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West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

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#45 in Louisiana

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.4Property Tax 75.3Disaster Risk 68.2

County Report Card

About West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

High Earnings Meet National Challenges

West Baton Rouge Parish posts a composite score of 46.9, sitting just under the national median of 50.0. Despite its lower overall score, its economic engine is a major national outlier.

An Economic Anchor for the State

While the composite score of 46.9 is below the state average of 53.0, the parish leads much of the state in wealth. The median household income of $87,320 is significantly higher than most Louisiana peers.

Elite Incomes and Resilient Infrastructure

The parish boasts a massive Income Score of 90.4 and a Risk Score of 68.2. These numbers indicate a prosperous population that is well-prepared for environmental challenges.

Overcoming Safety and Cost Concerns

A Safety Score of 9.2 is the most pressing issue for the parish. Additionally, a Cost Score of 28.8 reflects higher housing prices, with median home values reaching $225,900.

The Verdict: Best for High-Earning Professionals

This parish is tailored for professionals working in the Baton Rouge metro area who prioritize high salaries and modern amenities. It suits those willing to trade absolute safety for strong economic upside.

Score breakdown

Tax75.3Cost28.8Safety9.2Health52.9Schools66.2Income90.4Risk68.2Water65.3Weather31.1
🏛75.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.2
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

East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
31.4
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.2
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
61.8
Pointe Coupee Parish
Louisiana
54.3
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
41.2
West Feliciana Parish
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St. Martin Parish
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Livingston Parish
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43.3

Deep Dives

West Baton Rouge Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in West Baton Rouge Parish

via TaxByCounty

West Baton Rouge taxes higher than most U.S. parishes

West Baton Rouge Parish's 0.591% effective tax rate places it in the top third nationally, higher than the state and national averages. While still below many industrial and urban-heavy regions nationally, West Baton Rouge residents pay more in property taxes per dollar of home value than most other Louisiana parishes.

Among Louisiana's highest-taxing parishes

West Baton Rouge Parish's 0.591% effective rate significantly exceeds Louisiana's 0.421% state average, ranking it in the upper quarter of the state's parishes. This reflects higher demand for local services and infrastructure investment in the Capital Region area.

Noticeably higher taxes than nearby parishes

West Baton Rouge's 0.591% rate substantially exceeds West Feliciana Parish (0.516%) and runs far above most surrounding parishes. It represents one of the pricier tax environments in South-Central Louisiana for homeowners.

Median annual property tax bill reaches $1,336

On West Baton Rouge's median home value of $225,900, property owners pay approximately $1,336 per year in property taxes—the highest among Louisiana's eight-parish region. After homestead exemptions, the typical tax burden still averages around $1,167 annually.

Review your assessment for potential overvaluation

West Baton Rouge homeowners facing high tax bills should carefully review their assessed values against recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. If your property has been assessed above market value, filing an appeal with the parish assessor can result in significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in West Baton Rouge Parish

via CostByCounty

West Baton Rouge leads affordability

West Baton Rouge Parish renters enjoy the best affordability among the eight parishes, spending just 14.0% of their $87,320 median income on rent—well below the 30% national threshold. With median household income surpassing the national average by 16.8%, residents command strong housing purchasing power.

Parish outpaces Louisiana average

West Baton Rouge Parish's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Louisiana's state average of 19.5% by 5.5 percentage points, making it the most affordable rental market in the western parishes sample. The parish's higher median income of $87,320 creates this affordability advantage.

West Baton Rouge tops regional peers

West Baton Rouge Parish stands apart with median income of $87,320—more than $13,000 above the next-closest peer—and a median rent of $1,021 that remains manageable at 14.0% of income. Even home values of $225,900 are proportionally affordable for high-earning residents.

High income offsets higher housing

West Baton Rouge Parish renters dedicate 14.0% of their $87,320 annual income to the $1,021 median rent, leaving $75,000 annually for other expenses. Homeowners invest $995 monthly in mortgage and ownership costs, representing 13.7% of income—a balanced approach to housing investment.

Premium option for high earners

West Baton Rouge Parish is ideal for professionals and established families earning above-state-median incomes, offering both rental affordability and higher-quality homeownership options. The parish delivers the region's best overall housing-to-income balance for middle-to-upper-income households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in West Baton Rouge Parish

via IncomeByCounty

West Baton Rouge exceeds national median

West Baton Rouge Parish households earn $87,320 annually, about 17% above the U.S. median of $74,755. This strong performance ranks the parish among the nation's higher-income areas and reflects industrial employment and proximity to regional economic hubs.

Louisiana's income leader in group

West Baton Rouge Parish's $87,320 median household income towers $32,070 above Louisiana's state average of $55,250, positioning it as one of the state's most prosperous parishes. The premium reflects chemical industry employment and strong regional economic integration.

Substantially wealthier than region

West Baton Rouge's $87,320 median income leads West Feliciana Parish ($74,277) by $13,043 and vastly outpaces all other peers, including Vernon Parish ($58,281) and Vermilion Parish ($57,537). The gap underscores the industrial parish's competitive advantage.

Housing costs well-managed here

West Baton Rouge Parish maintains a healthy 14.0% rent-to-income ratio, well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating stable housing security. The median home value of $225,900 represents an accessible 2.6x household income multiplier, supporting sustainable homeownership.

Leverage income advantage strategically

West Baton Rouge residents enjoy above-average incomes—capitalize by maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring investment accounts, and building diversified portfolios. The combination of strong earnings and low housing burden positions residents to accelerate retirement savings and generational wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in West Baton Rouge Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Above Average Crime Rates

West Baton Rouge Parish has a total crime rate of 2,863.7 per 100,000, which is roughly 20% higher than the national average. This activity level results in a safety score of 95.5.

Trailing the State Average

The parish’s safety score of 95.5 falls below the Louisiana state average of 97.1. It also exceeds the state’s average total crime rate of 1,853.7 per 100,000.

Regional Safety Disparities

Crime here is significantly more frequent than in West Feliciana Parish, which reports just 247.5 crimes per 100,000. This disparity highlights a higher volume of law enforcement activity in West Baton Rouge.

Property Theft Drives Numbers

Property crime is the primary driver at 2,282.9 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 580.8. Residents are statistically more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical threats.

Deterring Property Crime

High property crime rates make alarm systems and motion-activated cameras a smart investment for local homeowners. Securing your home's perimeter is a critical step in this parish.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in West Baton Rouge Parish

via HealthByCounty

Exceeding national life expectancy

West Baton Rouge Parish residents live to 74.5 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 73.5 years by a full year. Just 21.9% report poor or fair health, placing the parish among Louisiana's healthier communities.

Louisiana's healthiest parishes

At 74.5 years, West Baton Rouge Parish outperforms Louisiana's 72.5-year state average by 2 years, ranking among the state's top health performers. The 21.9% poor/fair health rate falls below the state norm, reflecting strong health outcomes.

Regional health leader

West Baton Rouge Parish boasts the highest life expectancy (74.5 years) among all eight parishes, surpassing Vermilion Parish (74.1) and outpacing every other comparison community. Its 21.9% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the lowest in the region.

Lowest uninsured rate in the group

Just 5.8% of West Baton Rouge residents lack insurance—the lowest rate across all eight parishes and well below the state's 8.1% average. However, the parish has only 18 primary care providers per 100,000, requiring residents to access care strategically or travel to neighboring areas.

Maintain coverage advantage

West Baton Rouge's strong health position starts with high coverage: at 5.8% uninsured, the parish leads the region. Continue this momentum by renewing insurance annually and sharing enrollment information with uninsured neighbors through louisiana.gov/dhh.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in West Baton Rouge Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Education in West Baton Rouge

West Baton Rouge Parish manages 4,332 students across 10 public schools in a single, efficient district. The system consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This concentrated network provides focused educational resources to the growing suburban population west of the Mississippi.

High Investment and Top Scores

The parish achieves a strong school score of 62.3, well above the state average of 53.0. This performance is backed by a significant per-pupil investment of $11,561, the highest in the region. The graduation rate of 88.0% also beats both state and national benchmarks.

Dedicated District Governance

The West Baton Rouge Parish district oversees all 10 schools, ensuring a consistent curriculum for its 4,332 students. No charter schools operate here, allowing the district to maintain a unified focus on its traditional public campuses. Brusly High School is the largest campus in the district, enrolling 742 students.

A Suburb-Centered School Feel

Eight of the parish's 10 schools are located in suburban settings, reflecting the area's development. The average school size is 433 students, creating a mid-sized suburban feel where students are not lost in the crowd. Brusly High and Brusly Middle are the primary academic hubs for the community.

Invest in a Suburban Education

High per-pupil spending and top-tier school scores make West Baton Rouge Parish a standout choice for home buyers. Families can enjoy suburban living with the confidence that their children are in a well-funded, high-achieving district. Explore homes near Brusly and Port Allen to secure a spot in these quality schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in West Baton Rouge Parish

via RiskByCounty

West Baton Rouge among lowest-risk parishes

With a composite risk score of 31.84 and very low risk rating, West Baton Rouge Parish sits well below the national average. The parish benefits from an inland location and limited exposure to multiple hazard types.

One of Louisiana's safest parishes

West Baton Rouge's composite score of 31.84 places it among the lowest-risk parishes in Louisiana, far below the state average of 62.37. Only a handful of parishes statewide offer comparable protection across the full spectrum of natural disasters.

Safer than most surrounding communities

West Baton Rouge's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Iberville and Pointe Coupee parishes, reflecting its slightly more removed inland position. The parish's flood risk of 16.00 is exceptionally low, among the best protected in the state.

Tornado and hurricane risks are moderate

West Baton Rouge's most significant threats are tornado risk (65.55) and hurricane risk (81.98), though both remain below statewide averages. Flood and wildfire risks are exceptionally low at 16.00 and 2.93 respectively, substantially reducing overall parish vulnerability.

Focus on tornado preparedness primarily

West Baton Rouge residents should prioritize tornado safety measures—identify a safe room and maintain wind coverage in homeowners insurance. Standard homeowners policies adequately cover most risks in this low-hazard parish, though a weather radio and evacuation plan remain essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in West Baton Rouge Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet Climate

West Baton Rouge Parish averages 67.3°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. It features a humid subtropical climate with some of the highest rainfall totals in the country. This creates a consistently warm and moist environment throughout the year.

Typical Heat for the Capital Region

The parish’s annual average of 67.3°F is slightly above the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It sits firmly within the warmer half of the state's parishes. Its climate is closely tied to the Mississippi River, which influences local humidity levels.

Exceeding State Averages for Rainfall

West Baton Rouge receives 64.2 inches of rain per year, which is well above the state average of 60.8 inches. It is one of the wettest parishes in the region, receiving more precipitation than neighboring Webster Parish’s 56.0 inches. This high moisture level contributes to 85 extreme heat days annually.

Muggy Summers and Steady Mild Winters

Summers are long with a July average of 81.8°F and a summer-wide average of 81.1°F. Winters are mild and snow data is unavailable, though the January average stays warm at 50.8°F. The parish experiences 85 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher.

Focus on Flood Prep and Cooling

With 64.2 inches of annual rain, residents should ensure proper site drainage and maintain flood insurance. High-efficiency air conditioning is a must for the 85 extreme heat days each year. Outdoor planning is most pleasant during the winter months, when temperatures average a comfortable 52.7°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in West Baton Rouge Parish

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Neutral Soil

West Baton Rouge Parish features a unique pH of 6.75, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the state average of 5.74. This near-neutrality is ideal for a wide range of plants that struggle in Louisiana's typically acidic soils. The overall soil score is a solid 58.3.

Heavy Clay and Silt

With 39.4% clay and 44.9% silt, this soil is heavy and holds onto nutrients with remarkable strength. Only 15.7% of the mix is sand, meaning the soil can be difficult to work when it is too wet or too dry. This composition is characteristic of the rich alluvial deposits found along the Mississippi River.

Solid Agricultural Foundation

The organic matter content is 2.50%, which surpasses the national average of 2.0% but stays below the Louisiana state average of 6.38%. Its available water capacity of 0.170 in/in provides a stable reservoir for plants during the summer. This soil offers a reliable, balanced environment for both commercial and home growing.

Slow Drainage Realities

While specific hydrologic data is not listed, the high clay content typically leads to slower drainage and high water retention. Landowners should be aware that the soil may remain saturated for long periods after heavy rains. This makes the area excellent for moisture-loving crops but challenging for basement construction.

Zone 9a Growing Power

Located in Zone 9a, the parish is perfect for growing heat-loving vegetables and lush tropicals. The neutral pH means you can grow roses, beans, and peppers without the heavy liming required elsewhere in the state. Start your garden now to take advantage of this rare, balanced soil chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in West Baton Rouge Parish

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Odds in West Baton Rouge

West Baton Rouge Parish enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 41.2, making it much easier to maintain than the state average of 33.8. While it still falls below the national median of 50.0, it is one of the more favorable parishes for local gardeners. The Hardiness Zone 9a climate supports a wide variety of lush, warm-season grasses.

High Rainfall and Balanced Heat

The parish receives 64.2 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 15 inches above the ideal lawn maximum. With 85 extreme heat days and 6,634 growing degree days, the environment acts like a greenhouse for your yard. Proper drainage is the most important factor to prevent your lawn from becoming waterlogged during the wet season.

Excellent pH but Heavy Clay

Soil pH here is an impressive 6.75, which sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. However, the high clay content of 39.4% and low sand at 15.7% can lead to compaction and drainage issues. Regular core aeration will help air and water reach the roots in this heavy, nutrient-rich soil.

Resilient During Dry Spells

This parish is currently very stable, with 0% of the area facing even abnormal dryness. It only experienced 2 weeks of drought over the entire past year, which is far better than the state trend. This consistent moisture allows you to focus more on mowing and fertilization than emergency irrigation.

Late February Growth Window

Your lawn's growing season kicks off after the last frost on February 28. St. Augustine grass is a classic choice for the area's rich clay soils and high humidity. Because your soil pH is already optimal, you can focus your efforts on a consistent fertilization schedule to maintain high-quality turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Baton Rouge Parish's county score?
West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 46.9 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 West Baton Rouge Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
West Baton Rouge Parish ranks #45 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 West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in West Baton Rouge Parish is $1,336, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns West Baton Rouge Parish a tax score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in West Baton Rouge Parish?
The median household income in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is $87,320 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. West Baton Rouge Parish earns an income score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
West Baton Rouge Parish scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate West Baton Rouge 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 West Baton Rouge 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.