Property taxes in Louisiana are assessed and collected at the local level — primarily by counties and municipalities — with rates varying significantly depending on where your home is located. The statewide average effective rate for 2025is 0.55%, meaning a homeowner with a $206,400 median-value home typically pays around $1,135 per year in property taxes. For a monthly perspective, that works out to roughly $95/month — a line item that should factor into every home purchase decision in Louisiana.
Louisiana uses a 10.0% assessment ratio for primary residential properties. This means the county assessor sets your home's taxable (assessed) value at 1000% of its market value. On a $400,000 home, for example, the taxable assessed value would be $40,000. Mill rates (the nominal tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value) are then applied to this lower figure.
Available Exemptions in Louisiana
$75,000 exemption off assessed value for owner-occupied homes. At 10% assessment ratio, this is equivalent to $750,000 of market value — making taxes $0 for many modest homes.
Special Assessment Level freeze for seniors 65+: once qualified, assessed value is frozen as long as you live in the home.
100% service-connected disabled veterans: full exemption from property taxes. Surviving spouses retain the exemption.
What Makes Louisiana's Property Tax System Unique
Louisiana's $75,000 homestead exemption off a 10% assessed value creates an effective market value equivalent of $750,000 exempt — making many Louisiana homes tax-free. A $150,000 home assessed at $15,000 minus $75,000 homestead = $0 taxable. Jefferson and Orleans parishes have higher rates.
When Are Louisiana Property Taxes Due?
Louisiana property taxes are paid on a annual basis. Due dates: December 31 (delinquent after January 1). Missing a due date typically results in penalty interest (often 1–2% per month) and eventually tax liens, so it is important to calendar these dates well in advance — especially if you have a mortgage and your lender handles property tax through escrow (in which case they pay on your behalf from your escrow account).
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Louisiana
If you believe your property has been over-assessed — which is surprisingly common, especially after rapid market changes — you have the right to appeal. File with your parish Board of Review during the open roll period (typically August–September). Louisiana is unique in that its assessment rolls open for public inspection.
To build a strong appeal, gather comparable sales (homes similar in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value), photos documenting property defects, and any independent appraisals you have. Many homeowners who appeal see their assessments reduced — and some jurisdictions allow free informal hearings before a formal appeal is required.
Property Tax Rates by Major Louisiana Cities
Within Louisiana, effective property tax rates vary significantly by city and county. Here are the major areas and what to expect:
- New Orleans— rates in this area may differ from the 0.55% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Baton Rouge— rates in this area may differ from the 0.55% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Shreveport— rates in this area may differ from the 0.55% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Metairie— rates in this area may differ from the 0.55% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Lafayette— rates in this area may differ from the 0.55% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
Note: County rates within Louisiana can range from well below to well above the statewide average. Always verify the current mill rate with your county assessor's office.
Pro Tips for Louisiana Property Owners
- Apply for every exemption you qualify for — many homeowners leave money on the table by not filing for the homestead or senior exemption. Applications are typically annual or one-time, and deadlines are firm.
- Review your assessment notice every year. If the county's estimate of your home's market value seems too high relative to what similar homes are actually selling for, appeal it. Even a 10% reduction on a $400,000 assessment saves $400–$700/year at typical Louisiana rates.
- If you have a mortgage, confirm with your lender whether property taxes are paid via an escrow account. If so, ensure your escrow balance is adequate — under-funded escrow leads to an escrow shortage and a sudden increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
- Pay early if your state offers discounts. Some states (like Florida) give 1–4% discounts for early payment. On a $5,000 tax bill, a 4% early-payment discount saves $200 — for essentially zero work.
- Property taxes are generally deductible on your federal income tax return as part of the SALT deduction (state and local taxes), subject to the $10,000 cap introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For high-tax states, this cap is often a binding constraint.