Calcasieu County
LA · Pop. 208,668 · Mixed County
Calcasieu Parish sits in Louisiana across 1,064 square miles, home to 208,668 people at 196.1 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, rice, haylage. A median home price of $209,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.44% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 294-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F and average winter lows of 44°F. Annual rainfall averages 64.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is 0.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 294-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.44% holds annual carrying costs down.
- West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Calcasieu County, LA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 47/100
- Median home price
- $209k
- Property tax
- 0.44%
- Growing season
- 294 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 64.2"
- Broadband
- 88.6%
- Nearest hospital
- West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, 0.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Calcasieu County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Calcasieu Parish?
- Calcasieu Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 294-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F, and average winter lows of 44°F. The established crops are hay, rice, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $209,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.44%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is 0.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 10 hospitals in the county.
Explore Louisiana Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Louisiana
All Louisiana countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Calcasieu County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.