Louisiana Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

54.91%

Median Annual Tax

$1,146

Median Home Value

$208,700

Louisiana Property Tax Overview

What is the Louisiana property tax?

The Louisiana property tax is a local tax levied on real‑estate holdings. It is administered by the parish (county) assessor‑collector offices and is used to fund schools, public safety, roads, and other municipal services. The amount a homeowner pays depends on the assessed value of the property and the Louisiana property tax rate applied by the relevant parish.

Key Statistics (2026)

Metric	Value
Median home value	$208,700
Effective property tax rate	0.55 %
Median annual property tax	$1,146

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

Effective property tax rate is calculated as the annual tax divided by the home’s market value, expressed as a percentage.

Example Tax Bills

Using the 0.55 % Louisiana property tax rate:

Assessed Home Value	Approximate Annual Tax
$250,000	$1,373
$500,000	$2,746

These figures are derived by multiplying the home value by the effective rate (0.55 %). Actual bills may differ because of local assessment practices, exemptions, or supplemental taxes.

Comparison to the National Average

National average effective property tax rate (2026): 0.97 %
Louisiana’s rate: 0.55 %
Difference: Louisiana’s rate is 43.26 % lower than the national average.
Ranking: 13th lowest out of the 52 U.S. states and territories (including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico).

Variation by Parish (County)

Property tax rates are not uniform across the state. Each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes sets its own millage rates and assessment policies. Consequently, a homeowner in East Baton Rouge Parish may face a slightly higher or lower rate than a homeowner in St. Bernard Parish. Local exemptions—such as the homestead exemption for primary residences or exemptions for seniors—also affect the final tax bill.

Implications for Retirees and Landlords

Group	Factual Considerations
Retirees	The lower Louisiana property tax rate (0.55 %) reduces the ongoing cost of homeownership compared with many other states. However, retirees should also consider other state taxes (e.g., income tax on retirement income) and the availability of property‑tax relief programs that some parishes offer.
Landlords	For investors, the relatively low effective rate can improve cash‑flow projections. Nonetheless, landlords must account for any parish‑specific supplemental taxes (e.g., school taxes) and the possibility of higher rates in certain urban parishes. Rental income is also subject to state income tax, which should be factored into overall profitability analyses.

All statements are based on the tax rate data; no qualitative judgment about suitability is expressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the effective property tax rate calculated?
The effective rate equals the total annual property tax divided by the market value of the property, expressed as a percentage. For example, a $250,000 home taxed at $1,373 yields an effective rate of 0.55 % (1,373 ÷ 250,000).

2. Do all Louisiana homeowners pay the same tax rate?
No. While the statewide average Louisiana property tax rate is 0.55 %, each parish sets its own millage rates and may offer exemptions. Therefore, the actual rate can vary from one parish to another.

3. Where can I find the exact tax rate for my parish?
Parish assessor‑collector offices publish current millage rates and assessment methods on their official websites. The Louisiana Department of Revenue also maintains a searchable database of parish tax rates.

References

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates, 2023 – Property values and tax data.
Louisiana Department of Revenue – Information on parish millage rates and exemptions.

This article presents factual information derived from publicly available data and does not constitute tax or legal advice.

Neighboring States

Arkansas

Mississippi

Texas