Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.7%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
51.4%
1328% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Taft Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population101
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female32% / 68%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans74.0%
Economy
Per Capita$12,586
Unemployment51.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,725M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$268,165
Housing Units37
Rent Burden34.3%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property3,608/100K
Health
Obesity46.7%
Smoking17.7%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.4 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Taft a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Taft receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Taft has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 51.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Taft is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,608 per 100,000, 84% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Taft has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Taft has a population of 101 with a density of 20 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.3% female and 31.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 74.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $12,586 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,867, 30% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 51.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,446 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,586 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,467 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 51.4% |
| 1328% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,446 |
| County GDP | $12,725M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 80 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,647 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,165. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 37 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $3,647. 34.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,647 |
| 4% above US avg |
In Taft, 46.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 48.4% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.0% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,905. The dentist ratio is 1:2,125. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Taft vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.7% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 50.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,905 |
| Dentists | 1:2,125 |
| Mental Health | 1:666 |
| Checkup Rate | 84.5% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,796/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 80 |
Taft has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,608 per 100,000, 84% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Taft receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Taft vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.7/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,608.5/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Taft has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 317 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 63.4 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 7 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.5°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.9851°N, 90.4524°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Charles Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.4"
67% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 100.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very 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 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
26 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 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
17 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
275 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
236 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
233 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
159 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
121 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
291 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
246 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
177 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
102 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
536 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 39 fatalities, 819 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
44 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
9 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
5 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
55 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
SLIDELL AIRPORT |
1,663 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,594 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
TONEY ISLAND |
1,215 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,206 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
13 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
866 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
823 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
809 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
801 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
6.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Taft has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 54°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 64.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.9") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Taft. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $616 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Taft
What is the population of Taft?
Taft has a population of 101 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 20 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.3% female and 31.7% male.
Is Taft expensive to live in?
Taft is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Taft safe?
Taft is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,608 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Taft receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Taft?
Taft has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Taft?
The job market in Taft faces challenges, with unemployment at 51.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,867. There are 1,446 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Taft?
Schools in Taft score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Taft hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Taft?
The obesity rate in Taft is 46.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,905.
What are the demographics of Taft?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Taft is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 74.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.