Is Haughton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Haughton
Haughton, Louisiana, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger city amenities. Situated in Bossier Parish, it provides a more relaxed pace of life while remaining within easy reach of Shreveport’s diverse offerings. This community is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including nearby Lake Bistineau and the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area, appealing to those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
The town’s location, approximately 15-20 miles east of Shreveport, makes it a practical choice for individuals seeking a quieter residential base without sacrificing access to employment centers, shopping, and entertainment. Haughton is part of the Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan Statistical Area, benefiting from the economic and cultural influences of its larger neighbors.
Is it Safe to Live in Haughton?
Haughton generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 18% below the national average, and violent crime rates are also lower than the national average by about 14% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org as of May 2026). Property crime rates are also notably lower, standing at 24% below the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org as of May 2026).
While the town’s statistics indicate a favorable safety profile, it is important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Some sources indicate that burglary rates can be higher than the national average in certain areas, though larceny and theft are significantly below average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org as of May 2026). Residents are advised to stay aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions, especially in less familiar areas.
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Haughton is generally considered more affordable than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributing factor. Housing costs in Haughton are approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median listing price for homes in Haughton is around $274,900 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). Zillow indicates an average home value of $255,993 as of March 2026, showing a 1.5% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices in Haughton are also competitive. The average rent for all property types is approximately $1,975 per month (as reported by Zillow). Apartments, however, tend to be more affordable, with an average rent of $1,283 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,327 for a two-bedroom unit (as reported by Apartments.com as of May 2026). This makes Haughton an accessible option for renters and those looking to purchase a home.
General Expenses
Beyond housing, Haughton’s cost of living remains favorable compared to national figures. Overall living expenses are about 9% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This includes costs for groceries, goods, services, healthcare, and utilities, which are generally lower than the national benchmarks.
For instance, food expenses are estimated to be 18.4% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Transportation costs are also lower, by about 6% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). These combined savings contribute to Haughton being considered one of America’s more affordable cities for daily living.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Haughton’s economy is supported by a range of employers, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and food services. While specific major employers within Haughton are not extensively detailed in all sources, the proximity to Shreveport and Barksdale Air Force Base influences the local job market. Barksdale Air Force Base is a significant employer in the region, providing numerous civilian and military employment opportunities.
Within Haughton itself, companies like McDonald’s, Dollar General, CVS Health, and Walgreens are present, offering employment in retail and service industries (as found on Indeed.com). The manufacturing sector is a notable employer, as are healthcare and social assistance roles, reflecting broader economic trends in the area (as reported by Data USA). The town is part of the Shreveport–Bossier City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which provides a wider array of employment possibilities.
Salaries and Unemployment
The median household income in Haughton was reported as $51,932 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and CUBIT). The average hourly wage for full-time work in Haughton is around $16.08 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This reflects a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Louisiana, as of March 2026, was 4.4% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment figures for Haughton are not readily available, the state average suggests a relatively stable job market. The overall employment in Haughton has seen a decline in recent years, with the most common job sectors for residents being manufacturing, healthcare, and food services (as reported by Data USA).
Climate
Haughton experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average high temperatures in the summer months typically reach into the high 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit, with significant humidity. Winter months are generally mild, with average high temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit and occasional cooler periods.
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with a tendency for heavier rainfall during the spring and summer months, often associated with thunderstorms. The region does not experience extreme temperature fluctuations, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico helps to moderate the climate, particularly in the southern parts of the state (as noted by NOAA). AccuWeather forecasts for Haughton show typical summer temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit, with varying percentages of precipitation.
Education
School Ratings
Haughton is served by the Bossier Parish Public Schools district, with several schools catering to the community. Haughton Elementary School receives a B+ Niche grade, with 43% of students proficient in math and 46% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Haughton Middle School also holds a B+ grade, with 32% of students proficient in math and 53% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Haughton High School is rated with a B grade, with 49% of students proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). These ratings suggest that schools in Haughton generally meet expectations, with varying levels of academic performance across different grade levels.
Educational Attainment
The educational attainment of Haughton residents shows a diverse level of schooling. Approximately 43.2% of the population has completed high school, while 31.1% have pursued college studies. Further education includes associate degrees for 4.7% of residents, and bachelor’s degrees for 13.4% (as reported by Point2Homes).
A smaller percentage, 4.6%, have gone on to earn master’s or doctoral degrees. This indicates a population with a solid foundation in education, with opportunities for higher learning available both locally and in nearby metropolitan areas.
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Haughton has a population of approximately 4,485 residents as of the most recent data (as reported by Data USA and CUBIT). The population is projected to reach 5,100 by 2026, indicating growth in the area (as reported by CUBIT). The median age in Haughton is 33.5 years (as reported by CUBIT and Point2Homes).
The racial composition of Haughton is primarily White (around 70.2%-70.97%), followed by Black or African American residents (around 27.2%). Hispanic residents make up a smaller percentage, around 1.3% (as reported by CUBIT and Point2Homes). This demographic makeup reflects the broader population trends in Louisiana.
Household and Income
The median household income in Haughton was $51,932 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT and Point2Homes). This figure is slightly higher than some other estimates, such as $42,974 reported by Apartments.com, which may reflect different data collection methodologies or timeframes. A poverty rate of 15.6% has been noted for Haughton (as reported by CUBIT), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
Regarding household structure, the 2020 census data indicates that 42.6% of households had children under 18. Married-couple households constituted about 49.0% of all households, with single-parent households making up a significant portion as well (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females than males.