Education, Employment and Housing

Red River County, LA, hosts approximately 6 public schools, including Red River High School, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The high school graduation rate in the county is around 77%, while only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting limited higher education attainment. The county’s schools score below the state average on standardized tests, with an average rating near 3 out of 10. School safety has improved with recent initiatives, and programs include dual enrollment and vocational training. Adult education is available through local community resources.

As of 2022, Red River County, LA, had an employment rate of approximately 45%, with a labor force participation rate of about 48%. The predominant industries are Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance (22%), Manufacturing (17%), and Retail Trade (13%). Major occupation types include Production (20%), Office & Administrative Support (15%), and Sales (12%). The median commute time is 26 minutes, with 86% of workers commuting by car—mostly to locations within the parish or to neighboring Caddo Parish for employment opportunities.

Red River County, LA, features a homeownership rate around 68%, with a median home value of approximately $113,000 and median gross rent near $680. The county’s housing market trends remain relatively stable, with modest annual appreciation. Most residences are single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes. Popular neighborhoods include Coushatta and Edgefield. Property tax rates are modest, typically averaging 0.25% of a home’s assessed value, resulting in lower annual property taxes compared to state and national averages. Renters make up roughly 32% of households in the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Red River Parish, Louisiana, had a population of 7,620. The racial composition was 54.3% Black or African American, 43.1% White, and 2.6% other races, including Hispanic/Latino. The median age was about 40.2 years, with 22% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 49% male and 51% female, reflecting a fairly balanced distribution.

County Crime & Safety

Red River County, LA, experiences a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national figures. According to recent FBI data, the county’s violent crime rate is about 6.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 24.5 per 1,000—both above Louisiana state averages. Law enforcement reports show steady crime reporting, with approximately 170 incidents filed in 2023. The sheriff’s office continues to implement safety initiatives and community policing to address these concerns and improve public safety.

Elections

Red River County, Louisiana, has approximately 5,500 registered voters as of 2023, with major political parties being Democratic (around 47%) and Republican (about 51%). Elections held include local, state, and federal races with turnout rates often near 60%. Key issues focus on economic development and education funding. Results in recent years show close margins, particularly in sheriff and parish council races. The parish operates five polling locations, overseen by the Red River Parish Clerk of Court, ensuring accessible election administration and adherence to Louisiana’s open primary system.