What to know when moving to Shreveport, LA
Shreveport at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A low-income area with a median household income of $17,924 and 68.6% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $714, making housing relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- Approximately 50.2% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- 5.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for about 34.3 inches of rain annually, with 77 rainy days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
The community in Shreveport is characterized by a significant renter population, with 68.6% of residents renting their homes. The median household income is notably low at $17,924, and the area has a relatively low education level, with only 13.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area experiences about 77 rainy days each year, which might influence outdoor plans.
Probably not your spot if: A high poverty rate of 50.2% may present challenges for some newcomers.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- With a median gross rent of $714, housing is considerably more affordable compared to many other regions.
- The median owner-occupied home value stands at $86,500, which reflects the lower cost of living in this area.
- Education level is relatively low, with only 13.4% of residents having a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate is high at 50.2%.
- 68.6% of the population are renters, indicating a majority preference for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Louisiana show a mixed trend, with some reductions in specific offenses over the past few years.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 466 per 100k, significantly higher than the national rate of 325.3, but down 27.6% since 2022.
- Property crime: The rate is 1,879.3 per 100k, also above the national average of 1,546.9, yet it has decreased by 33.5% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 53.2% since 2022, reported at 8.1 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Shreveport has access to numerous educational institutions, with a total of 14 schools in the area, including options in nearby Caddo and Bossier Parishes.
- Postsecondary institutions: 14
- With College Scorecard data: 13
- Notable schools include Centenary College of Louisiana and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Shreveport experiences a warm climate with an annual average high of 86°F and about 34.3 inches of rainfall each year. Residents can expect around 77 rainy days, with the summer season being particularly wet.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Betty Virginia Park (4.6, 1,118 reviews)
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge (4.7, 893 reviews)
- East Kings Highway Park (4.4, 782 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Caddo Parish, the local economy is characterized by a labor force of 99,806 with an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.1% (as of December 2025)
- Employment: 95,763
- Labor force: 99,806
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.