Bossier City: The Data Profile (2026)

Bossier City presents a distinct economic profile defined by a significant cost-of-living arbitrage relative to the national average. With a population of 62,832, the city operates on a smaller scale, yet its median household income sits at $55,130. This figure represents a -26.1% deviation from the US median of $74,580. However, the purchasing power of that income is bolstered by a housing market priced -40.3% below the national norm. The educational attainment ceiling is statistically lower, with only 24.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%).

Target Demographic: The data suggests the ideal statistical target is the "Post-Remote Stabilizer." This profile includes remote workers seeking to maximize disposable income, or hybrid workers requiring access to regional hubs like Shreveport, who are willing to trade high-density amenities for low-overhead living. It is less attractive to those prioritizing a high-concentration professional network or a highly educated peer group.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index (COLI) for Bossier City is anchored by housing, but extends across essential services. While groceries and transportation align closely with the US average (index 92.0), discretionary spending categories like restaurants and healthcare show significant savings (78.1 index). The most critical data point for energy-dependent households is electricity, averaging 11.73 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $55,130 (approx. $3,570 monthly after tax) faces a surplus of roughly $1,218 per month after covering the single adult budget. A dual-income household earning $110,260 would have a surplus of approximately $4,200 monthly. The primary financial leverage here is housing; renting a 1-bedroom unit at $927 leaves significantly more liquidity than in comparable southern metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary value proposition. The Housing Index of 59.7 indicates that housing is roughly 40% cheaper than the national baseline. While home prices have risen nationally, Bossier City remains accessible, with a median home price significantly below the $350,000+ national median. The Price per Square Foot (PPSF) sits at a highly competitive rate, offering more physical space for the dollar.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Based on the Price-to-Rent Ratio (Median Home Price / Annual Rent of 1BR), the ratio is 215,000 / (927*12) = 19.4. A ratio between 15 and 20 typically suggests that buying and renting are roughly equal in financial efficiency, while above 21 favors renting. At 19.4, the market leans slightly toward buying, but the margin is thin. Given the low interest rate environment of previous years has shifted, renting remains a viable, low-commitment strategy to test the market, but buying locks in a historically low cost basis for the region.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape in 2026 is defined by the "Hybrid Pivot." While Bossier City is not a primary tech hub, its proximity to Shreveport (the larger metropolitan anchor) creates a 20-minute commute corridor. RTO (Return-to-Office) mandates for regional corporate roles have not dampened growth, as the lower cost of living absorbs commute costs.

Unemployment Analysis:
The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is marginally higher than the national average of 4.0%. However, this 0.3% gap is negligible and indicates a stable, non-volatile labor market. The lower educational attainment rate (24.4%) implies that competition for specialized, white-collar roles may be lower than in high-education metros, offering leverage to skilled transplants.

Quality of Life Audit

Bossier City presents a paradox in health metrics: the aggregate Health Score is 75.5/100 (Good), yet the underlying risk factors are elevated. This suggests that while medical infrastructure is accessible, lifestyle factors are a concern. Air quality is generally acceptable, though specific particulate matter levels require monitoring.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Air Quality:

• Violent Crime: Approximately 430 incidents per 100k residents (National Avg: 380). This is +13% higher than the national median, requiring standard urban vigilance.
• Property Crime: Approximately 2,800 incidents per 100k residents (National Avg: 1,950). This is +43% higher than the national median.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 48 and PM2.5 of 7.5 µg/m³ are both below national averages, offering clean air relative to industrial centers.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: Public school performance generally tracks below the national average in standardized testing, aligning with the 24.4% college attainment rate. Private schooling options exist but are limited.
• Weather: The current snapshot shows a high of 63°F and a low of 30°F. Seasonal variance is high, with humid summers and mild winters. The "Mostly Sunny" designation is typical for the region, supporting outdoor activities despite health risk factors.

The Verdict

Pros:

1. Housing Arbitrage: The Housing Index of 59.7 is the primary driver. You can acquire 40% more property here than the national average.
2. Utility Savings: Electricity at 11.73 cents/kWh significantly reduces fixed monthly overhead.
3. Disposable Income: Even with a median income 26% below the US average, the lower cost base preserves liquidity.

Cons:

1. Health Risks: The obesity rate of 42.4% and diabetes rate of 14.2% are statistically concerning and suggest an environment that may not support active lifestyle goals.
2. Crime Rates: Property crime is 43% above the national average. Security measures are a necessary budget line item.
3. Income Ceiling: With only 24.4% of the population college-educated, the local ceiling for high-level professional networking and salary growth is compressed compared to major metros.

Recommendation:
Bossier City is a "Buy" for the Financial Optimizer, but a "Sell" for the Health-Conscious Single. If your priority is maximizing savings for a future exit, the -40.3% housing discount is unbeatable. However, the high rates of obesity and diabetes require significant personal discipline to navigate the local culture. It is best suited for hybrid workers earning national-level salaries who can leverage the local cost arbitrage.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Bossier City?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and leisure), a salary of $55,000 is the baseline. For a family of four, a combined income of $95,000 is recommended to maintain a surplus after housing and healthcare costs.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other southern cities?
Bossier City offers deeper housing discounts than cities like Nashville or Austin. While it lacks the cultural density of those hubs, the $125/SqFt price point offers superior equity-building potential for entry-level buyers.

3. Are the safety statistics a major deterrent?
The property crime rate of 2,800 per 100k is high. While violent crime is only 13% above average, the property crime suggests that vehicle and home security are essential. It is not a "high-risk" violent zone, but a "high-vigilance" property zone.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
Relocate in Spring (April-May) or Autumn (October-November). The current temperature of 63°F is pleasant, but summer highs often exceed 95°F with high humidity, and winter lows can dip below freezing. Moving during mild weather saves on utility ramp-up costs.