Is Reserve Safe, Pros and cons of living in Reserve
Is it Safe to Live in Reserve?
Reserve, Louisiana, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are a significant concern for residents. The overall crime rate stands at 46.40 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This means that residents have a higher chance of becoming a victim of crime compared to many other communities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
When considering specific types of crime, the property crime rate in Reserve is 30.05 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Reserve ranks in the 12th percentile for overall safety, indicating that it is safer than only 12% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Neighborhoods in the north are generally considered the safest, with a lower chance of victimization compared to northwest areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Pros and Cons of Living in Reserve
Community and Demographics
Reserve is home to approximately 7,791 residents, with a median age of 40.7 years (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with Black or African American residents forming the largest demographic group at 55.4%, followed by White residents at 26.3% and Hispanic residents at 15.6% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic makeup is more diverse than Louisiana overall (as reported by Census Dots).
The community is characterized by a suburban-rural mix, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche and Data USA). Reserve offers a strong sense of community, which is appealing to families and those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle (as reported by Niche and South Louisiana Economic Development). Its proximity to New Orleans, about a 40-minute drive away, also provides access to urban amenities (as reported by Niche).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Reserve, Louisiana, is approximately 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability is a significant draw for potential residents, particularly in the housing market. Housing expenses in Reserve are about 11% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for homebuyers (as reported by Payscale).
The median home value in Reserve is around $154,100 (as reported by Data USA), and the homeownership rate is 70.9% (as reported by Data USA). Renters in Reserve pay a median gross rent of $1,381 per month, and the median household income for renters was $40,765 in 2022 (as reported by Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio is about 40.7%, indicating a substantial portion of earnings goes towards housing expenses for renters (as reported by Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Reserve is influenced by various industries, with construction being a significant sector, employing 654 individuals (as reported by Data USA). Other key employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, and other services (as reported by Data USA). Employment in Reserve has seen growth, with a 1.99% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual household income in Reserve was $64,899 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the unemployment rate in Louisiana was 4.4% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is higher than the U.S. overall rate (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the broader St. John the Baptist Parish and surrounding areas include those in manufacturing, oil and gas, and healthcare sectors (as reported by South Louisiana Economic Development and GNO, Inc.).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Reserve, Louisiana, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are long, hot, and oppressive, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F from May to September (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Winters are short and cool, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F from December to February (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 63°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with June typically being the wettest month, averaging 5.4 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Natural Conditions
Reserve receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 64 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The drier season typically lasts from mid-September to early June, with October having the fewest rainy days (as reported by Weather Spark). The climate is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round (as reported by Weather Spark).
The overall climate risk for Reserve is rated as “Relatively Moderate” (as reported by Kurby AI). Air quality in the area is rated as “Good” (as reported by Kurby AI). The area is not prone to significant snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 0 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education in Reserve
School District Performance
Reserve is served by the St. John the Baptist Parish school district, which is ranked 68 out of 118 districts in Louisiana and holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district has a total of 5,039 students across various grade levels (as reported by Niche). The district’s student-teacher ratio is 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
According to state test scores, 26% of students in the district are proficient in math and 33% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). These proficiency rates are below the state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com and Niche). The district’s overall Niche grade is a D+ (as reported by Niche).
Individual School Performance
The two main public schools serving Reserve are East St. John High School (grades 9-12) and Fifth Ward Elementary School (grades PK-4) (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Both schools have a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating struggles with academic performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). East St. John High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 83.2% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Proficiency rates on standardized tests at these schools are generally below district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Furthermore, chronic absenteeism rates are high, reaching 24.6% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The schools serve economically disadvantaged communities, with high free/reduced lunch rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Major Employers and Job Opportunities
Key Industries and Companies
Reserve and its surrounding areas benefit from a diverse range of major employers, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Companies like Louisiana Cat, a prominent Caterpillar dealer, and various entities within the oil and gas industry are significant employers in the region (as reported by South Louisiana Economic Development and Zippia). Other notable companies include those in construction, software, and telecommunications (as reported by South Louisiana Economic Development).
The broader New Orleans metropolitan area, which Reserve is a part of, also boasts strong employment in health sciences, supply chain, and logistics (as reported by GNO, Inc.). Government entities and educational institutions also contribute to the job market in St. John the Baptist Parish and surrounding parishes (as reported by GNO, Inc.).
Job Market Trends
Employment in Reserve has shown positive growth, with a 1.99% increase in the number of employees in a recent period (as reported by Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include construction, followed by office and administrative support, and building and grounds maintenance (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Reserve is approximately $43,201 annually, with a median wage around $41,500 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
However, the unemployment rate in Louisiana has been higher than the national average in recent months, standing at 4.4% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). Certain high-paying jobs in Reserve include roles like Instrumentation Technician and Police Officer, which can offer salaries significantly above the city’s average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).