LouisianaPop. 180,982Mid-size cities
Is Shreveport a Good Place to Live? Shreveport, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Shreveport ranks #1273 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #251 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.8, #1 of 256) and low rents ($987/mo, #14 of 256), and trails on low household income ($48,699, #248 of 256) and high violent crime (1,163 per 100,000, #227 of 235).
Shreveport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Shreveport'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 Shreveport?
Shreveport'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 $987/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $148,292, 32% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Shreveport | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 84.8#29 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $148,292#39 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,184/mo#88 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $178,900#165 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $987/mo#201 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.3%#924 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Shreveport 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. Shreveport is in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Shreveport safe?
Shreveport recorded 1,163 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1056 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #227 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shreveport Police Department. Property crime runs 3,610 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Shreveport | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,163#1056 of 1,085 | 515 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,610#1020 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Shreveport?
The median household in Shreveport earns $48,699, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Shreveport | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $48,699#1247 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.5%#1207 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Shreveport?
The median resident of Shreveport is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Shreveport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.5%#856 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Shreveport's schools and health?
Shreveport's 46 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,156 spent per pupil. 43.1% of adults are obese and 17.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Shreveport | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,156#677 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 43.1%#1251 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 17.6%#1276 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,711 students are enrolled in Shreveport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Shreveport?
The average commute in Shreveport is 18.8 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Shreveport scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 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 | Shreveport | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.8 min#245 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.1% | 78.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 0.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 6.9% | 8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.4#1184 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Shreveport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 67.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 48.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Shreveport?
Caddo Parish's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Caddo Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Shreveport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#415 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Caddo Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Caddo Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.016% | 96% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0088% | 82% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.004% | 63% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0053% | 38% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 32% 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 Shreveport compare with similar-size cities?
Shreveport is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #251 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 180,982.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Ontario, CAPop. 180,547 | #854 | 52.4 | $88,941 | $2,030/mo | 244 | 31.5 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #889 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 | 18.4 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 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 Shreveport compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Shreveport ranks #14 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 40.2 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 20% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below 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 Shreveport's score calculated?
Shreveport scores 40.2 out of 100, #1273 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Shreveport. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Shreveport's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
17.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Shreveport. Similar-size median 53.8.
23.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Shreveport's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Shreveport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Shreveport. Similar-size median 51.2.
18.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Shreveport. Similar-size median 42.1.
33.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Shreveport. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Shreveport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Shreveport's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Shreveport 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 Shreveport
Is Shreveport, LA a good place to live?
Shreveport ranks #1273 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #251 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.8, #1 of 256) and low rents ($987/mo, #14 of 256), and trails on low household income ($48,699, #248 of 256) and high violent crime (1,163 per 100,000, #227 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Shreveport?
Shreveport'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 $987/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $148,292, 32% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Shreveport?
Shreveport recorded 1,163 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1056 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #227 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shreveport Police Department. Property crime runs 3,610 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Shreveport?
The median household in Shreveport earns $48,699, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Shreveport?
Median rent in Shreveport is $987/mo (Census), #201 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,184/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Shreveport?
The typical home value in Shreveport is $148,292, up 3.9% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $178,900.
How are the public schools in Shreveport?
Shreveport's 46 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,156 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Shreveport?
The average commute is 18.8 minutes, #245 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Shreveport?
Shreveport 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 Shreveport walkable?
Shreveport scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Shreveport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Caddo Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Shreveport?
Caddo Parish's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Shreveport?
Shreveport has 180,982 residents. The median resident of Shreveport is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Shreveport compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Shreveport ranks #14 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 40.2 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 20% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Shreveport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Shreveport's population of 180,982 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Fort Lauderdale, FL (#931 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Ontario, CA (#854 overall), and Aurora, IL (#376 overall). Shreveport is #1273.