Louisiana's average effective property tax rate is about 0.55% of assessed home value (Tax Foundation, 2026 data), making it one of the lowest in the nation — ranked roughly #40-41 among the 50 states. This is well below the national average, which sits around 0.99%-1.1% depending on methodology/source (Census Bureau vs. Tax Foundation vs. other trackers) — putting Louisiana at roughly half the national rate. Rates vary regionally within the state: parishes with more local voter-approved millages (e.g., some New Orleans-area and suburban parishes) run higher, while many rural parishes are lower still. A key driver of Louisiana's low effective rate is that residential property is assessed at only 10% of fair market value before millage rates are applied (versus 100% assessment ratios common in many other states), compounding with the homestead exemption.
Example: The median Louisiana homeowner pays approximately $1,180 per year in property taxes, on a typical home valued around $216,500 (Tax Foundation/Census-based estimate for 2026). This compares to roughly $3,100+ paid by the median U.S. household nationally — Louisiana homeowners typically pay less than half the national median dollar amount.
Because Louisiana assesses residential property at just 10% of fair market value (versus 100% in most states) and layers the $7,500 homestead exemption on top, comparing raw millage rates across states is misleading — always compare effective rates (tax paid / market value) as done above. Homeowners should confirm current-year figures and any parish-specific millage or exemption variations directly with their parish assessor's office, especially given the pending November 2026 constitutional amendment that could raise the senior freeze income threshold to $150,000.
Facts on this page reflect research current as of 2026-07-05. Programs, rates, and laws change — confirm current figures with the relevant state agency before relying on them.