Elections

Webster County, LA, has approximately 25,000 registered voters. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general elections. Results in recent cycles have shown Republican candidates winning by margins of 60-70%. There are around 30 polling locations across the parish. Key issues include education, economic development, and infrastructure. The Webster Parish Registrar of Voters administers elections, ensuring compliance with state law. The two major parties, Republican and Democratic, dominate registration, with Republicans holding a slight majority (about 55%), followed by Democrats (43%), and minor parties/independents comprising the remainder.

County Crime & Safety

Webster County, LA, reported a crime rate of approximately 38.6 per 1,000 residents in 2023, notably higher than the national average. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, make up most incidents, with Minden being a hotspot. Violent crime remains lower, with about 3.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community policing and crime prevention, urging residents to report suspicious activities. The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office publishes regular crime statistics, allowing public access for transparency and awareness.

Education, Employment and Housing

Webster County, LA, features around 16 public schools, including several high schools such as Minden High. Approximately 77% of residents have a high school diploma, while about 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 4/10, according to GreatSchools. Adult education programs are available through local community centers. The district prioritizes school safety with standard security measures. Educational programs include career and technical education, and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.

As of 2022, Webster County, LA had an employment rate of 54% among residents aged 16 and older. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (14.8%), Retail Trade (14.6%), and Manufacturing (13.9%). The most common occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (12.7%), Sales (10.8%), and Production (10.4%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average one-way commute of 25 minutes, and over 66% work outside the county, primarily traveling to Bossier City and Shreveport.

Webster County, LA has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with median home values around $104,000 and median gross rents near $750. The real estate market is stable, with slight annual value increases of 1–2%. Housing includes single-family homes, townhouses, and a few apartments, mostly in neighborhoods like Minden and Springhill. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.38% of home value. The area offers affordable living, with diverse housing choices across quiet residential neighborhoods and active community hubs.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Webster County, Louisiana, had a population of 36,967. The median age was 39.8 years, with 48.1% male and 51.9% female residents. Racially, the population was 57.9% White, 37.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.6% Asian, with 2.1% identifying as two or more races or other ethnicities.