Is Scott Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scott
Scott, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger urban centers, making it an appealing place for many to call home. Nestled within Acadiana, this community provides a distinct cultural experience rooted in Cajun heritage. The town balances a relaxed pace of life with the amenities and opportunities found in nearby Lafayette.
Understanding the various facets of life in Scott is crucial for anyone considering a move. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, the job market, climate, educational opportunities, and the diverse population that calls Scott home. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what it’s like to live in this Louisiana community.
Is it Safe to Live in Scott?
Scott, Louisiana, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are higher than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Scott is approximately 8.5% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are significantly higher, occurring at a rate of 662 per 100,000 residents, which is 84.3% above the national average (according to AreaVibes).
When considering property crime, Scott’s rate is 1637 per 100,000 people, which is 7% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, when compared to similar-sized communities, Scott’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally perceive the northern part of Scott as the safest area, with a much lower incidence of crime compared to the southeastern neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Crime Statistics and Trends
The crime rate in Scott is reported as 44.79 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places Scott in the 13th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 13% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Year-over-year crime in Scott has decreased by 13% (according to AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Scott is approximately 1 in 160, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 65 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Overall, the chance of being a victim of any crime in Scott is about 1 in 46 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living in Scott
The cost of living in Scott, Louisiana, is generally considered to be lower than the national average. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living is $2423 for a single person and $5335 for a family of four (according to Salary.com). These figures indicate that living costs in Scott are approximately 2% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com).
Housing expenses are a significant factor in the cost of living, and in Scott, they are notably lower than the national average. Housing costs are about 48% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home value in Scott is approximately $170,300 (as reported by Data USA), and the median listing home price is $215,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). Renting is also an option, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,650 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is 17.5% lower than the national average (according to Zillow).
Housing Expenses
The median property value in Scott, LA, was $170,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This represents a 9.38% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Scott is 75.1% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median gross rent in Scott is $1,052 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The average rent across all property types in Scott is $1,650 per month (as reported by Zillow). This average rent is 17.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Other Living Expenses
Beyond housing, other expenses in Scott also tend to be more affordable. Utility prices in Scott are 10% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly lower, being 2% below the national average (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs are estimated to be 20% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
Transportation expenses in Scott are comparable to the national average, with bus fares and gas prices showing no significant difference (according to Payscale). The average commute time for residents is 24.7 minutes (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Scott, Louisiana, reflects a growing economy with diverse employment sectors. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Scott saw a growth rate of 1.8%, increasing the number of employees from 4.11k to 4.18k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Scott is approximately $38,917, with an hourly rate of about $18.71 (as reported by ZipRecruiter as of May 26). Most salaries in Scott fall between $29,250 and $47,000 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Top-paying job types in Scott include Logistics and Post Office positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Several companies operate in or near Scott, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities. Major employers in the broader South Louisiana region, which Scott is a part of, include Ochsner Lafayette General with 4250 jobs, University of Louisiana at Lafayette with 2900 jobs, and Stuller, Inc. with 1200 jobs (as reported by South Louisiana Economic Development). Other significant employers in the area include Acadian Companies and Walmart Distribution Center (as reported by South Louisiana Economic Development).
Within Scott itself, companies like McDonald’s, FedEx, Dollar General, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and CVS Health are present (as listed on Indeed.com). These companies represent various sectors, from retail and logistics to healthcare and food services, offering a range of job opportunities for residents.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Louisiana has reached historic lows. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate for the state was 4.4% (as reported by USAFacts), a slight increase from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is higher than the overall U.S. unemployment rate for the same period (as reported by USAFacts).
While specific unemployment data for Scott is not readily available, the state’s low unemployment rate suggests a generally favorable job market. The Louisiana Workforce Commission has reported 30 consecutive months of job growth, indicating a strong and expanding economy in the region (as stated by the Louisiana Governor’s office in a 2023 report).
Climate in Scott
Scott, Louisiana, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by long, hot summers and short, cool winters. The temperature typically ranges from 44°F to 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 30°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season extends from May to September, with average daily high temperatures above 85°F.
The hottest month is July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cool season lasts from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 44°F and highs of 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Temperature and Precipitation
Throughout the year, temperatures in Scott range from a high of 92°F in August to a low of 41°F in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from May to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Scott receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging around 64 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest period is from May 31 to September 11, with a greater than 40% chance of a wet day (as reported by Weather Spark). July typically sees the most wet days, averaging 16.6 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season spans from September 11 to May 31, with October having the fewest wet days (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education in Scott
Scott, Louisiana, is served by the Lafayette Parish Public School system, which offers a range of educational opportunities for its young residents. The public schools in Scott have demonstrated strong performance, with average math proficiency scores of 40% and reading proficiency scores of 46% (as reported by Niche). These scores are above the Louisiana public school averages of 34% for math and 43% for reading (as reported by Niche).
The schools in Scott generally receive positive rankings, with an average rating of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Louisiana public schools (as reported by Niche). L. Leo Judice Elementary School, J. Wallace James Elementary School, and Westside Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Niche).
School Performance and Ratings
L. Leo Judice Elementary School is highlighted for its exceptional academic performance, consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in Louisiana. It holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranked 23rd out of 666 Louisiana elementary schools in the 2024-2025 school year, with students showing 94% proficiency in both math and English Language Arts for 5th grade (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Scott Middle School, while serving its students, shows lower proficiency rates in math and reading compared to some other schools in the area (as reported by Homes.com).
The student-teacher ratio in Scott’s public schools is generally around 16:1 (as reported by Homes.com). Minority enrollment across Scott’s public schools is approximately 59% of the student body, which is consistent with the Louisiana public school average (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Scott
Scott, Louisiana, is a community with a population of approximately 8,609 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup of Scott is predominantly White, accounting for about 69.5% of the population, followed by Black residents at 19.6%, and Hispanic residents at 6.8% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic composition is less diverse than Louisiana overall (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Scott is 42.0 years (as reported by CUBIT). The population is distributed across various age groups, with adults between 25 and 64 making up a significant portion of the residents. The age composition suggests a community with a mix of working-age adults and a notable presence of older residents.
Population and Diversity
As of 2024, Scott’s population was estimated at 8,609, showing a slight increase from the 8,119 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The population is comprised of 49% males and 51% females (as reported by Point2Homes). Citizenship is high, with 96.3% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
While the White population constitutes the majority, Scott also has a notable Black population and a smaller Hispanic and Asian demographic. The Hispanic population share has decreased since the 2020 Census, while the Black population share has increased (as reported by Census Dots). The community is considered less racially diverse than the state of Louisiana as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).
Income and Household Data
The median household income in Scott was reported as $56,299 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This represents a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). However, 8.2% of Scott families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).
The average household size in Scott is 2.2 members (as reported by Xome). Approximately 75.1% of housing units are owner-occupied, while 24.9% are renter-occupied (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a strong tendency towards homeownership within the community.
Pros and Cons of Living in Scott
Scott, Louisiana, offers a distinctive living experience with both advantages and disadvantages that potential residents should consider. The community’s affordability, particularly in housing, stands out as a significant pro. The cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking to reduce expenses (as reported by Salary.com).
However, the higher-than-average crime rates are a notable con. While property crime is slightly below the national average, violent crime rates are considerably higher, which is a concern for safety (as reported by AreaVibes). The climate, with its long, hot, and humid summers, can also be a drawback for those sensitive to heat and humidity.
Advantages of Scott
One of the primary advantages of living in Scott is its affordability, especially concerning housing. The median home value is significantly lower than the national median (as reported by Data USA), and rental costs are also more budget-friendly (as reported by Zillow). This financial accessibility can be a major draw for individuals and families.
The community’s location offers a good balance between a peaceful, suburban feel and proximity to the larger city of Lafayette. This allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities, diverse job opportunities, and cultural attractions. The strong sense of community and Cajun heritage also contributes to the town’s appeal.
Disadvantages of Scott
The higher crime rates in Scott are a significant concern, particularly the elevated levels of violent crime compared to national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). This factor may deter individuals or families prioritizing safety above all else. Additionally, the climate can be challenging, with intense summer heat and humidity that may not be comfortable for everyone.
While the job market is growing, the average salary in Scott is moderate, and specific high-paying industries may be more concentrated in nearby larger cities. Residents might find that career advancement in specialized fields requires commuting or relocating closer to urban employment hubs. The educational landscape, while having some strong performers, also shows variability in school performance metrics (as reported by Niche).