Median Income
$16,331
78% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
63/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.3%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.0%
303% higher than US avg
How Starks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population300
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density87/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$16,331
Per Capita$18,727
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty50.0%
County GDP$5,864M
Commute48 min
Housing
C
Home Value$133,900
Ownership39.6%
Zillow$127,683
Housing Units214
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent63/100K
Property2,170/100K
Health
Obesity45.3%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking24.6%
Depression34.0%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain64.4 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+70.6%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score4.48
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute48 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Starks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Starks receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Starks faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Starks is $16,331, 78% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 50.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Starks is $133,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.2x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Starks is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,170 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Starks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 51°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 64.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Starks has a population of 300 with a density of 87 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Starks is $16,331, which is 78% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,727 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,240, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 50.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,478 business establishments, including 148 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $16,331 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,727 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,240 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.0% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,478 |
| County GDP | $5,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 148 |
| Healthcare | 128 |
| Retail | 249 |
| Manufacturing | 67 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,510 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 48.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Starks is $133,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,683. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 39.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 214 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $5,510 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,683 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Housing Units | 214 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,510 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In Starks, 45.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 40.3% have high blood pressure. 24.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 39.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,053. The dentist ratio is 1:3,033. 50.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Starks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.3% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.6% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.1% |
| Depression | 34.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,053 |
| Dentists | 1:3,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,679 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 48.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,675/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 128 |
Starks has a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,170 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Starks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Starks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 62.9/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,170.5/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Starks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 51°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 64.4 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 23 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
51°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.8°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 87/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.3105°N, 93.6667°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Orange County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jack Brooks Regional (BPT)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
64.4"
70% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0381 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.68 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on May 4, 2024.
| Jan 20, 2019 |
7 km SSW of San Augustine, Texas |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Chireno, Texas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| May 4, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Chireno, Texas |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 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 |
243 km |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
277 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
33 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
137 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
7 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
278 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
136 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
190 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
106 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
99 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
187 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
587 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 480 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1982 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1952 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIGER ISLAND (30,959 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
TIGER ISLAND |
30,959 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
LASBR-BIL-FY23-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
18,392 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
BAYOU COMPLEX |
15,744 |
58 km |
| 1993 |
PF UNIT 5 |
15,059 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,017 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
UNIT 5 |
13,959 |
45 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
U 2 PF 90 1 |
12,490 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 4 05 01 |
11,749 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,431 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
SABINE WEST - 2011 (UNIT 3) |
10,195 |
43 km |
| 1997 |
WILD COW BAY |
10,069 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
TXMCR-FY20-RX-W |
10,033 |
80 km |
| 2014 |
PINTAIL |
9,498 |
47 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Starks has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 51°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 57.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and April the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Starks. 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 | $585 |
| Toddler | $554 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $515 |
| Preschool | $511 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Starks
What is the population of Starks?
Starks has a population of 300 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 87 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Starks expensive to live in?
Starks 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 $16,331, 78% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,900 (53% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Starks safe?
Starks is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,170 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Starks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Starks?
Starks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 51°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 64.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Starks?
The job market in Starks is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,240. There are 1,478 business establishments in the area, including 148 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 48 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Starks?
The median home value in Starks is $133,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,683. The homeownership rate is 39.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,510.
How are the schools in Starks?
Schools in Starks have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.7% of adults in Starks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.6% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Starks?
The obesity rate in Starks is 45.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.6% of adults are smokers. 39.1% are physically inactive. 34.0% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,053.
What is transportation like in Starks?
The average commute in Starks is 48 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Starks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Starks is 95.3% White. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 76.6% have health insurance coverage.
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