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West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

LA

#41 in Louisiana

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.4Property Tax 79.1Disaster 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.

2040608010079.129.89.252.966.288.468.265.331.1Tax79.1Cost29.8Safety9.2Health52.9Schools66.2Income88.4Risk68.2Water65.3Weather31.147.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

West Baton Rouge Parish DNA

Foverall

How West Baton Rouge Parish compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

West Baton Rouge Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (88.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (9.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.1+27.099999999999994
Cost
29.8-18.2
Safety
9.2-45.8
Health
52.9
Schools
66.2+12.200000000000003
Income
88.4+37.400000000000006
Risk
68.2+21.200000000000003
Water
65.3
Weather
31.1-24.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$229,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$973/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$229,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,299/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
30.5
Iberville Parish
Louisiana
52.8
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
58.2
Pointe Coupee Parish
Louisiana
54.4
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
40.8
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
64.5
St. Martin Parish
Louisiana
47
Livingston Parish
Louisiana
43.8

Deep Dives

West Baton Rouge Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 47.6 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 West Baton Rouge Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
West Baton Rouge Parish ranks #41 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 $1,251, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns West Baton Rouge Parish a tax score of 79.1/100 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 $87,299 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. West Baton Rouge Parish earns an income score of 88.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
West Baton Rouge Parish scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.