countyscore
58.1
County Score
Property Tax 95.1Cost of Living 80.3Safety 66.6

County Report Card

About Webster Parish, Louisiana

Webster Parish Beats National Averages

Webster Parish achieves a composite score of 58.1, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This solid score highlights a resilient community with significant financial perks.

A Strong Contender in Louisiana

Scoring 58.1 against the state average of 53.0, Webster is a top-tier choice within Louisiana. It offers a more stable profile than many of its rural neighbors.

Low Taxes and Secure Living

The parish excels with a Tax Score of 95.1 and a Cost Score of 80.3. A respectable Safety Score of 66.6 also means residents enjoy peace of mind alongside low home values averaging $105,600.

Addressing Health and Income Gaps

An Income Score of 1.9 is the primary challenge, reflecting a median household income of $37,396. The Health Score of 23.8 also suggests that access to wellness services could be improved.

The Verdict: Perfect for Quiet, Low-Cost Life

Webster Parish is ideal for those who value affordable homeownership and a decent level of safety. It serves as a great home base for workers in nearby cities who want to keep their living expenses to a minimum.

Score breakdown

Tax95.1Cost80.3Safety66.6Health23.8Schools51.6Income1.9Risk30.5Water23.1Weather37
🏛95.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.8
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

Webster Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster Parish

via TaxByCounty

Webster Parish ranks among lowest-tax areas nationally

At 0.381%, Webster Parish's effective tax rate sits firmly in the lowest 25% across the United States, well below the national median effective rate. While American homeowners typically pay around $2,690 in annual property taxes, Webster Parish residents on median-value homes pay just $402.

Below-average taxes for Louisiana parishes

Webster Parish's 0.381% effective rate runs below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, placing it in the lower half of the state's 64 parishes. It ranks among the more tax-friendly parishes, particularly for low- to moderate-income homeowners.

Competitive tax environment in North Louisiana

Webster Parish's 0.381% rate undercuts nearby Vernon Parish (0.541%) significantly and aligns well with other North Louisiana parishes like Winn (0.315%) and West Carroll (0.204%). The region overall offers one of Louisiana's most affordable tax climates.

Median home tax bill is just $402 annually

On Webster Parish's median home value of $105,600, property owners pay approximately $402 per year in combined parish and local property taxes. After homestead exemptions and deductions, the typical household's tax obligation drops to around $270.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Webster Parish homeowners who believe their assessed values exceed comparable properties in their area can file an appeal with the parish assessor. Many residents successfully reduce their tax bills by demonstrating their homes are overvalued relative to recent market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster Parish

via CostByCounty

Webster faces Louisiana's worst burden

Webster Parish has the lowest median household income among Louisiana's eight western parishes at $37,396, forcing renters to spend 24.9% of earnings on rent—the highest ratio statewide. This means a $777 monthly rent consumes roughly $9,324 annually from already-stretched household budgets.

Highest rent burden in state sample

Webster Parish's 24.9% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among all Louisiana parishes examined, nearly 5 percentage points above the state average of 19.5%. Combined with the parish's lowest median income, housing affordability reaches a crisis point for renters.

Webster's income crisis deepens burden

Though Webster Parish rents are moderate at $777 monthly, the parish's $37,396 median income is the lowest regionally, making affordability ratios worse than wealthier neighbors. The median home value of $105,600 offers cheap ownership, but down payments remain inaccessible on such limited incomes.

Housing dominates household budgets

Webster Parish renters spend 24.9% of their $37,396 annual income on the $777 median rent, a ratio that leaves limited funds for food, transportation, and healthcare. Homeowners invest $530 monthly, equal to 17.1% of income—better than renting but still a heavy load for low-wage households.

Webster demands economic opportunity

Webster Parish suits only those relocating with secured, above-median employment, as local wages cannot sustain typical housing costs without hardship. Job-hunting families should investigate regional employers and income growth potential before choosing this economically challenged parish.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Webster faces the steepest income challenge

Webster Parish households earn $37,396 annually, approximately 50% below the national median of $74,755. This represents the lowest median income among the eight parishes profiled, placing Webster among America's most economically stressed communities.

Lowest-earning parish in group

Webster Parish median household income of $37,396 falls $17,854 below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, ranking it among the state's poorest parishes. The gap reflects persistent underemployment and limited economic diversification in this rural northwest region.

Economic distress outpaces all peers

Webster Parish trails all comparison parishes, earning $20,885 less than Vernon Parish ($58,281) and $9,378 below even Washington Parish ($42,776). Only its per capita income of $24,115 suggests household size doesn't fully explain the income shortfall.

Housing costs consume dangerous share

Webster Parish residents face a critically high 24.9% rent-to-income ratio, nearing the crisis threshold of 30% that signals housing unaffordability. The median home value of $105,600 represents a 2.8x multiplier against household income—a precarious ratio leaving little margin for maintenance or unexpected repairs.

Prioritize income growth and assistance

Webster Parish residents should first explore public benefits—SNAP, LIHEAP, housing assistance—that directly expand financial capacity. Parallel efforts in career advancement, including community college programs in high-demand fields, offer the best long-term pathway to breaking cycles of low income and housing insecurity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Webster Parish Outpaces National Safety

Webster Parish reports a total crime rate of 786.2 per 100,000, which is about one-third of the national average. This strong performance earns the parish a high safety score of 98.8.

Exceeding Louisiana Safety Standards

The parish ranks well above the Louisiana state average safety score of 97.1. Its crime rate is also much lower than the state average of 1,853.7 per 100,000 residents.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Webster is significantly more secure than West Baton Rouge, where the crime rate reaches 2,863.7 per 100,000. It stands as a peaceful alternative to the state's more active parishes.

Focus on Property Crimes

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 628.4 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 157.8. Seven reporting agencies contribute to this comprehensive and favorable safety snapshot.

Securing a Safe Community

Low violent crime allows residents to focus on preventing theft through basic outdoor lighting and secure locks. Maintaining this high safety score starts with individual household awareness.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster Parish

via HealthByCounty

Well below U.S. life expectancy

Webster Parish residents live to 69.5 years, about 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. At 28.1%, nearly three in ten residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among the eight parishes examined.

Bottom tier of Louisiana health outcomes

Webster Parish's 69.5-year life expectancy trails Louisiana's 72.5-year average by 3 years, placing the parish among the state's most challenged communities. The 28.1% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the state baseline, revealing concentrated health adversity.

Weakest health profile in comparison group

Webster Parish underperforms all peer parishes, with 69.5-year life expectancy ranking below even Washington Parish (68.9) in some measures and trailing Vermilion Parish (74.1) by over 4 years. The 28.1% poor/fair health rate stands alone as the region's highest burden.

Highest health burden with decent provider access

Webster Parish has 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 255 mental health providers per 100,000—strong numbers suggesting access is less the barrier than underlying health challenges. Only 8.0% lack insurance, yet poor health persists, pointing to poverty, chronic disease, and social determinants.

Coverage plus preventive care matters

With available providers and low uninsured rates, Webster Parish residents should prioritize preventive health screenings and regular primary care visits—the greatest health gains come from early detection. Visit louisiana.gov/dhh to ensure coverage, then work with providers on chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

The Webster Parish School Landscape

Webster Parish operates a unified district with 14 public schools serving 5,549 students. The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all ages. This centralized infrastructure manages a significant student population across the northern part of the state.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

The parish boasts a 91.0% graduation rate, which exceeds both the state average of 85.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,257, the district earns a school score of 54.6, outperforming the state median. These results indicate that Webster Parish schools are delivering high-quality education efficiently.

Unified District Leadership in Webster

A single district, Webster Parish, manages all 14 public schools and 5,549 students. There are no charter schools in the parish, meaning resources are focused entirely on the traditional public school model. Minden High School serves as the largest anchor in the system with 807 students.

Balanced Town and Rural Settings

The parish features an even split between seven town-based schools and seven rural schools. With an average school size of 396 students, campuses feel intimate and manageable compared to large urban districts. Students typically transition from smaller elementary schools to centralized hubs like Minden High.

Building a Future in Webster Parish

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Webster Parish is an attractive choice for families looking for proven academic results. The mix of rural and town environments allows home buyers to choose the lifestyle that fits them best while maintaining access to quality schools. Look for your next home in this high-performing North Louisiana parish.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster Parish

via RiskByCounty

Webster Parish below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 69.53, Webster Parish falls in the relatively low risk category and sits below the national average. The parish benefits from an inland location that reduces hurricane and flood exposure compared to coastal Louisiana communities.

Lower-risk parish among Louisiana counties

Webster's composite score of 69.53 places it above the state average of 62.37 but in the lower-risk tier of Louisiana parishes. The parish's diverse risk profile—balanced across flood, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane hazards—differs from the coast-dominated exposure seen in high-risk parishes.

Similar risk profile to north Louisiana peers

Webster's risk level closely matches neighboring Morehouse and Ouachita parishes, with tornado risk serving as the common concern across the region. The parish's hurricane risk of 70.92 remains lower than southern Louisiana parishes but higher than western neighbors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes require attention

Webster's tornado risk of 78.21 and earthquake risk of 69.56 present the parish's most distinctive hazard exposures. Flood risk of 64.98 is moderate but notable during heavy precipitation, while hurricane risk of 70.92 reflects the parish's distance from the Gulf.

Balance tornado and earthquake preparedness

Webster homeowners should ensure wind coverage in their homeowners policies and identify or build a safe room for tornado season. While earthquake risk is moderate, securing heavy furniture and reviewing structural soundness provides dual protection across the parish's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Southern Heat with Northern Influence

Webster Parish has an annual average temperature of 65.3°F, which is warm by national standards but cooler than the Louisiana coast. Its humid subtropical climate is influenced by its northern position, leading to more distinct seasonal shifts. This parish experiences more varied weather than the southernmost parts of the state.

One of Louisiana’s Cooler Parishes

At 65.3°F, Webster Parish is nearly two degrees cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks as one of the cooler parishes in the state, particularly during the winter months. This is largely due to its proximity to the Arkansas border and greater exposure to continental air masses.

Drier and Snowier than Southern Louisiana

Webster receives 56.0 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly drier than the state average of 60.8 inches. It also sees more snowfall than southern parishes, averaging 0.6 inches compared to the 0.1 inches seen in Vermilion. The July average of 83.5°F is actually higher than many coastal areas, showing more extreme seasonal swings.

Hotter Peak Summers and Chilly Winters

July is very hot with an average of 83.5°F and 88 days topping 90°F. Conversely, January is noticeably cooler than the south at 46.0°F. The parish sees a significant seasonal range, with summer averages of 82.4°F dropping to a winter average of 47.9°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Temperature Swings

Residents need to winterize pipes for the 46.0°F January average, which is colder than most of the state. During the 88 days of extreme heat, cooling systems will work hard to counteract the 83.5°F July peaks. The lower rainfall of 56.0 inches means drought conditions may be a more frequent concern than in the south.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Uplands of Webster

Webster Parish presents an average soil pH of 5.33, indicating a fairly acidic environment compared to the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 26.4 is one of the lower marks in the state, suggesting significant limitations for standard agriculture. Understanding this acidic baseline is the first step for any local land manager.

High Sand, Low Clay

The composition is dominated by 55.4% sand and 31.8% silt, while clay makes up only 12.8%. This texture allows for excellent aeration but results in poor retention of essential minerals and water. The soil is exceptionally easy to work, though it requires frequent amendments to stay productive.

Limited Natural Nutrients

Organic matter is low at 1.80%, failing to reach the national average of 2.0% and sitting far below the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.139 in/in, the lowest among neighboring parishes. These metrics point to a soil that needs significant organic input to support high-yield crops.

Runoff and Water Groups

Classified under Hydrologic Group D, the soil has a high runoff potential despite its sandy texture, likely due to restrictive subsurface layers. This means that while the surface may feel dry, water often flows across the land rather than soaking in deeply. Careful water management is required for both farming and home construction.

Gardening in Zone 8b

Webster Parish is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which experiences slightly cooler winters than the coastal parishes. Native pines and blackberries are naturally suited to this acidic, sandy soil. For home gardeners, raised beds with imported soil may be the most efficient path to success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster Parish

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf in North Louisiana

Webster Parish holds a lawn difficulty score of 27.8, which is significantly more difficult than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, it experiences cooler winters but remains tougher than the state average of 33.8. Success here requires a strategy that handles both winter dormancy and summer stress.

Heavy Precipitation Meets High Heat

Homeowners must manage 56.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal 50-inch limit. With 88 extreme heat days and 6,199 growing degree days, the grass grows quickly but is prone to wilting in July. Monitoring local weather for rain gaps is essential for keeping the lawn hydrated without overwatering.

Acidic Sand Requires Correction

The soil pH in Webster Parish is 5.33, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf. With 55.4% sand and only 12.8% clay, the soil is prone to nutrient leaching during heavy rains. Lime applications and slow-release fertilizers are necessary to keep grass fed and the soil balanced.

Serious Drought Risks in Webster

Drought is a major concern here, as 56.1% of the parish is currently in severe drought or worse. Webster has endured 19 weeks of drought over the last year, and currently 100% of the area is abnormally dry. During these periods, allow the grass to grow longer to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Planning Around the March Frost

The last spring frost usually occurs around March 17, marking the start of the primary growing season. Since Webster is in Zone 8b, choose grasses like Centipede or Bermuda that can handle the occasional hard freeze. Aim to finish any major seeding by late April to ensure a strong root system before the June heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster Parish's county score?
Webster Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Webster Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Webster Parish ranks #25 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 Webster Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Webster Parish is $402, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Webster Parish a tax score of 95.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster Parish?
The median household income in Webster Parish, Louisiana is $37,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster Parish earns an income score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Webster Parish scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster Parish with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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