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Is Bossier City a Good Place to Live? Bossier City, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bossier City ranks #1154 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #477 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.8, #3 of 524) and short commutes (18 min, #49 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (704 per 100,000, #417 of 444) and low household income ($55,819, #472 of 524).
Bossier City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bossier City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bossier City?
Bossier City's cost of living index is 84.8, 15% below the US level of 100 and #29 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,107/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,529, 6% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Bossier City | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 84.8#29 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $229,529#200 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,515/mo#349 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $202,100#232 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,107/mo#340 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.8%#872 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bossier City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bossier City is in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Bossier City safe?
Bossier City recorded 704 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 37% above Louisiana's 515. That ranks #969 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #417 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bossier City Police Department. Property crime runs 3,288 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bossier City | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 704#969 of 1,085 | 515 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,288#989 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bossier City?
The median household in Bossier City earns $55,819, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bossier City | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,819#1131 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.8%#1138 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bossier City?
The median resident of Bossier City is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bossier City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.7%#982 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bossier City's schools and health?
Bossier City's 19 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,381 spent per pupil. 42.4% of adults are obese and 14.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bossier City | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,381#782 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.4%#1222 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.2%#1104 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10%#656 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,895 students are enrolled in Bossier City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bossier City?
The average commute in Bossier City is 18 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 1.5% of workers take transit and 6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bossier City scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.2°F and winters 50.4°F, with 48.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bossier City | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18 min#191 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 83.5% | 78.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.5% | 0.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6% | 8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.1#1228 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.6 | 38.8 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 62.3 | 42.3 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 70 | 49.1 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 77.5 | 56.2 | 4.7 |
| May | 85.2 | 65.5 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 91.5 | 72.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 94.6 | 76 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 95 | 75.1 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 89.6 | 68.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 79.4 | 56.8 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 68.1 | 46.9 | 4 |
| Dec | 60.1 | 40.5 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Shreveport Downtown Airport.
| Measure | Bossier City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 67.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 84.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Shreveport Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bossier City?
Bossier Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bossier Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Bossier City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#435 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bossier Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bossier Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | 0.0033% | 100% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.017% | 96% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0091% | 83% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0041% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bossier City compare with similar-size cities?
Bossier City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #477 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,901.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #1259 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 | 23.5 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #325 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #35 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 | 21.4 min |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #1099 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 | 29.3 min |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bossier City compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Bossier City ranks #9 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 8% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Louisiana home.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Bossier City's score calculated?
Bossier City scores 46.5 out of 100, #1154 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Louisiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bossier City. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bossier City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
38.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bossier City. Similar-size median 58.9.
32.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bossier City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bossier City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bossier City. Similar-size median 56.1.
26.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bossier City. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bossier City. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bossier City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bossier City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bossier City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bossier City
Is Bossier City, LA a good place to live?
Bossier City ranks #1154 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #477 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.8, #3 of 524) and short commutes (18 min, #49 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (704 per 100,000, #417 of 444) and low household income ($55,819, #472 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bossier City?
Bossier City's cost of living index is 84.8, 15% below the US level of 100 and #29 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,107/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,529, 6% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Bossier City?
Bossier City recorded 704 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 37% above Louisiana's 515. That ranks #969 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #417 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bossier City Police Department. Property crime runs 3,288 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bossier City?
The median household in Bossier City earns $55,819, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bossier City?
Median rent in Bossier City is $1,107/mo (Census), #340 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,515/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bossier City?
The typical home value in Bossier City is $229,529, up 1.2% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $202,100.
How are the public schools in Bossier City?
Bossier City's 19 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,381 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bossier City?
The average commute is 18 minutes, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bossier City?
Bossier City averages 67.5°F over the year, 84.2°F in summer and 50.4°F in winter, with 48.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bossier City walkable?
Bossier City scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bossier City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bossier Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bossier City?
Bossier Parish's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bossier City?
Bossier City has 62,901 residents. The median resident of Bossier City is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bossier City compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Bossier City ranks #9 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 8% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Bossier City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bossier City's population of 62,901 are Hamilton, OH (#1098 overall), Moore, OK (#607 overall), Brookline, MA (#2 overall), Porterville, CA (#1259 overall), and Hendersonville, TN (#325 overall). Bossier City is #1154.