Is Raceland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Raceland
Raceland, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and a growing community, making it an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Nestled in Lafourche Parish, this community provides a more relaxed pace of life while still being within reach of larger urban centers. The area is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community, where neighbors often know each other and participate in local events. This welcoming environment is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to establish roots in a place that values connection and camaraderie.
The town’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with healthcare and social assistance, public administration, and manufacturing being prominent sectors. This diversity in employment opportunities provides a stable job market for residents. Raceland’s strategic location also offers convenient access to major transportation routes, facilitating commutes and the movement of goods, which further bolsters its economic vitality. The community’s commitment to preserving its local culture while embracing growth contributes to its distinctive character.
Is it Safe to Live in Raceland?
Raceland presents a mixed picture when it comes to safety, with crime rates that are notably higher than the national average. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 43.99 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). This figure indicates that residents generally consider the southern part of the city to be the safest, with varying risks across neighborhoods.
The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Raceland can range significantly, from 1 in 15 in the northeast to 1 in 48 in the south (CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are also elevated, with approximately 6.255 incidents per 1,000 residents annually (CrimeGrade.org). These statistics suggest that while Raceland has areas with lower crime, a higher level of awareness and caution may be beneficial for residents.
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
The housing market in Raceland offers relatively accessible price points compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. As of February 2026, the median home price in Raceland was approximately $102,000, a figure that has seen a slight decrease of 7.0% compared to the previous year (Redfin). This trend suggests a buyer’s market with potential for negotiation.
Homes in Raceland typically spend around 75 days on the market, a notable decrease from the 128 days reported last year, indicating a quicker turnover for properties (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $141, which has increased by 11.5% year-over-year (Redfin). This rise in price per square foot, coupled with a decrease in median sale price, might indicate a shift towards smaller or less renovated properties being sold.
For those interested in renting, the average rent in Raceland, LA, is approximately $1,400 per month (Zillow). This is about 30% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (Zillow). Rental properties in Raceland can range from $1,050 to $1,700, offering a variety of options for renters (Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Raceland’s economy is driven by several key industries, providing a diverse employment landscape for its residents. The most prominent sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Manufacturing (Data USA). These industries collectively employ a significant portion of the local workforce, contributing to the town’s economic stability.
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Raceland experienced growth, increasing by 3.65% to reach 4,262 employees (Data USA). The most common job groups within the community are in Management Occupations, Construction & Extraction Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (Data USA). This distribution of roles indicates a demand for both skilled labor and professional services within the local economy.
The unemployment rate in Raceland stands at approximately 6%, which is considered slightly higher than the typical range of 4% to 5% (Point2Homes). However, with an employment rate of 94% and a workforce of 4,262 residents, the job market appears robust and capable of supporting its population (Point2Homes). The majority of the working population, 72.7%, is employed in professional or administrative positions (Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Raceland, Louisiana, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, cool, and windy winters. The temperature typically fluctuates between 45°F and 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 31°F or exceeding 94°F (Weather and Climate). This temperature range defines the distinct seasons experienced in the region.
The hot season spans from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures consistently above 85°F (Weather and Climate). July is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 74°F. Conversely, the cool season lasts from early December to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F (Weather and Climate). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 45°F and highs of 63°F.
Raceland receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with an average of 1639 mm (65 inches) per year (Weather and Climate). August is typically the wettest month, experiencing heavy precipitation and around 20 rainy days. November is the driest month, with substantially less rainfall and fewer rainy days (Weather and Climate).
Education and Schools
The Raceland-Worthington Independent School District serves the community, offering educational opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This district is rated as above average, with a B overall Niche grade (Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is approximately 17 to 1, suggesting a focus on individualized attention for students (Niche).
State test scores indicate that about 30% of students are proficient in math and 47% are proficient in reading (Niche). While these figures show room for improvement, the district’s performance is considered above average within Kentucky. The school district also ranks well in other categories, such as being among the best for athletes in Kentucky.
Raceland-Worthington High School, specifically, is noted for its strong academic performance, often outperforming state and district averages in subjects like mathematics, reading, and writing (SchoolDigger). The high school also boasts a strong graduation rate of 93.5% and a low dropout rate of 1.1% (SchoolDigger). These metrics highlight the school’s commitment to student success and preparedness for future endeavors.
Demographics and Population
Raceland, Louisiana, is home to a population of approximately 9,585 residents, with a slight majority being female (52%) compared to male (48%) (Data USA, Niche). The community is largely composed of U.S. citizens, with 99.2% holding citizenship, which is higher than the national average (Data USA). The median age in Raceland is around 43.4 years, indicating a mix of younger and older residents (Data USA).
The racial makeup of Raceland is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group at 71.87%, followed by Black or African American residents at 18.61% (Data USA, ZoomProspector). Other racial groups, including Asian and those identifying with two or more races, constitute smaller percentages of the population (Data USA).
The median household income in Raceland is approximately $60,286 (Data USA). However, a portion of the population, around 13.8%, lives below the poverty line, which is slightly higher than the national average (Data USA). This economic diversity is a key characteristic of the Raceland community.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Raceland, Louisiana, is generally lower than the U.S. national average, making it an affordable place to reside. Overall living costs in Raceland are reported to be 0% lower than the national average, and significantly lower than the state average (Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and transportation.
Housing costs in Raceland are slightly higher than the national average, with an average monthly cost of $1,220 for a single person and $2,237 for a family of four (Salary.com). However, expenses for food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are notably lower than the national average, contributing to the overall cost savings (Salary.com).
These cost-saving factors result in a total monthly expense of approximately $2,379 for a single person and $5,279 for a family of four, positioning Raceland as one of the more economical cities in the United States (Salary.com). The town’s affordability is a significant factor for individuals and families considering a move to the area.