countyscore
46.4
County Score
Property Tax 96.2Cost of Living 83.4Soil Quality 44.3

County Report Card

About Washington Parish, Louisiana

Affordability Amidst National Competition

Washington Parish earns a composite score of 46.4, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it faces some headwinds, its specific financial metrics remain highly competitive.

Reflecting State-Level Trends

The parish score of 46.4 trails the Louisiana state average of 53.0. This indicates that while the parish is affordable, it lags behind state leaders in categories like safety and income.

Maximum Tax and Rent Savings

Washington shines with a Tax Score of 96.2 and a Cost Score of 83.4. With median gross rent at just $772 and an effective tax rate of 0.350%, it is a powerhouse for low-overhead living.

Facing Safety and Income Realities

The parish struggles with an Income Score of 5.0 and a Safety Score of 13.9. Improving local economic opportunities and public safety are key areas for future development.

The Verdict: Best for Extreme Budgeters

Washington Parish is best suited for individuals or retirees who need to stretch every dollar. The rock-bottom cost of living makes it a viable option for those who are not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax96.2Cost83.4Safety13.9Health29.4Schools37.4Income5Risk14.5Water25.5Weather30.4
🏛96.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.6
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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Nearby counties

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48.5
Marion County
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Pearl River County
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Tangipahoa Parish
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34.1
Pike County
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St. Tammany Parish
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Lamar County
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Lawrence County
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Deep Dives

Washington Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washington Parish

via TaxByCounty

Washington Parish taxes far below U.S. averages

Washington Parish's 0.350% effective tax rate places it in the lowest 20% nationally, roughly one-eighth the national median property tax of $2,690. Louisiana's tax-friendly environment extends throughout the state, and Washington Parish exemplifies that advantage.

Among Louisiana's lowest-taxing parishes

Washington Parish's effective rate of 0.350% ranks it in the bottom third of Louisiana's 64 parishes, performing better than the state average of 0.421%. Only the most rural parishes in north-central Louisiana undercut its favorable rate.

Competitive with other Southeast Louisiana parishes

Washington Parish's 0.350% rate slightly undercuts nearby Vernon Parish (0.541%) and aligns closely with Vermilion Parish (0.337%). Among its immediate region, it maintains one of the more tax-friendly environments.

Expect roughly $488 in annual property taxes

On Washington Parish's median home value of $139,400, typical homeowners pay about $488 annually in property taxes. Homestead exemptions and deductions can reduce that effective bill to approximately $372 per year.

You may qualify for a tax reduction through appeal

If your property's assessed value appears inflated compared to recent neighborhood sales, Washington Parish allows assessment appeals through its assessor's office. Many homeowners discover they've been overassessed and recover hundreds of dollars through successful appeals.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington Parish

via CostByCounty

Washington faces affordability challenges

Washington Parish renters dedicate 21.7% of household income to rent, stretching limited budgets in a county where median income stands at just $42,776—43% below the national average. The median rent of $772 monthly doesn't ease the burden given the parish's lower earning power.

Least affordable in Louisiana's west

Washington Parish ranks among Louisiana's least affordable rental markets, with a 21.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.5% by over 2 percentage points. Low incomes amplify the housing squeeze in this economically challenged parish.

Washington rents lowest but income's lower

Washington Parish offers the lowest median rent at $772 among regional peers, but its median household income of $42,776 is also lowest, making housing affordability ratios worse than counties with higher wages. The median home value of $139,400 remains accessible for those who can save a down payment.

Limited income leaves little cushion

Washington Parish residents allocate 21.7% of their $42,776 annual income to the $772 median rent, consuming roughly $9,300 yearly and straining household budgets. Homeownership is more affordable at the $469 monthly cost level, representing 13.2% of income, but down payment barriers remain high.

Washington needs income growth

Washington Parish works best for remote workers or transferred professionals bringing higher salaries to the region, as local incomes make typical housing costs a burden. The low home values present opportunity, but overall affordability improves significantly when household income exceeds the parish median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Washington faces significant income gap

Washington Parish households earn $42,776 annually, putting them 43% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This substantial gap ranks the parish among the nation's lower-income areas, reflecting persistent economic challenges in rural northeast Louisiana.

Below Louisiana's state average

Washington Parish median income of $42,776 falls nearly $12,500 below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it among the 25% lowest-earning parishes statewide. The gap underscores concentrated poverty in this rural region.

Struggling relative to surrounding areas

Washington Parish's $42,776 median income trails Vernon Parish ($58,281) by over $15,000 and significantly lags Vermilion Parish ($57,537). Only Webster Parish ($37,396) earns less among the regional comparison group, highlighting Washington's economic distress.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Washington Parish's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability crisis levels, leaving limited monthly flexibility for other essential expenses. A median home value of $139,400 may seem affordable in absolute terms, but relative to $42,776 household income, it represents a 3.3x multiplier—high risk for low-income homebuyers.

Micro-steps toward financial stability

Washington Parish residents benefit most from focusing on income growth—seeking skill development, trade certifications, or better-paying regional employment. Even modest increases in household earnings unlock capacity for emergency savings; start with automatic transfers of $25–50 monthly to build resilience against unexpected costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Above National Average

Washington Parish carries a total crime rate of 2,467.4 per 100,000, which sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the parish maintains a respectable safety score of 96.1.

Just Below State Averages

The parish's safety score of 96.1 is just under the Louisiana state average of 97.1. It experiences higher incident rates than many of its more rural counterparts across the state.

Higher Activity Than Neighbors

At 2,467.4 per 100,000, Washington's crime rate is significantly higher than Webster Parish's rate of 786.2. This indicates a more active landscape for local law enforcement compared to nearby districts.

Violent Crime Trends Upward

The violent crime rate of 698.7 per 100,000 is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,768.7 incidents per 100,000, suggesting a need for increased property vigilance.

Prioritize Your Home Security

With elevated violent crime rates, installing modern security systems and cameras is a wise investment. Simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk in higher-activity areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington Parish

via HealthByCounty

Significant gap below national average

Washington Parish residents live to just 68.9 years—4.6 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 73.5 years. Nearly one in four (24.5%) report being in poor or fair health, reflecting one of Louisiana's most strained health environments.

Louisiana's lower-ranking parish

At 68.9 years, Washington Parish falls 3.6 years below Louisiana's 72.5-year average, ranking among the state's lowest life expectancies. The 24.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds state norms, signaling compounded health stress.

Challenged compared to surrounding areas

Washington Parish's 68.9-year life expectancy significantly trails Vermilion Parish (74.1) and Vernon Parish (73.0), making it the weakest performer in the regional group. The 24.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest among neighboring parishes.

Fewest primary care providers in region

Washington Parish struggles with healthcare access, offering only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the regional comparison. On the positive side, 7.4% uninsured and 163 mental health providers per 100,000 provide some support, but primary care scarcity remains a critical barrier.

Insurance critical with limited providers

In a parish where primary care providers are extremely scarce, maintaining active health insurance is essential to secure access before waiting lists grow. Check eligibility for Louisiana Medicaid or marketplace subsidies at louisiana.gov/dhh—every covered resident strengthens the patient base for care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Washington Parish

Washington Parish supports 6,805 students across 14 public schools and two distinct districts. The infrastructure includes six elementary, two middle, and four high schools, providing a complete path from pre-K through graduation. This network serves a diverse population across both rural and town locales.

Steady Growth and Competitive Performance

The graduation rate stands at 86.6%, which is slightly higher than the state average of 85.4% and nearly matches the national average. The parish spends $7,215 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 52.2. These figures demonstrate a system that is holding its own within the state's educational landscape.

Two Districts Serving Different Hubs

Washington Parish District is the largest, managing 10 schools and 5,019 students, while the City of Bogalusa School District serves 1,786 students. One charter school operates in the area, accounting for about 7.1% of the total school options. Major campuses like Pine School and Thomas Elementary lead the county in enrollment.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Nine of the parish's 14 schools sit in rural settings, with the remaining five located in town centers. The average school size is 486 students, ranging from large hubs like Pine School with 786 students to smaller community campuses. Attending school here typically means being part of a close-knit, rural-focused academic community.

Discover Homes Near Local Schools

Washington Parish offers a variety of school settings, from town-based Bogalusa campuses to rural Pine schools. For families prioritizing education, the parish provides reliable graduation rates and diverse district options. Explore the local housing market to find a home near these community-centered schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington Parish

via RiskByCounty

Washington ranks among nation's riskiest

With a composite risk score of 85.53, Washington Parish faces relatively moderate risk that exceeds most American counties. The parish's hurricane risk score of 95.91 places it among the most vulnerable communities in the nation to major tropical storms.

Louisiana's highest-risk parish overall

Washington Parish leads all 64 Louisiana parishes with a composite risk score of 85.53, far exceeding the state average of 62.37. The parish sits at the intersection of multiple hazard zones—coastal hurricane exposure, significant flood vulnerability, and elevated wildfire and tornado risk.

Significantly riskier than east-bank peers

Washington's risk profile substantially exceeds neighboring St. Tammany and St. Helena parishes, primarily due to elevated hurricane (95.91) and wildfire (80.03) scores. The parish's eastern location exposes it to Gulf storm surge paths that neighboring parishes experience less intensely.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose dual threats

Washington faces critical hurricane risk (95.91) and elevated wildfire risk (80.03), creating complex preparation challenges across two distinct seasons. Flood risk of 78.98 compounds exposure during storm events, and tornado risk of 71.63 requires year-round vigilance.

Multi-layered insurance strategy vital

Washington residents need comprehensive hurricane preparation including structural reinforcement and separate flood insurance, given scores exceeding 78 for both hazards. Review your homeowners policy annually, maintain emergency supplies, and create an evacuation plan—this parish faces the state's most complex disaster landscape.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington Parish

via WeatherByCounty

High Humidity and Warm Annual Averages

Washington Parish records an annual average temperature of 67.3°F, much warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical region experiences heavy rainfall and consistent warmth throughout the year. It represents the quintessential climate of the eastern Florida Parishes.

Warmer Than the Louisiana Baseline

With an average of 67.3°F, Washington Parish is slightly warmer than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks among the warmer parishes in the state, driven by high summer humidity and a lack of cold air intrusion. It maintains a very consistent temperature profile compared to its neighbors.

Extraordinary Rainfall Compared to State Norms

The parish receives 63.8 inches of annual precipitation, surpassing the state average of 60.8 inches. It shares similar heat patterns with Vernon Parish, but Washington is significantly wetter, receiving about 4 inches more rain annually. This makes the region particularly lush but prone to damp conditions.

Eighty-Eight Days of Extreme Summer Heat

The local climate features 88 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, peaking in July with an average of 82.3°F. Winters are mild and wet, with a January average of 50.0°F and only 0.1 inches of snow. The summer average of 81.5°F is nearly 30 degrees higher than the winter average of 52.2°F.

Gear Up for Moisture and Humidity

Dehumidifiers and high-quality HVAC filters are necessary to combat the high humidity and 63.8 inches of rain. Residents should prepare for 88 days of extreme heat by ensuring outdoor structures have adequate shade. Winter gear requirements are minimal, as the average winter temperature remains a comfortable 52.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington Parish

via SoilByCounty

Washington's Acidic Soil Profile

Washington Parish features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 5.13, nearly 1.4 points lower than the national median. This acidity is a defining trait of the region's soil identity and impacts which nutrients are available to plants. The overall soil score of 44.3 suggests moderate agricultural potential that requires specific management.

Sandy Texture and Easy Tilth

The soil is 51.1% sand and 35.1% silt, with a very low clay fraction of just 9.4%. This makes the soil light and easy to till, but it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity that clay provides. Gardeners will notice that water moves through the topsoil rapidly.

Moderate Organic Matter Levels

At 4.40%, organic matter in Washington Parish is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Louisiana state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.171 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.182 in/in. These numbers indicate a soil that responds well to fertilization and regular mulching.

Hydrology and Water Movement

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests naturally fast drainage in the upper layers. Homeowners should plan for consistent watering during the peak of summer to compensate for the soil's moderate water capacity. Proper site grading is essential for preventing erosion in these lighter soils.

Opportunities in Zone 9a

Washington Parish resides in Zone 9a, where mild winters allow for year-round cultivation. The acidic soil is perfect for acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. With a little lime to balance the pH, you can grow a diverse and lush Southern garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington Parish

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Washington Parish

Washington Parish earns a lawn difficulty score of 24.6, making it nearly twice as hard to maintain a lawn here compared to the national average. This score also sits well below the Louisiana state average of 33.8. Homeowners in this Zone 9a region must contend with highly acidic soils and extreme rainfall.

Abundant Rain and Persistent Heat

The parish receives 63.8 inches of rain annually, well above the 30-50 inch ideal range for most turf. Combined with 88 extreme heat days and 6,646 growing degree days, the climate promotes rapid growth but high disease pressure. Mowing frequently at a higher setting helps the grass withstand these tropical conditions.

Highly Acidic, Sandy Foundations

Washington Parish has a very low soil pH of 5.13, which can lock out essential nutrients from your grass. The soil is 51.1% sand and only 9.4% clay, meaning it drains quickly but struggles to hold onto fertilizers. Adding lime is almost always necessary here to bring the pH toward the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot.

Managing Sporadic Dry Spells

Almost 50% of the parish is currently abnormally dry, despite 10 weeks of drought over the past year. While severe drought is currently at 0%, the sandy soil means lawns feel the impact of dry weather faster than in other parishes. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain precious moisture during these dry gaps.

Spring Timing for Zone 9a

The window for seeding or sodding opens after the last frost on March 2. Because of the high heat and sandy soil, Zoysia or Bermuda grasses are excellent choices for their resilience. Ensure your soil is amended with lime and organic matter before the heavy rains of late spring arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington Parish's county score?
Washington Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 46.4 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 Washington Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Washington Parish ranks #46 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 Washington Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Washington Parish is $488, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Washington Parish a tax score of 96.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington Parish?
The median household income in Washington Parish, Louisiana is $42,776 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington Parish earns an income score of 5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Washington Parish scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Washington 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 Washington Parish with other counties side by side.

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