Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$518
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Parks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population838
Median Age34.1 yrs
Density986/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$28,555
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$1,973M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,500
Rent$518
Ownership87.6%
Zillow$126,237
Housing Units287
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property3,626/100K
Health
Obesity44.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain66.8 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score4.43
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Parks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parks receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Parks offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parks is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parks is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $518 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Parks is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,626 per 100,000, 85% above the national average.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Parks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 66.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Parks has a population of 838 with a density of 986 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 34.1 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (52.3%), with 43.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
The median household income in Parks is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,555 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,127 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,555 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,127 |
| County GDP | $1,973M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 71 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Parks is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,237, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $518 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 287 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $2,513 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,237 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $518 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.4% |
| Housing Units | 287 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
In Parks, 44.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 38.8% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,685. The dentist ratio is 1:5,124. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,685 |
| Dentists | 1:5,124 |
| Mental Health | 1:681 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.0% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,427/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
Parks has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,626 per 100,000, 85% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.1/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,625.8/100K |
| 85% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 313 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 66.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 986/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2178°N, 91.8276°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Martin Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
66.8"
76% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
113 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
107 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
149 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
164 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
104 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
157 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
295 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
12 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
214 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
189 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
18 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
234 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
256 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 38 fatalities, 708 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (12,496 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,685 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,953 |
94 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,764 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,724 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,418 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,365 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,304 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
960 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Parks has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 52°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 61.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Parks. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $658 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parks
What is the population of Parks?
Parks has a population of 838 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 986 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Parks expensive to live in?
Parks is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $518 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parks safe?
Parks is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,626 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Parks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parks?
Parks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 66.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Parks?
The job market in Parks is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 1,127 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parks?
The median home value in Parks is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,237. For renters, the median monthly rent is $518. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,513.
How are the schools in Parks?
Schools in Parks have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.3% of adults in Parks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parks?
The obesity rate in Parks is 44.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,685.
What is transportation like in Parks?
The average commute in Parks is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parks is 52.3% White, 43.3% Black or African American. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.