County Crime & Safety

Beauregard County, LA, reports a moderate crime rate with recent FBI data indicating a violent crime rate of approximately 3.5 per 1,000 residents and property crime at about 20 per 1,000. In 2023, the sheriff’s office recorded around 350 total crimes, with burglary and theft being the most common. While violent incidents remain relatively low, local authorities emphasize community reporting and neighborhood watch programs to enhance safety. The county’s law enforcement response rate and outreach efforts contribute to a safer environment compared to many other parishes in Louisiana.

Demographics

Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, has a population of approximately 37,500. The median age is about 39 years, with 24% under 18 and 17% over 65. The gender split is nearly even, with about 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the parish is 76% White, 17% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 3% two or more races.

Elections

Beauregard Parish, LA, has approximately 25,000 registered voters. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with major elections typically seeing 55-60% turnout. In 2020, Donald Trump received 80% of presidential votes locally. Polling locations include sites in DeRidder and Merryville. Key issues are education funding and infrastructure. The Beauregard Parish Registrar of Voters administers elections; voters register as Democrat, Republican, or Other—about 54% Republican, 32% Democrat, 14% Other. Both parties maintain active local committees to mobilize voters.

Education, Employment and Housing

Beauregard County, LA has 18 public schools, including 3 high schools. Around 81% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 11% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 6/10, reflecting moderate performance. The district offers career-technical education, gifted programs, and adult learning classes. School safety initiatives include resource officers and campus security protocols, maintaining a lower-than-average incident rate.

As of 2022, Beauregard County, LA, had an employment rate of approximately 56%. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (12%). Major occupation types include office/administrative support (12%), sales (10%), and production (9%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Most residents work within the county, though 18% commute to neighboring parishes, primarily Calcasieu Parish.

Beauregard County, LA features a homeownership rate of approximately 73%, with median home values around $135,000 as of 2023. The average rent is about $900 per month. Property values have risen by roughly 5% year-over-year. Predominant housing types include single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes. Notable neighborhoods include DeRidder and Merryville. Property tax rates average 0.44% of assessed value, lower than the national average, contributing to affordable living costs in the county.