countyscore
68.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.8Cost of Living 92.6Disaster Risk 84.6

County Report Card

About West Carroll Parish, Louisiana

A National Leader in Livability

West Carroll Parish shines with a composite score of 68.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the highest-rated rural areas in the entire country.

One of Louisiana's Best Kept Secrets

With a 68.4 score, West Carroll towers over the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It offers a level of financial and environmental stability that is rare in the Gulf South.

Unmatched Tax and Environmental Scores

The parish hits a near-perfect Tax Score of 99.8 and a Risk Score of 84.6. With an effective tax rate of just 0.204% and median rent of $692, it is one of the most affordable places to live in America.

Addressing Water Quality and Income

The Water Score of 16.8 and Income Score of 12.0 are the main areas needing attention. Residents must navigate a low-wage economy and potential infrastructure needs.

The Verdict: A Haven for Thrifty Homeowners

West Carroll is perfect for those who want to own their home outright and live a low-stress, low-tax life. It is an exceptional choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize financial freedom.

2040608010099.892.679.32662.71284.616.841.8Tax99.8Cost92.6Safety79.3Health26Schools62.7Income12Risk84.6Water16.8Weather41.868.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

West Carroll Parish DNA

C-overall

How West Carroll Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

West Carroll Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (99.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (16.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.8+47.8
Cost
92.6+44.599999999999994
Safety
79.3+24.299999999999997
Health
26-24
Schools
62.7+8.700000000000003
Income
12-39
Risk
84.6+37.599999999999994
Water
16.8-41.2
Weather
41.8-14.200000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in West Carroll Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in West Carroll Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$692/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,514/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.4

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
Compare West Carroll Parish with Allen Parish →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Allen Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $51,138
68.4
Sioux County
North Dakota
Median income: $41,676
68.4
Green County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,087
68.3
McPherson County
Nebraska
Median income: $61,316
68.3
Polk County
Nebraska
Median income: $71,771
68.3
Yancey County
North Carolina
Median income: $54,961
68.3
Hamilton County
Illinois
Median income: $61,520
68.6
Spencer County
Indiana
Median income: $70,890
68.6

Nearby counties

East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
63.3
Morehouse Parish
Louisiana
42.2
Issaquena County
Mississippi
68.6
Richland Parish
Louisiana
58.1
Madison Parish
Louisiana
56.6
Ashley County
Arkansas
46.7
Chicot County
Arkansas
50.6
Sharkey County
Mississippi
57

Deep Dives

West Carroll Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in West Carroll Parish

via TaxByCounty

West Carroll Parish has the nation's lowest tax rates

West Carroll Parish's 0.204% effective tax rate ranks it in the absolute bottom 5% nationally, making it one of America's lowest-taxed areas. On a median home value of $97,600, homeowners pay just $199 annually in property taxes—less than 10% of the national median tax bill.

The lowest-taxing parish in Louisiana

West Carroll Parish's 0.204% effective rate is the lowest in Louisiana by a significant margin, less than half the state's average of 0.421%. This ultra-low rate makes West Carroll an exceptional value for property owners seeking minimal tax burdens.

Far lower taxes than any surrounding parish

West Carroll's 0.204% rate undercuts every neighboring parish substantially—Vernon (0.541%), Webster (0.381%), and Winn (0.315%) all exceed it by factors of 1.5 to 2.7 times. It stands alone as the region's most tax-friendly jurisdiction.

Pay just $199 annually on median-value home

On West Carroll's median home value of $97,600, property owners pay approximately $199 per year in all property taxes combined. This represents the lowest median tax bill among the eight-parish region and qualifies as exceptional nationally.

Even in West Carroll, assessments merit review

Although West Carroll Parish maintains exceptionally low overall tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. An appeal is worthwhile if your property's assessed value diverges significantly from actual market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in West Carroll Parish

via CostByCounty

West Carroll stays under national radar

West Carroll Parish renters spend 17.1% of their $48,514 median income on rent, beating both the national 30% affordability ceiling and maintaining reasonable cost-to-income ratios. The modest median rent of $692 monthly makes this parish one of the country's more affordable rental markets.

Below average rent burden statewide

West Carroll Parish's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing the parish among the more affordable places to rent across the state. The $692 median rent is the lowest in the eight-parish sample.

West Carroll offers lowest rents

West Carroll Parish's $692 median rent is the lowest among all peers examined, and the 17.1% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive despite median income of $48,514. The median home value of $97,600 represents the region's cheapest ownership option.

Affordable rents, affordable homes

West Carroll renters allocate just 17.1% of their $48,514 annual income to the $692 median rent, leaving roughly $40,200 for other costs. Homeowners benefit from $445 monthly costs representing just 11.0% of income, making ownership highly accessible.

Budget-conscious families should consider

West Carroll Parish delivers exceptional value for renters and homebuyers on moderate incomes, with the region's lowest rents and lowest home prices. Families prioritizing affordability and simplicity will find West Carroll among Louisiana's best housing markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in West Carroll Parish

via IncomeByCounty

West Carroll below national benchmark

West Carroll Parish households earn $48,514 annually, approximately 35% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects the rural northeast Louisiana parish's limited economic diversity and manufacturing base.

Modestly below Louisiana average

West Carroll Parish median household income of $48,514 falls $6,736 below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it in the lower-middle tier among state parishes. The shortfall, while notable, remains less severe than several neighboring rural parishes.

Mid-tier among regional group

West Carroll Parish ($48,514) outearns Washington Parish ($42,776) and Webster Parish ($37,396), but trails Vernon Parish ($58,281) and Vermilion Parish ($57,537). Its position reflects modest but struggling rural agriculture and timber economies.

Rent-to-income ratio manageable

West Carroll Parish maintains a reasonable 17.1% rent-to-income ratio, comfortably below affordability concerns. The median home value of $97,600 represents a 2.0x household income multiplier—among the most accessible in the region for homebuyers.

Build on housing advantage

West Carroll's low housing costs relative to income create breathing room for savings—prioritize building 3-6 months of emergency reserves before other investments. Once stabilized, explore employer retirement plans and consider low-risk vehicles like high-yield savings or bonds to compound modest but steady wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in West Carroll Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in West Carroll

West Carroll Parish is remarkably safe, with a total crime rate of 489.8 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.2 places it among the most secure communities.

A Top-Tier Louisiana Parish

With a safety score of 99.2, West Carroll Parish easily outperforms the Louisiana state average of 97.1. It remains one of the most peaceful parishes in the state according to 2022 data.

Outperforming Regional Averages

The parish is much safer than nearby Washington Parish, which sees crime at five times the rate of West Carroll. This rural community maintains a security profile that many neighbors cannot match.

Minimal Violent Crime Risks

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at just 51.0 per 100,000, far below the state average of 414.3. Property crime remains the main concern at 438.8, though still very low by any standard.

Maintain Your Peace

While crime is rare, basic home security habits help keep these numbers low for the future. Even simple measures like locking doors and windows can deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in West Carroll Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Schooling in West Carroll

West Carroll Parish operates a small but effective system of five public schools serving 1,863 total students. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one high school, and two schools serving grades PK-12. This structure is designed to meet the needs of a small, primarily rural population.

Elite Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

West Carroll Parish boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending is lower at $6,626, the parish maintains a competitive school score of 56.4. These figures highlight the success of this small district in preparing students for the future.

Unified Rural District Leadership

The West Carroll Parish district manages all five schools and 1,863 students without any charter school presence. Forest School is the largest campus, serving 549 students in a PK-12 setting. This centralized district approach ensures resources are distributed effectively across the rural landscape.

Purely Rural Learning Environments

All five schools in the parish are located in rural locales, providing a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 373 students, though Epps School offers a very intimate setting with just 118 students. Attending school here means being part of a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name.

Small-Town Values and High Success

If you are looking for a high-performing rural district, West Carroll Parish is an ideal place to call home. The 97% graduation rate is a testament to the community's dedication to its youth. Search for local properties to find your place in this successful, rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in West Carroll Parish

via RiskByCounty

West Carroll Parish among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of 15.39 and very low risk rating, West Carroll Parish ranks among the safest parishes in America. The parish's minimal exposure to major natural disasters makes it exceptional even compared to most national communities.

Louisiana's lowest-risk parish

West Carroll's composite score of 15.39 is the lowest among all 64 Louisiana parishes, sitting dramatically below the state average of 62.37. The parish enjoys protection from its inland, elevated position far from coastal hazards.

Safest in northeast Louisiana

West Carroll's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Morehouse and Union parishes, making it the safest community in the region. The parish's flood risk of 9.00 is exceptionally low, and its wildfire risk of 23.66 remains minimal compared to state norms.

Minimal disaster exposure overall

West Carroll's primary concerns are earthquake risk (55.95) and hurricane risk (62.83), though both remain well below statewide averages. Flood risk of 9.00 is exceptionally low, and tornado risk of 42.14 presents minimal concern even by national standards.

Standard insurance typically sufficient

West Carroll residents enjoy one of Louisiana's lowest-risk disaster profiles and can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized additions. Maintaining a basic emergency kit and weather awareness provides ample protection in this unusually safe parish.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in West Carroll Parish

via WaterByCounty

West Carroll Parish Earns Grade F

West Carroll Parish has recorded 24 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a failing Grade F. The violation rate stands at 165.2 per 100,000 people, which is higher than some neighbors but still below the state average of 407.2. These figures highlight significant room for improvement in drinking water infrastructure.

Severe Impairment in Assessed Waters

A staggering 93.3% of the 30 assessed water bodies in West Carroll Parish are impaired. Top causes for these failures include low dissolved oxygen, high turbidity, and fecal coliform. This impairment level is much higher than the Louisiana state average of 87.7%.

Limited Data Collection at Seven Sites

Only 599 measurements have been recorded at seven monitoring sites over the last five years. Most of this data tracks physical characteristics and inorganic nutrients. This sparse monitoring footprint may leave some water quality issues undetected compared to more heavily monitored parishes.

No Live Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no active USGS streamgage recording discharge for Big Colewa Bayou or other major parish streams. The absence of live flow data makes it difficult to assess how current weather affects local water concentrations. Residents must rely on historical watershed health assessments to judge environmental conditions.

Vigilance Against High Turbidity and Bacteria

The high 93.3% impairment rate, particularly from turbidity and bacteria, suggests that local surface water requires significant treatment. Given the Grade F compliance rating, using a home water filter for drinking and cooking is a prudent safety measure. Stay informed by reviewing the latest health violation notices from your water provider.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in West Carroll Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Southern Humidity and Rainfall

West Carroll Parish receives 58.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is high compared to the national average. While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, its northern Louisiana location generally follows a humid subtropical pattern. The region typically experiences hot summers and mild winters.

A Drier Northern Louisiana Profile

The parish’s 58.0 inches of annual rain is lower than the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches. This makes it one of the drier parishes in a notoriously wet state. Temperature rankings are unavailable, but northern parishes usually trend slightly cooler than the 67.0°F state average.

More Snow Than the State Average

West Carroll averages 0.5 inches of snow annually, which is five times more than coastal parishes like Vermilion. This reflects its position in the northeastern corner of the state where winter cold snaps are more frequent. Despite being drier than the state average, it still receives significant moisture throughout the year.

Measurable Snow in a Mild Climate

While summer and winter averages are not currently documented, the presence of 0.5 inches of annual snowfall indicates occasional freezing events. The 58.0 inches of precipitation is likely distributed throughout the year. Typical for the region, summers likely feature numerous days above 90°F.

Plan for Rain and Occasional Cold

Residents should prepare for heavy rain given the 58.0 inches of annual precipitation. Because the parish sees more snow than much of the state (0.5 inches), having basic winter supplies and insulated pipes is advisable. Monitor local forecasts during summer months for extreme heat, as northern Louisiana can reach high temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in West Carroll Parish

via SoilByCounty

Silt-Heavy Northern Soils

West Carroll Parish has an average soil pH of 5.50, which is more acidic than the national median but fairly typical for northern Louisiana. The soil score of 48.9 indicates moderate productivity, supported by a unique taxonomic profile. This level of acidity requires monitoring for growers focusing on sensitive specialty crops.

The Silt Capital

Silt dominates the landscape at 64.1%, paired with 23.4% clay and a very low 12.5% sand. This high silt content makes the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet, providing excellent mineral richness. It offers great workability but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered.

High Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 1.78%, which is slightly below the national average and significantly lower than the state's 6.38% average. However, the available water capacity is quite high at 0.197 in/in, beating the state average of 0.182 in/in. This means the soil is excellent at storing moisture for crops during dry intervals.

Managing the Water Table

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high silt and clay levels suggest slow to moderate permeability. The high water capacity is a boon for agriculture but can lead to muddy conditions in residential yards. Managing surface runoff is key to maintaining soil health here.

Gardening Success in Zone 8b

West Carroll is in Zone 8b, making it suitable for traditional Southern staples like pecans and sweet potatoes. The silty soil is particularly good for root vegetables that appreciate a fine, stone-free texture. With consistent organic additions, this soil can become a powerhouse for your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in West Carroll Parish

via LawnByCounty

Louisiana's Friendly Lawn Climate

West Carroll Parish boasts a lawn difficulty score of 44.5, which is the highest in this region and significantly better than the state average of 33.8. Although it still trails the national median of 50.0, homeowners here have a distinct advantage. This Zone 8b region offers a slightly more manageable environment for establishing a healthy lawn.

Moderate Rainfall for the Region

At 58.0 inches of annual precipitation, West Carroll is closer to the ideal 30-50 inch range than many other Louisiana parishes. While temperature data is limited, the rainfall levels support steady growth without the extreme waterlogging seen further south. This creates a slightly more predictable schedule for mowing and maintenance.

Correction Needed for Acidic Soils

The soil pH is 5.50, which is moderately acidic and may require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil composition is 23.4% clay and 12.5% sand, providing a balanced texture that holds nutrients better than very sandy soils. Improving the pH will unlock the full potential of your fertilizer applications.

Monitoring Dry Cycles in the North

The parish spent 15 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Fortunately, 0% of the area is in severe drought right now, providing a window for recovery. Using a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets 1 inch of water weekly will bridge these dry gaps.

Spring Start for Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for their ability to handle cold snaps and heat alike. While specific frost dates are unavailable for this county, aiming for a mid-to-late March planting is generally safe for North Louisiana. Establishing your grass early will help it survive the 15 weeks of drought common to the area.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Carroll Parish's county score?
West Carroll Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 68.4 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 West Carroll Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
West Carroll Parish ranks #6 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 Carroll Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in West Carroll Parish is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.20%. This earns West Carroll Parish a tax score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in West Carroll Parish?
The median household income in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana is $48,514 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. West Carroll Parish earns an income score of 12/100 on CountyScore.
Is West Carroll Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
West Carroll Parish scores 68.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate West Carroll 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 Carroll Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.