The Truth About Property Taxes in Ouachita Parish

Whether you're buying your first home in Monroe or relocating to West Monroe, understanding property taxes is a crucial part of budgeting. Here’s what you need to know about how it all works in Ouachita Parish.

💡 How Property Taxes Are Calculated

In Louisiana, property taxes are determined based on the assessed value of your home — not the full market value.

• Assessment Rate: 10% of the fair market value for residential homes

• Homestead Exemption: The first $75,000 of your home’s value is exempt if it’s your primary residence

🧮 Example:
Let’s say you buy a $200,000 home:

• Assessed at 10% = $20,000

• Subtract the Homestead Exemption = taxes apply to $12,500

Your parish taxes are then calculated based on this reduced amount.

📍 What’s the Average Tax Bill in Monroe?

Compared to many parts of the U.S., Ouachita Parish has affordable property taxes.

• Monroe & West Monroe: Typically $700–$1,200/year

• Sterlington & Calhoun: Often lower, depending on the subdivision

• Local tax rates vary by school district, fire zone, and law enforcement millages

🏠 Taxes by Area Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at what homeowners typically pay across Ouachita Parish:

• Monroe: Average annual property taxes range from $800 to $1,100

• West Monroe: Typically $700 to $1,000 per year

• Sterlington: Around $600 to $950 annually

• Calhoun: Expect about $650 to $900 each year

• Swartz/Start: Usually falls between $500 and $850 per year

These ranges will vary slightly based on your home’s assessed value and your local tax district.

🏡 Homestead Exemption: What You Should Know

The Homestead Exemption helps reduce property tax burdens for homeowners who live in their homes full-time.

To qualify:

1. The home must be your primary residence

2. You must file for the exemption at the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessor’s Office

3. Be sure to bring proof of ownership and ID

📌 Pro Tip: Apply as soon as you close on your home to maximize savings for the next tax year.

🆕 New Construction? Read This.

New homes are sometimes taxed at a lower assessed value in the first year, especially if construction isn’t fully complete at the time of assessment.

Once complete, the assessor will re-evaluate and issue a new property tax bill.

I always walk my clients through this process when they’re buying or building — no surprises down the road.

🤝 Let’s Talk Real Numbers

Taxes, insurance, utilities — I help buyers across Northeast Louisiana understand the true cost of homeownership upfront.

Wondering what your total monthly cost would look like? Want to compare tax districts in Monroe vs. West Monroe?

👉 Let’s talk today — I’ll help you run the numbers based on the exact home you’re considering.