Is Fort Polk South Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South, Louisiana, is a community with a unique identity, largely shaped by its proximity to the U.S. Army installation. This CDP, located in Vernon Parish, offers a distinct living experience for its residents. Understanding the nuances of life here involves delving into various aspects, from safety and cost of living to the local job market and climate.
The community is home to a significant population, with demographic data indicating a diverse mix of residents. Its identity is closely tied to the military presence, influencing many facets of daily life. Exploring Fort Polk South reveals a place with its own set of characteristics, appealing to those who seek a specific lifestyle within the broader context of Louisiana.
Is it Safe to Live in Fort Polk South?
Fort Polk South’s overall crime rate is considered slightly higher than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a “C-” grade from Crime Grade. The community experiences a crime rate of approximately 31.13 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by Crime Grade). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with a range from 1 in 15 in the north to 1 in 52 in the west (as reported by Crime Grade).
While some areas experience more incidents, with the northwest parts seeing about 109 crimes per year, other areas, like the southeast, report very few (as reported by Crime Grade). Fort Polk South ranks in the 32nd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 32% of U.S. cities but less safe than 68% (as reported by Crime Grade). Augurisk indicates a low crime risk for Fort Polk South, predicting approximately 15 violent crimes and 102 property crimes annually within its block groups.
Cost of Living and Housing in Fort Polk South
The cost of living in Fort Polk South presents a mixed picture. The median household income is reported at $63,800 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the poverty rate stands at 13.96% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
Housing prices in Fort Polk South are noted to be lower than the Louisiana average. The median home price is $174,039, which is below the state’s median of $194,522 (as reported by Zillow). The average rent for a property in Fort Polk South is approximately $1,368 per month (as reported by Zillow). Renters are generally advised to spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on rent (as reported by Fort Polk South, LA Housing Market).
Home Prices
The median home value in Fort Polk South was $151,144 as of March 2026, showing a 4.9% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Fort Polk South is 55.3% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Market
The rental market in Fort Polk South shows an average rent of $1,368 per month as of March 2026, which is lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). Month-over-month, rents have seen an increase of 2.3%, and year-over-year, they have risen by 9% (as reported by Zillow). The median gross rent is $1,202 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
Job Market and Economy in Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South’s economy is influenced by its military presence, with major employers including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Army itself (as reported by Indeed.com). Other significant employers in the broader region include Northrop Grumman, AECOM, and various retail and food service establishments (as reported by Indeed.com).
The employment sectors that are most common for residents of Fort Polk South include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in the area are Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction, followed by Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).
Average Salary
The average salary for a “Paying” position in Fort Polk South is approximately $100,008 per year or $48.08 per hour as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For U.S. Army positions, the average annual pay is around $49,543 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with an hourly rate of about $23.82.
The median household income in Fort Polk South is reported as $63,800 (as reported by Point2Homes). Income inequality in Louisiana, as measured by the GINI calculation, is 0.464, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Unemployment
Specific unemployment data for Fort Polk South is not readily available, but Louisiana’s unemployment insurance claims are tracked on a state level (as reported by Data USA). Historically, the U.S. has experienced fluctuations in unemployment rates, with significant impacts seen during economic downturns.
Climate in Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 38°F in January to a high of 93°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, essentially nonexistent throughout the year.
The total annual precipitation is around 61 inches, with the peak occurring in December (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels are higher in the summer, contributing to muggy conditions. The area receives approximately 2,865 annual sunshine hours, with the sunniest months typically from July through October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperatures
Over the course of the year, temperatures typically vary from 42°F to 92°F, rarely dropping below 29°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin). The hot season lasts from May to September, with daily high temperatures often above 86°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 42°F, while August is the hottest, with average highs around 92°F (as reported by The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin).
Rainfall
Fort Polk South receives an average annual precipitation of about 61 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though December typically sees the most precipitation, averaging around 6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). A “wet day” is defined as receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, and the chance of such a day is higher from late May to early September (as reported by The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin).
Demographics of Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South is home to a population of approximately 7,869 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is projected to be around 7,459 in 2026, indicating a slight annual decline (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
The racial composition of Fort Polk South is predominantly White, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents making up a significant portion. Other racial and ethnic groups include Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanic residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Fort Polk South is around 23 years (as reported by Point2Homes).
Population Breakdown
As of 2022, Fort Polk South had a population of 48,452 (as reported by Data USA). In 2024, the population was recorded at 7,869 (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population making up a small percentage (as reported by Data USA).
The largest ethnic groups in Fort Polk South include White (Non-Hispanic), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and White (Hispanic) (as reported by Data USA). The Hispanic or Latino population constitutes 20.8% of the residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
Education in Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South has public schools available through the Vernon Parish School District, with two elementary schools located on post: North Polk Elementary and Parkway Elementary (as reported by Fort Polk, LA Schools). Children living on or off post can attend these schools or opt for schools in the Beauregard Parish district.
Parkway Elementary School is rated as better than 66.9% of all U.S. schools and better than 75.7% of all Louisiana schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). North Polk Elementary School serves students in Pre-K through kindergarten, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Homes.com).
School Ratings
While specific overall school ratings for Fort Polk South are not consolidated in a single source, individual school data provides some insight. Parkway Elementary School demonstrates strong performance relative to state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Parents and guardians can find detailed information on district and school performance through resources like Niche and NeighborhoodScout.
Major Employers in Fort Polk South and Surrounding Areas
The presence of Fort Polk, a major U.S. Army installation, significantly influences the employment landscape. The U.S. Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are primary employers (as reported by Indeed.com). In the broader Southwest Louisiana region, key sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, oil refining, education, and the gaming industry.
Other notable employers in the wider region include Coushatta Casino Resort, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, and various healthcare facilities like Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (as reported by Livability.com). Companies such as Northrop Grumman and AECOM also have a presence, contributing to the diverse job market (as reported by Indeed.com).
Key Industries
The primary industries employing residents of Fort Polk South include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). In the surrounding Southwest Louisiana area, major industries also encompass manufacturing, oil and gas, and leisure and hospitality (as reported by Livability.com).
The highest-paying sectors in Fort Polk South are identified as Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction, followed by Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a demand for specialized skills in these fields within the local economy.