small charter presence exists through Williams Scholar Academy Inc., which currently enrolls 12 students. This represents approximately 4.3% of the total school count in the area.

Town and Rural Learning Environments

Education here is evenly split between 12 town-based schools and 10 rural campuses, creating a diverse local feel. North Vermilion High School is the largest with 854 students, while the average school size remains manageable at 467 students. Families experience a mix of intimate rural settings and larger town hubs like Cecil Picard Elementary.

Find a Home Near Elite Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in Louisiana, Vermilion Parish is a premier destination for families. Researching homes near top-performing campuses like North Vermilion High ensures access to proven academic success. Consider the parish's educational track record as you explore your next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vermilion Parish

via RiskByCounty

Vermilion faces above-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Vermilion Parish

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Challenges in Vermilion

Vermilion Parish earns a Grade F with 56 health violations recorded over the last five years. Despite this grade, its violation rate of 79.3 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Louisiana state average of 407.2. This disparity highlights localized system issues within a relatively stable regional context.

Most Assessed Water Bodies Fail Standards

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 88.2% of the parish's 51 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Dissolved oxygen levels, enterococcus, and turbidity represent the primary causes of these impairments. This failure rate sits just above the Louisiana state average of 87.7%.

Steady Monitoring Across Thirty-Six Sites

The parish maintains a consistent monitoring footprint with 7,460 measurements recorded at 36 different sites over five years. Data collection focuses on physical characteristics and organic compounds to track shifting water quality. This density of readings provides a reliable baseline for identifying environmental trends.

Real-Time Flow on the Vermilion River

The USGS gauge on the Vermilion River at Milton currently records a discharge of 890 cubic feet per second. While current flow is active, long-term mean data for this specific location is not available for historical comparison. Constant monitoring here serves as a vital signal for downstream water users.

Actions for Cleaner Parish Water

High impairment levels from enterococcus and low oxygen suggest residents should exercise caution in recreational waters. Given the Grade F compliance snapshot, checking annual water quality reports for your specific provider is essential. Consider certified home filtration systems to mitigate potential health violation risks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Vermilion Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Coastal Environment

Vermilion Parish maintains an annual average temperature of 67.2°F, which sits significantly higher than the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid subtropical climate experiences warm gulf breezes that keep temperatures elevated throughout the year. The region remains one of the warmer pockets in the United States.

Slightly Warmer Than the Louisiana Average

The parish's average temperature of 67.2°F is just above the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. While many central parishes are slightly cooler, Vermilion stays consistently warm due to its southern, coastal positioning. This puts it in the upper tier of heat rankings among Louisiana’s 64 parishes.

Wetter and Warmer Than Its Northern Neighbors

Vermilion receives 63.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is over two inches more than the state average of 60.8 inches. It is notably wetter and warmer than inland parishes like Vernon, which averages only 59.5 inches of rain. The coastal influence provides more consistent moisture compared to the state's interior.

Mild Winters and Steamy Coastal Summers

Summers are intense with 73 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.5°F. Winters remain very mild with a January average of 50.2°F and almost no measurable snow, averaging just 0.1 inches annually. The difference between the summer average of 80.9°F and the winter average of 52.3°F is relatively narrow.

Prepare for High Humidity and Heavy Rain

Residents should invest in high-capacity HVAC systems to manage the 73 extreme heat days and heavy humidity. With 63.2 inches of annual rain, durable rain gear and proper home drainage are essential for the frequent downpours. Outdoor activities are best planned for the mild winter months when temperatures hover around 52°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vermilion Parish

via SoilByCounty

Vermilion's Rich Soil Profile

Vermilion Parish boasts a high soil score of 84.2, far exceeding the state average of 54.6. Its average pH of 5.92 remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it is less acidic than many neighboring parishes. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, these chemical levels provide a robust foundation for local agriculture.

Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The soil contains 39.4% silt and 27.5% clay, anchored by a low 16.7% sand content. This composition creates a dense structure that holds nutrients effectively while providing enough body for large-scale farming. The significant clay fraction requires careful management to prevent compaction during wet seasons.

Exceptional Organic Vitality

With a massive 15.94% organic matter content, Vermilion more than doubles the Louisiana average of 6.38%. Its available water capacity of 0.223 in/in sits comfortably above the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. These figures indicate an incredibly fertile environment with superior drought resistance and natural nutrient cycling.

Water Management in the Parish

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this area. However, the high water capacity suggests the land holds moisture well for crops but may require engineered drainage for construction. Growers should monitor local runoff patterns during heavy Gulf rain events.

Thriving in Zone 9a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, this fertile soil supports a wide variety of subtropical crops and citrus. The high soil score makes this an ideal place for high-yield gardening or commercial rice and sugarcane production. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the state's most nutrient-rich land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vermilion Parish

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Humidity in Vermilion Parish

Vermilion Parish faces a lawn difficulty score of 36.4, which is significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. While this score is slightly easier than the Louisiana state average of 33.8, homeowners in Hardiness Zone 9a must still contend with intense Gulf Coast moisture. Growing a lush turf here requires extra attention to fungal issues and heat-tolerant species.

Tropical Rains Drive Rapid Growth

With 63.2 inches of annual precipitation, Vermilion far exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This moisture, combined with 6,576 growing degree days and 73 extreme heat days, creates an aggressive mowing schedule. Homeowners must balance high rainfall with high evaporation rates during the peak summer months.

Managing Acidic Clay Soils

The local soil features a pH of 5.92, sitting just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrass. With a clay content of 27.5% and low sand levels at 16.7%, drainage is a primary concern to prevent root rot. Regular aeration and occasional lime applications help stabilize the soil foundation for healthier roots.

Navigating Coastal Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, Vermilion spent 9 weeks in drought over the past year. While 0% of the area currently faces severe drought, 6.8% is classified as abnormally dry. Watering deeply and infrequently during these windows encourages roots to reach further into the soil for moisture.

Start Your Vermilion Lawn Early

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede thrive in this Zone 9a climate. Aim to seed or sod shortly after the last spring frost on February 17 to establish roots before the 90-degree heat arrives. Your growing season is long, but hitting the window between late February and early May is critical for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vermilion Parish's county score?
Vermilion Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Vermilion Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Vermilion Parish ranks #26 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 Vermilion Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Vermilion Parish is $538, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Vermilion Parish a tax score of 97/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vermilion Parish?
The median household income in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana is $57,537 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vermilion Parish earns an income score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vermilion Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Vermilion Parish scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Vermilion 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 Vermilion Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.