Louisiana Property Tax Calculator

What is the Property Tax Rate in Louisiana?

Based on HomeLight’s analysis of publicly available data, the average effective property tax rate for a primary residence in Louisiana is approximately 0.55% of its estimated value. This is lower than the national average of 0.90%.

For example, with a 0.55% effective tax rate, a homeowner with a $284,950 home might pay around $1,567 in annual property taxes.

An effective property tax rate represents the actual percentage of a property’s market value that a homeowner pays in taxes, considering the assessed value and any exemptions or deductions.

Are There Property Tax Exemptions in Louisiana?

Homeowners in Louisiana may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can lower their tax bill. These are offered through the Louisiana Tax Commission, depending on your location. Common exemptions include:

• Homestead Exemption: This creates an exemption of up to $7,500 of assessed value (equivalent to $75,000 of fair market value) for your primary residence. 
• Veteran Disability Exemption: This program provides additional exemption amounts depending on the disability rating from the Veterans Affairs office.
  • 50–69% rating → extra $2,500 assessed value ($25,000 fair value)
    70–99% rating → extra $4,500 assessed value ($45,000 fair value)
  • 100% rated veterans may be fully exempt from ad valorem taxes on the homestead
• Special Assessment Level (“Value Freeze”): Freezes the assessed value of a homesteaded property at its qualifying year value (though taxes may still rise due to millage changes). Eligible residents must:
  • Be age 65 or older or permanently disabled, or be a disabled veteran (50%+), and
  • Have adjusted gross household income not exceeding ~$100,000 (limit varies slightly by parish)

If you’re buying a home in Louisiana, note that property tax exemptions do not automatically transfer from the previous owner. After the home changes hands, you’ll need to reapply based on your own eligibility.

When Are Louisiana Property Taxes Due?

Property taxes in Louisiana are billed annually:

• Mid-November, with taxes due by December 31.

What Do Property Taxes Pay For in Louisiana?

Local property taxes in Louisiana pay for important local services, including:

• Public schools
• Police, fire, and EMS services
• Roads, streets, and traffic signals
• Parks, libraries, and community centers
• City and county government operations
• Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
• Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Louisiana?

How Much House Can You Afford?

Affordability in Louisiana depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $57,852 in the Pelican state, a buyer might afford a home in the $185,000–$195,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with the Louisiana median home price coming in at $284,950, many buyers need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.

Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.

What Down Payment Will You Need in Louisiana?

According to Nerdwallet, the average down payment on a house in Louisiana is 9%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. While 20% used to be the expected standard, many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans. 

For a $284,950 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:

• 3% down = $8,548
• 5% down = $14,247
• 10% down = $28,495
• 15% down = $42,742
• 20% down = $56,990

Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.

How Much Are Closing Costs in Louisiana?

Buyers in Louisiana can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:

• Loan origination and underwriting fees
• Title insurance and escrow fees
• Appraisal and inspection costs
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners’ insurance
• Filing and recording fees

For a $284,950 home, that means estimated closing costs of $4,699 to $14,247. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your expected Louisiana home purchase price.

How To Find a Trusted Louisiana Real Estate Agent

An experienced Louisiana agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with top Louisiana agents based on proven performance. Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched today with no obligation.

Buying and Selling? Consider “Buy Before You Sell”

If you’re buying a new home in Louisiana but need to sell your current property first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program can simplify the entire process. This modern solution helps you unlock equity from your current home so you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home — and only move once. Watch the short video below to see how it works.