countyscore
67.8
County Score
Property Tax 97.7Cost of Living 95.8Safety 80.6

County Report Card

About Winn Parish, Louisiana

Winn Parish Outpaces the Nation

Winn Parish achieves an impressive composite score of 67.8, making it a national standout compared to the 50.0 median. Its rural charm is backed by significant data-driven advantages.

A Top-Performing Rural Parish

Scoring 67.8 against a state average of 53.0, Winn is one of the highest-rated parishes in Louisiana. It offers an incredible value proposition that most urban centers cannot match.

Incredible Affordability and Low Risk

Winn boasts a Tax Score of 97.7 and a Cost Score of 95.8, with median home values around $102,600. A Risk Score of 70.5 also indicates a very stable environment for long-term residency.

Critical Water and Income Needs

The Water Score of 0.9 is a major outlier that requires attention for future growth. Additionally, the Income Score of 8.8 reflects a local economy with limited high-paying job opportunities.

The Verdict: Perfect for the Frugal Adventurer

Winn Parish is the ultimate choice for someone looking to live on a small budget without sacrificing safety. It is a great fit for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to retire in a low-cost, secure community.

Score breakdown

Tax97.7Cost95.8Safety80.6Health27.5Schools62.7Income8.8Risk70.5Water0.9Weather36.6
🏛97.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.3
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Winn Parish

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

See Today's Rates

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 Winn Parish with Switzerland County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Switzerland County
Indiana
Median income: $65,148
67.8
Knott County
Kentucky
Median income: $37,736
67.8
Daniels County
Montana
Median income: $58,000
67.8
Taylor County
West Virginia
Median income: $56,807
67.8
Johnson County
Illinois
Median income: $65,203
67.7
Garfield County
Montana
Median income: $61,750
67.7
Powder River County
Montana
Median income: $68,009
67.7
Winneshiek County
Iowa
Median income: $75,652
67.9

Nearby counties

Grant Parish
Louisiana
53.8
Natchitoches Parish
Louisiana
63.1
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
64.2
LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
70.9
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
58.8
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Red River Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Rapides Parish
Louisiana
36

Deep Dives

Winn Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winn Parish

via TaxByCounty

Winn Parish taxes well below national averages

Winn Parish's 0.315% effective tax rate places it in the lowest 20% nationally, substantially below the national median effective rate. On the national median home value of $281,900, homeowners would pay $2,690; Winn Parish residents on median homes pay just $323.

Among Louisiana's lowest-taxing parishes

Winn Parish's 0.315% effective rate ranks it in the bottom quartile of Louisiana's 64 parishes, well below the state average of 0.421%. Only a handful of the most rural parishes in North Louisiana undercut Winn's favorable tax rate.

Lowest taxes in its immediate region

Winn Parish's 0.315% rate is the second-lowest among the eight-parish sample, outmatched only by West Carroll Parish (0.204%). It significantly undercuts neighboring Vernon (0.541%) and Webster parishes (0.381%).

Property taxes average just $323 per year

On Winn Parish's median home value of $102,600, property owners pay approximately $323 annually in all property taxes combined. With homestead exemptions, the typical household's effective tax bill drops to around $265 per year.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Even in Winn Parish's favorable tax environment, homeowners should verify that assessed values match recent comparable sales in their area. An appeal to the parish assessor may result in lower taxes if your property has been overvalued relative to the current market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winn Parish

via CostByCounty

Winn offers solid rental affordability

Winn Parish renters spend 16.6% of their $46,368 median income on rent, well below the 30% national threshold and maintaining reasonable housing-cost ratios. The $640 median rent is among the region's lowest, making it accessible for working families.

Better than state average

Winn Parish's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, ranking the parish among the state's more affordable rental markets despite modest household incomes. The $640 median rent undercuts the state average by $233 monthly.

Winn competes on value

Winn Parish offers competitive rental rates at $640 monthly and comparable affordability ratios to West Carroll Parish, though Winn's $46,368 median income sits between low and moderate regional earners. The median home value of $102,600 provides affordable ownership options.

Low rents ease household pressures

Winn Parish renters allocate just 16.6% of their $46,368 annual income to the $640 median rent, consuming roughly $7,678 yearly and leaving substantial income for other needs. Homeowners benefit from $436 monthly costs representing just 11.3% of income.

Excellent value for moderate earners

Winn Parish delivers strong housing affordability for renters and homebuyers on modest incomes, with low rents and accessible home prices across the board. Families seeking value and community stability will find Winn among the region's best housing markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winn Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Winn trails national income median

Winn Parish households earn $46,368 annually, approximately 38% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap places the parish among America's lower-income rural areas, reflecting limited employment diversity in central Louisiana.

Below Louisiana average

Winn Parish median household income of $46,368 falls $8,882 below Louisiana's state average of $55,250, ranking it in the lower-third of state parishes. The shortfall reflects dependence on timber, agriculture, and limited service sector opportunities.

Struggling among regional cohort

Winn Parish ($46,368) outearns only Webster Parish ($37,396) and Washington Parish ($42,776), but significantly trails Vernon Parish ($58,281) and Vermilion Parish ($57,537). Its position reflects rural isolation and economic underperformance relative to more industrialized neighbors.

Rent-to-income ratio within bounds

Winn Parish maintains a manageable 16.6% rent-to-income ratio, benefiting from low median home values of $102,600. The 2.2x income-to-home-value multiplier positions Winn among the most affordable parishes for homebuyers, despite modest absolute earnings.

Leverage affordability for savings

Winn Parish residents benefit from low housing costs—use that advantage to prioritize emergency savings and modest retirement contributions. Explore workforce development programs in healthcare, skilled trades, or technology that could unlock higher-paying opportunities and meaningfully expand household financial capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winn Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive National Safety Standing

Winn Parish boasts a high safety score of 99.3, supported by a total crime rate of 461.0 per 100,000. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

Winn Parish ranks well above the Louisiana state average safety score of 97.1. Its total crime rate is also less than a third of the state average of 1,853.7 per 100,000.

A Regional Safety Haven

Compared to West Baton Rouge’s rate of 2,863.7, Winn Parish is a haven of safety in the region. It maintains a low-crime profile similar to other rural parishes like West Carroll.

Balanced and Low Crime

The property crime rate sits at 292.7 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 168.3. These low numbers across two reporting agencies reflect a community where major incidents are relatively infrequent.

Preserving a Safe Community

Low crime rates are a great asset for property values and peace of mind. Investing in a simple home security setup ensures that Winn Parish remains a safe place to live for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winn Parish

via HealthByCounty

Notably short of U.S. life expectancy

Winn Parish residents live to 70.1 years, about 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 24.8% reporting poor or fair health, the parish reflects Louisiana's persistent health challenges.

Below Louisiana's average

At 70.1 years, Winn Parish trails Louisiana's 72.5-year state average by 2.4 years, ranking among the state's lower-performing parishes. The 24.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state baseline, indicating above-average health burden.

Middle-to-lower performer in region

Winn Parish's 70.1-year life expectancy ranks below Vermilion Parish (74.1) and Vernon Parish (73.0), falling just above Washington Parish (68.9). At 24.8% poor/fair health, it sits in the region's upper half of burden.

Reasonable access, standard uninsured rate

Winn Parish has 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid mid-range access—and 68 mental health providers per 100,000. With 8.0% uninsured, the parish matches the state average, suggesting that health gaps stem from poverty and chronic disease rather than insurance barriers alone.

Coverage is the first step

With 8.0% uninsured and available providers, Winn Parish residents should ensure health coverage through louisiana.gov/dhh, then work with primary care to address chronic conditions. Insurance unlocks preventive care—the foundation for longer, healthier lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winn Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Academic Infrastructure in Winn Parish

Winn Parish provides public education through six schools, serving a total student body of 2,012. The landscape includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, supplemented by three campuses serving mixed grade levels. This variety of school types ensures that students in all corners of the parish have access to a full education.

Outperforming State Averages in Winn

Winn Parish maintains a graduation rate of 92.0%, which is five points higher than the national average. The district achieves a school score of 56.2 while spending $7,772 per pupil, nearly matching the state's average investment. These numbers reflect a system that successfully moves the majority of its students toward a diploma.

Centralized Oversight in Winn Parish

Winn Parish District manages all six schools and 2,012 students in a unified system. There are no charter schools in the area, ensuring that all public education resources are directed through the parish board. Winnfield Primary School is the largest campus, serving as a major hub for the district's 454 youngest learners.

Rural and Town Learning Hubs

The parish school system is comprised of four rural schools and two town-based campuses. The average school size is relatively small at 335 students, creating an environment where individual attention is possible. Most students attend centralized schools in Winnfield or smaller community schools like Calvin and Dodson High.

Find Your Home in Winn Parish

Strong graduation rates and a manageable school size make Winn Parish an appealing option for families. The mix of town and rural campuses allows for different living styles without sacrificing academic quality. Start your home search today to join this dedicated North Louisiana community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winn Parish

via RiskByCounty

Winn Parish among safest nationwide

With a composite risk score of 29.55 and very low risk rating, Winn Parish ranks among the safest parishes in America. The parish's minimal natural disaster exposure places it well below the national average across nearly all hazard categories.

One of Louisiana's safest parishes

Winn's composite score of 29.55 ranks it among Louisiana's lowest-risk parishes, substantially below the state average of 62.37. The parish sits in the northwest region, protected from coastal storms and enjoying generally lower hazard exposure.

Safer than surrounding central parishes

Winn's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Natchitoches and Catahoula parishes, reflecting its position away from major hazard corridors. The parish's flood risk of 40.90 remains moderate, while wildfire and tornado risks stay well below statewide averages.

Tornado and flood risks are modest

Winn Parish's most significant exposures are tornado risk (58.78) and flood risk (40.90), though both remain below statewide averages. Hurricane risk of 66.12 and earthquake risk of 41.06 present minimal concern, creating an unusually protected hazard profile.

Tornado awareness and basic coverage

Winn residents should maintain a tornado plan and ensure homeowners insurance includes wind coverage as basic precautions. The parish's low overall disaster risk means standard insurance typically provides adequate protection without specialized flood or wind policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winn Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Inland Subtropical Climate

Winn Parish averages 65.3°F annually, staying well above the national median for temperature. Its humid subtropical climate features long summers and relatively mild winters. Being inland, it avoids some coastal humidity but still remains a very warm region nationally.

A Slightly Cooler Louisiana Experience

At 65.3°F, Winn Parish is cooler than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. This makes it one of the more temperate parishes in the state, largely due to its north-central location. It offers a slight reprieve from the more extreme heat found in the southern parishes.

Balanced Rainfall and Moderate Snow

Winn Parish receives 57.7 inches of rain, which is drier than the state average of 60.8 inches. It sees 0.3 inches of snow annually, more than the coastal areas but less than Webster Parish's 0.6 inches. This makes it a transition zone between the wet south and the slightly drier, cooler north.

Sharp Seasonal Shifts and Summer Heat

Summer heat is significant with 89 days reaching at least 90°F and a July average of 82.1°F. Winters are cooler than the state average, with January temperatures averaging 46.5°F. The seasonal gap is clear, with a summer average of 81.1°F and a winter average of 48.5°F.

Prepare for Hot Summers and Chilly Nights

With 89 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is vital for health and comfort. Residents should also prepare for the 46.5°F January average by having adequate home heating and insulation. The 57.7 inches of rain means that while it is drier than the coast, water management is still a daily consideration.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winn Parish

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Loams of Winn

Winn Parish has a soil score of 41.0 and an average pH of 5.71, which is very close to the Louisiana state average. While it is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, it is well-suited for the region's native timber and specialty crops. This soil represents a transition between the heavy clays and the lighter sands of the north.

Balanced Sand and Silt

The soil contains 42.0% sand and 39.5% silt, creating a medium texture that is easy to manage. Clay makes up 18.5% of the profile, providing just enough structure to hold some nutrients without becoming impossibly sticky. This balance makes the land versatile for both forestry and small-scale farming.

Healthy Organic Foundations

Organic matter is recorded at 2.01%, hitting the national average exactly, though it is below the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity is 0.155 in/in, which is lower than the state average and suggests a need for irrigation during dry weeks. Regular addition of organic mulch can help improve these numbers over time.

High Runoff Risk

Winn Parish is largely classified as Hydrologic Group D, indicating a high potential for water runoff when the ground is wet. This suggests that despite the sandy-silt texture, the soil does not absorb water quickly enough to prevent surface flow during storms. Proper erosion control is vital for maintaining topsoil on sloped land.

Hardy Growing in Zone 8b

Zone 8b provides a slightly shorter growing season than the coast, but it is perfect for peppers, tomatoes, and stone fruits. The sandy-silt soil is a favorite for southern peas and watermelons that enjoy good drainage. Start your garden this spring to take advantage of Winn's workable and responsive soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winn Parish

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Challenges of Winn Parish

Winn Parish presents a difficult environment for lawn care with a score of 30.3, falling below the state average of 33.8. Compared to the national median of 50.0, homeowners here face a significant uphill battle. Maintaining turf in Hardiness Zone 8b requires a dedicated approach to soil management and irrigation.

High Heat and Significant Rain

Winn Parish experiences 89 extreme heat days and 6,116 growing degree days annually. With 57.7 inches of rain, the climate is wetter than the ideal 30-50 inch range, leading to high humidity. This combination creates a breeding ground for lawn diseases, making proper air circulation and mowing heights essential.

Acidic Sand and Silt Balance

The soil pH of 5.71 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit nutrient uptake for your grass. The soil is 42.0% sand and 18.5% clay, which provides decent drainage but may require frequent fertilization as nutrients wash away. Regular lime applications can help raise the pH to more productive levels for your turf.

Extreme Drought Resilience Required

Winn Parish is currently facing a major water challenge, with 100% of the area in severe drought. The county has endured 21 weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the most drought-stressed areas in the region. Choosing drought-resistant species like Bermuda grass is critical for survival in these conditions.

Start After the Mid-March Frost

Your primary window for starting a lawn begins after the last spring frost on March 13. Given the 100% severe drought status, it is vital to establish your grass early and use mulch to keep the soil cool. Aim to have your new lawn established well before the first fall frost on November 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winn Parish's county score?
Winn Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 67.8 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 Winn Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Winn Parish ranks #7 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 Winn Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Winn Parish is $323, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Winn Parish a tax score of 97.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winn Parish?
The median household income in Winn Parish, Louisiana is $46,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winn Parish earns an income score of 8.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winn Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Winn Parish scores 67.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Winn 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 Winn Parish with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.