Is Bogalusa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bogalusa

Bogalusa, a city with a rich industrial past and a unique name derived from the Choctaw language, meaning “dark water,” is situated in Washington Parish, Louisiana. Once a booming company town, its development in the early 20th century earned it the nickname “Magic City”. Today, Bogalusa offers a blend of Southern charm, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a historical landscape. The city’s location provides convenient access to larger metropolitan areas, with New Orleans approximately an hour’s drive away via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

The community is characterized by its natural surroundings, including pine forests, and a history tied to the lumber industry. While the city has experienced population and industrial shifts over the decades, it continues to be a place with a distinct identity. Bogalusa’s name itself evokes the natural waterways that characterize the region, hinting at the environment that has shaped its past and present.

Is it Safe to Live in Bogalusa?

Bogalusa faces significant challenges regarding crime rates, with statistics indicating that the city’s overall crime rate is substantially higher than both the national and state averages. Violent crime incidents in Bogalusa are particularly concerning, ranking it among the worst cities in the nation for this category. Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime is notably higher here than in many other U.S. cities.

Property crime also presents a considerable issue in Bogalusa, with rates far exceeding national averages. The chance of falling victim to property crime, including burglary and theft, is significantly elevated. While crime statistics can paint a broad picture, it is important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood within the city.

Violent Crime Statistics

Bogalusa’s violent crime rate is reported to be 1131 per 100,000 people, which places it in the bottom 10% of U.S. cities that report crime data. This rate is 215.1% higher than the national average. The types of violent crimes tracked include murder, rape, robbery, and assault.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports are the source for this data, providing a comprehensive look at reported offenses. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI data also highlights a high murder rate in Bogalusa when compared to cities of all sizes. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bogalusa is approximately one in 89.

Property Crime Statistics

Bogalusa experiences property crime rates that are among the highest in the nation. The recorded incidents of property crime stand at 4214 per 100,000 residents, placing the city among the worst 10% of U.S. cities for this category. This means the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime is significantly higher than the national average.

Specific property crimes analyzed include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates that Bogalusa has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationwide. The chance of experiencing property crime in Bogalusa is about one in 24.

Cost of Living in Bogalusa

Bogalusa is recognized as a city with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. This affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking to manage expenses, particularly in comparison to major metropolitan areas. The city’s overall cost of living is approximately 9% lower than the U.S. national average.

However, certain categories within the cost of living can be higher than the national average. Housing costs in Bogalusa are noted to be slightly higher than the national average, with a median home value that is significantly lower than the national median. Food expenses also tend to be above the national average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are generally lower.

Housing Costs

The median home value in Bogalusa is considerably lower than both the national and state averages, making it an accessible market for potential homeowners. As of March 2026, the average home value was reported at $85,577, with a median list price of $133,283. The median property value in Bogalusa has seen some fluctuations, with figures around $97,600 reported in 2024 and $155,700 in the same year according to different data sources.

Despite the lower median home values, housing costs can be slightly higher than the national average on a monthly basis for renters. The median rent in Bogalusa is around $1,000 per month, though specific listings can vary. The homeownership rate in Bogalusa was 47% as of 2024.

Utilities and Transportation

Utility costs, including energy, transportation, and healthcare, are generally lower in Bogalusa compared to the national average. For a single person, these combined expenses are estimated to be around $713 per month, and for a family of four, approximately $1592 per month. This contributes to Bogalusa being considered one of America’s less expensive cities.

The average commute time for residents is around 25.4 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Car ownership averages one car per household. While these figures provide a general overview, specific transportation costs can vary based on individual circumstances and choices.

Job Market and Economy

Bogalusa’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with retail trade, administrative services, and healthcare and social assistance being significant employers. The manufacturing sector offers some of the highest paying opportunities, with an average salary of $84,100. Other higher-paying industries include utilities and educational services.

As of 2024, the employed population in Bogalusa was approximately 3,435 people, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year. The average annual salary in Bogalusa is around $44,368, with most salaries falling between $30,960 and $53,495. However, other sources indicate a higher average salary of $60,666 per year or $29 per hour.

Major Employers

Key employers in Bogalusa contribute to the local economy and provide employment opportunities for residents. Industries such as retail trade, administrative and support services, and healthcare and social assistance are prominent. Historically, International Paper Products has been a significant employer in the region.

The economic landscape includes various sectors, and understanding these major employers can offer insight into the job market’s stability and growth potential. While specific up-to-the-minute employer lists can fluctuate, the presence of these industries indicates a foundational economic base within the community.

Unemployment

Information on Bogalusa’s specific unemployment rate is not readily available, but state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide context. The unemployment rate for Louisiana as a whole was 4.3% in April 2026. This figure represents the percentage of the labor force actively seeking employment but unable to find it.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is the primary agency for labor economics and statistics at the federal level. While local data for Bogalusa is not detailed here, state and national trends offer a broader perspective on the employment landscape.

Climate in Bogalusa

Bogalusa experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, followed by short, cool winters. The weather throughout the year is typically wet and partly cloudy. The temperature generally fluctuates between 41°F and 94°F, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 27°F or above 98°F.

The hot season extends from May to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 87°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 93°F and lows of 73°F. Conversely, the cooler season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 69°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 42°F and highs of 64°F.

Temperature and Rainfall

The average high temperature in Bogalusa during the summer months can reach up to 93°F in July. The average low temperature in the winter, specifically January, is around 42°F. These temperatures indicate a subtropical climate with distinct warm and cool seasons.

Bogalusa receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with an average of 63 inches. This precipitation contributes to the wet conditions experienced throughout much of the year. Snowfall is negligible, with an average of 0 inches annually.

Education in Bogalusa

The Bogalusa City Public Schools district serves the educational needs of the community, offering services from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has an overall Niche grade of C- and serves approximately 1,810 students. The student-teacher ratio within the district is 14:1.

According to state test scores, proficiency levels in math are at 11%, and in reading, they are at 24%. Bogalusa High School, serving grades 7-12, has an overall Niche grade of C and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Academically, Bogalusa High School receives a C grade, with C+ for teachers and C for college prep.

School Ratings

Bogalusa High School has received a C grade from Niche, based on various data points including academics, teacher quality, and student life. While some students and parents report positive experiences with caring teachers and extracurricular activities, others note issues with discipline and administration. The school’s academic proficiency in math is 8% and in reading is 19%.

Other schools in the area include Byrd Avenue Elementary School, which has an overall B+ Niche grade with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Bens Ford Christian School, a private institution, holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Niche. The Bogalusa City Public Schools district as a whole is rated C-.

Demographics of Bogalusa

Bogalusa is home to a population of approximately 10,468 residents as of the most recent data, making it the 56th most populated city in Louisiana. The city’s population has seen a decline in recent years, with projections indicating a continued decrease. The median age in Bogalusa is around 40 years old.

The racial composition of Bogalusa is diverse, with Black or African American residents forming the largest group at 48.9%, followed by White residents at 41%. Other racial categories, including Two or More Races, make up smaller percentages of the population. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a rate higher than the national average.

Population Trends

Bogalusa’s population has experienced a steady decline since its peak in 1960 due to changes in the lumber industry and subsequent industrial operations. Projections for 2026 estimate the population at around 10,036, reflecting an annual rate of change of -2.1%. This trend is consistent with the population decrease observed between 2019 and 2024.

As of 2024, the population was recorded at 10,468. The city is situated within the Bogalusa Micropolitan Statistical Area and is part of the larger New Orleans–Metairie–Slidell combined statistical area. The population density is approximately 1,121.4 people per square mile.

Income and Poverty

The median household income in Bogalusa was reported as $30,749 in 2024. This figure is slightly higher than some neighboring towns but indicates a significant portion of families living below the poverty line. Approximately 35.3% of Bogalusa families live in poverty, a rate considerably higher than the national average of 12.5%.

Other sources report a median household income of $45,380 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 24.3%. This discrepancy in income and poverty figures may be due to different data collection methodologies or timeframes. The median age for males is 34 years, while for females it is 44.5 years.