Is Leesville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Leesville
Leesville, Louisiana, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, blending Southern charm with the presence of a significant military installation. This city in Vernon Parish provides a unique living experience shaped by its community, economy, and environment. Understanding these facets is crucial for anyone considering making Leesville their home.
The city’s character is influenced by its role as the parish seat and its proximity to Fort Polk, a major military base. This dynamic creates a diverse population and contributes to the local economy and workforce. Leesville provides a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking a respite from larger urban centers while still offering essential amenities and community engagement.
Is it Safe to Live in Leesville?
Leesville’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with statistics indicating it is higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 37.69 per 1,000 residents annually (according to Crime Grade). Violent crime rates are significantly elevated, with an estimated rate of 925.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 143% higher than the national average (according to DoorProfit). This translates to a roughly 1 in 108 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year (according to DoorProfit).
Property crime also exceeds national averages, with an estimated rate of 4,370.0 per 100,000 residents, 139% higher than the national average (according to DoorProfit). Specifically, burglary rates are 96% above the national average, larceny/theft is 119% above, and vehicle theft is 139% above (according to DoorProfit). While Leesville has a safety grade of D (according to DoorProfit), residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with chances of victimization varying by neighborhood (according to Crime Grade).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Leesville offers relatively affordable options compared to national trends. The median home price in Leesville was $134K as of March 2026, marking a 4.3% decrease compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $97, showing a 6.6% increase year-over-year (according to Redfin). Homes in Leesville are currently selling after an average of 271 days on the market, which is longer than the 225 days recorded last year (according to Redfin).
For renters, the median rental price in Leesville is $875 per month (according to Zumper). Apartments offer a range of prices, with studios averaging around $656 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $718, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $922 (according to Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can be found for $1,075 or more per month (according to Apartments.com). Leesville’s rental market shows a slight decrease in average rent year-over-year, making it a potentially more accessible option for renters than many other areas (according to RentCafe).
Cost of Living and Economic Landscape
Leesville is notably more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index that is approximately 25% lower than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to key areas such as housing, transportation, food, and healthcare, all of which are less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Leesville is $2,219, and for a family of four, it is $4,886 (according to Salary.com).
The median household income in Leesville is $37,500 (according to Data USA). However, the poverty rate is significantly high, with 33.73% of residents living below the poverty line (according to Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Leesville is approximately $60,324 per year, or $29 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Leesville is reported at 5.5% (according to Niche).
Major Employers and Job Market
The presence of Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center significantly impacts Leesville’s employment landscape. Fort Polk is a substantial employer, contributing to a diverse and skilled population within the community (according to the City of Leesville official website). This military installation has a considerable economic impact on the region, providing numerous job opportunities both directly and indirectly through associated services and businesses.
Beyond the military, Leesville’s economy includes various sectors. Major employers and companies in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General, indicating a presence of retail and service industries (according to Indeed.com). Other companies like Hixson Auto Plex and Leesville Lumber Co. are also noted as significant employers (according to Zippia). The government sector also offers employment, with an average annual pay of $104,445 for government positions in Leesville (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Leesville experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from a low of 35°F to a high of 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 22°F or exceeding 97°F (according to BestPlaces). The hot season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 83°F (according to BestPlaces). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 70°F (according to BestPlaces).
The city receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an annual average of approximately 57.68 inches of rain (according to Leesville, LA Weather). August is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 3.7 inches (according to BestPlaces). Snowfall is rare and minimal, with January seeing the most snow, averaging about 1.9 inches (according to BestPlaces). Humidity levels can be high, particularly during the summer months, making the air feel muggy or oppressive at times (according to BestPlaces).
Education and School Ratings
Leesville’s public school system serves a diverse student population. The city has 9 public schools catering to approximately 4,869 students (according to Niche). Leesville public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% and a reading proficiency score of 48% (according to Niche). These scores are comparable to, or slightly below, the state averages for Louisiana public schools (according to Niche).
Leesville High School, serving grades 9-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 (according to NCES). The school ranks in the top 50% of Louisiana high schools for overall test scores, with math proficiency at 42% and reading proficiency at 40-44% (according to NCES). While some schools in Leesville perform well, others lag behind district and state averages, indicating potential disparities in educational outcomes (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
Leesville is home to a population of approximately 5,500 residents, with a projected population of 5,178 in 2026 (according to Data USA). The city’s population has been in decline, decreasing by 8.52% since 2020 (according to Data USA). The racial composition of Leesville is diverse, with White residents making up about 50.83% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 36.54% (according to Data USA). Hispanic residents constitute about 8.12% of the population (according to Data USA).
The median age in Leesville is 34.3 years (according to Data USA). For every 100 females, there are approximately 94.5 males in the city (according to Data USA). A significant portion of the population, 33.7%, lives below the poverty line (according to Data USA). The largest demographic living in poverty includes females aged 25-34, followed by females and males aged 55-64 (according to Data USA).