Is Denham Springs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Denham Springs

Denham Springs, Louisiana, offers a blend of suburban charm and community-focused living, situated within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area. This city provides a distinct atmosphere for its residents, characterized by a close-knit feel and accessibility to larger urban amenities. It’s a place where the pace of life can feel more relaxed, yet opportunities for engagement and daily conveniences are readily available.

The city’s location in Livingston Parish places it strategically, offering a balance for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without being entirely removed from the bustle of a major city. Denham Springs is known for its local identity, with a history rooted in its natural springs and a developing landscape that continues to attract new residents. Its community events and local businesses contribute to its unique character, making it a notable place to consider for relocation.

Is it Safe to Live in Denham Springs?

Denham Springs presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate is considered to be about the same as the average U.S. city, with a “B-” grade indicating this trend (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally perceive the northern parts of the city as the safest areas for living.

However, property crime rates are notably higher than the national average. Denham Springs has a property crime rate of 648.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly above the national rate of 163.6 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). The chance of being a victim of property crime is higher compared to many other communities across the country, with specific neighborhoods experiencing a higher incidence of these events.

Violent crime rates in Denham Springs are reported to be slightly higher than the average U.S. city, receiving a “C-” grade (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate is 3.932 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the north of the city is considered safest, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas presenting a higher risk than others.

Cost of Living in Denham Springs

The cost of living in Denham Springs is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Overall, Denham Springs is approximately 13% less expensive to live in than the national average (as reported by Payscale and ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to several key expense categories, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

Housing expenses in Denham Springs are notably lower than the national average, with costs being about 34% less (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices also tend to be more affordable, sitting around 28% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also less expensive, running about 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Grocery prices in Denham Springs are slightly below the national average, by approximately 3% (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are also more favorable, being about 12% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These savings across various essential categories contribute to a more accessible cost of living for residents.

Housing Market and Rental Trends

Denham Springs offers a housing market with a median listing price of $275,000 (as reported by Homes.com). The median home value in the city is approximately $255,931, showing a 3.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a stable and appreciating housing market for homeowners.

For renters, the market presents a median rental price of $1,700 per month for all property types (as reported by Zillow). This figure is 19% lower than the national median rent (as reported by Zumper). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,233 per month, with two-bedroom apartments averaging about $1,358 per month (as reported by Zumper).

The rental market shows some year-over-year changes, with a slight increase in average rent. Specifically, the average rent has seen a 3.6% increase in the last year (as reported by Zumper). This suggests a steady demand for rental properties, maintaining a balanced market for both renters and landlords.

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Denham Springs is supported by a workforce of approximately 4,119 residents (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of the working population, about 72.9%, is employed in professional or administrative roles, while the remaining 27.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). The employment sectors with the most residents are construction, retail trade, and educational services (as reported by Data USA).

Major employers in the area include large retail chains and service providers. Companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Starbucks have a presence in Denham Springs, offering various employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). Other significant employers include the United States Postal Service, Sam’s Club, and The Home Depot (as reported by Indeed.com).

The average salary in Denham Springs is approximately $64,015 per year or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $71,569 (as reported by Point2Homes and Livability.com). The unemployment rate is reported at 4.6% (as reported by Niche).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Denham Springs experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 40°F to a high of 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual rainfall is substantial, measuring around 65 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather and Climate).

Summers in Denham Springs are long, hot, and can feel oppressive, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F from May to September (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 91°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during these months, from May to September.

Winters are short and milder, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows around 41°F and highs of 61°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives a significant amount of precipitation, with August being the wettest month, averaging about 225 mm of rain (as reported by Weather and Climate). Wet days are common, especially from May to September, with an average of 17.0 days in July experiencing precipitation.

Education and School Ratings

Denham Springs is served by the Livingston Parish school district, which is ranked highly within the state. This district holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating a strong educational system overall (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The city is home to 17 public schools catering to students from elementary through high school levels.

Public schools in Denham Springs show strong performance in terms of proficiency scores. They have an average math proficiency score of 40% and a reading proficiency score of 52%, both of which are higher than the state averages (as reported by Niche). The schools in Denham Springs collectively hold an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Louisiana public schools (as reported by Niche).

Several schools within Denham Springs are recognized for their academic achievements. Juban Parc Elementary School, Eastside Elementary School, and Freshwater Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools (as reported by Niche). Denham Springs High School is also noted, with state test scores showing 58% of students proficient in math and 45% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Denham Springs is home to a population of approximately 9,323 people, making it the 62nd most populated city in Louisiana (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population is currently growing at a rate of 0.04% annually, with a slight increase of 0.23% since the most recent census (as reported by Denham Springs, Louisiana Population 2026). The median age in Denham Springs is around 39.7 years (as reported by Denham Springs, Louisiana Population 2026).

The racial composition of Denham Springs is predominantly White, making up about 73.5% of the population. Other significant racial groups include Black or African American at 10.76%, and Hispanic at 12.4% (as reported by Denham Springs, Louisiana Population 2026 and Denham Springs Demographics and Statistics). A smaller percentage of the population identifies with two or more races or other racial categories.

In terms of citizenship, about 89.7% of Denham Springs residents are U.S. citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Denham Springs is $71,569 (as reported by Point2Homes and Livability.com), with a poverty rate of 6% (as reported by Niche).