Shreveport Relocation Deep Dive (2026)

Shreveport: The Data Profile (2026)

Shreveport presents a distinct economic landscape defined by a significant delta between local purchasing power and national averages. The city's population stands at 177,225, categorizing it as a manageable small-city environment. The primary economic constraint is the Median Household Income, recorded at $48,486. This figure represents a -35.0% deviation from the US Median of $74,580, indicating a fundamentally lower wage floor.

However, this income disparity is partially offset by a Cost of Living Index where Housing operates at 78.0, or -22.0% below the national average. Educational attainment is a notable metric; only 27.9% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Shreveport is the remote-earning professional or the geographic arbitrageur. Individuals earning a national-average salary ($74,580+) will find their disposable income maximized here due to the depressed housing costs. The local economy is geared toward healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, supporting a workforce that prioritizes cost efficiency over high-wage growth.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living analysis reveals a favorable environment for discretionary spending, provided income is stabilized. While groceries and transportation align with national averages at 90.0 and 90.0 respectively, the standout metric is utility costs. Shreveport electricity rates are 11.73 cents/kWh, significantly undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh—a critical factor for managing monthly overhead in a warm climate.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the local median of $48,486 takes home approximately $3,200/month (after taxes). With a total estimated expense of $2,555/month, the disposable income is roughly $645. Conversely, a remote worker earning the US median of $74,580 (approx. $4,650/month net) retains $2,095/month. This 3.2x increase in disposable cash flow highlights the city's value proposition for imported salaries.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The Shreveport housing market is a renter's paradise and a long-term buyer's opportunity. The Median Home Price is approximately $165,000, which is -28.0% lower than the US median. The Price per Square Foot sits at $105, allowing for significant space for lower capital outlay.

Renting is the mathematically superior short-term strategy for most, given the low Price-to-Rent ratio. The 2-Bedroom Fair Market Rent of $980 is -24.6% below the national average of $1,300.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Buying is recommended for those planning a stay of 7+ years. The median home price of $165,000 requires a down payment of roughly $33,000 (20%). Renting at $980/month preserves liquidity. However, the local housing appreciation rate historically trails inflation, meaning real estate here is a utility, not a high-growth asset class.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Shreveport's economy is navigating the post-remote work era with mixed results. The local Unemployment Rate is 4.3%, hovering slightly above the US average of 4.0%. The "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has had a muted impact locally due to the lower density of corporate HQs compared to major metros.

Commute & Infrastructure:
Average commute times remain low at 19.5 minutes, significantly better than the national average of 27.6 minutes. This saves the average commuter roughly 40 hours of drive time annually. The local industry is anchored by the Bossier City military presence (Barksdale AFB), healthcare (Ochsner LSU Health), and riverboat gaming. Stability is moderate; while the 27.9% college-educated rate suggests a ceiling for high-tech sector growth, the floor is stable due to essential services and government employment.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life (QoL) score in Shreveport is heavily bifurcated. While Air Quality is excellent, health metrics and safety are significant concerns.

Health Profile:
The city faces a "Health Crisis" designation based on risk factors. The Obesity Rate is 43.1% (vs. 31.9% US), and the Diabetes Rate is 17.6% (vs. 10.9% US). These figures are +35% and +61% higher than national norms, respectively. Smoking rates are also elevated at 19.1%.

Safety Analysis:
Safety is the primary detractor from the QoL score. Violent Crime is recorded at 639 incidents per 100k residents, which is 68% higher than the US average of 380. Property Crime is similarly elevated at 2,678 per 100k (US Avg: 2,000).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Air Quality & Weather:
Shreveport excels in environmental air quality with an AQI of 41 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³. Weather is humid subtropical; today's conditions are 61°F with Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, typical for the region.

Schools:
Caddo Parish public schools generally score 6/10 on aggregate rating platforms, with significant variance between districts.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: At 78.0 index, housing is 22% cheaper than the US average.
• Remote Work Arbitrage: Earning a national salary here results in ~$2,000/month higher disposable income.
• Air Quality: Excellent AQI of 41 and low PM2.5.
• Commute: Average commute of 19.5 minutes.

Cons:

• Safety: Violent crime is 68% above the national average (639/100k).
• Health Risks: Obesity (43.1%) and Diabetes (17.6%) rates are critically high.
• Income Ceiling: Local median income ($48,486) is 35% below US median.

Final Recommendation:
Shreveport is a High-Risk/High-Reward relocation for remote workers only. If you earn $75,000+ annually and can work remotely, your purchasing power will be in the top 10% of the region. However, families relying on the local job market or those prioritizing safety and health metrics should approach with extreme caution.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Shreveport?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four to match the US standard of living, a combined income of $85,000 is recommended, though local wages rarely support this without dual incomes.

2. How does the value compare to other Louisiana cities?
Shreveport offers -15% lower housing costs than Baton Rouge and -25% lower than New Orleans. However, it trails both in terms of job market diversity and entertainment amenities.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for day-to-day life?
Yes. The 639/100k violent crime rate is statistically significant. While crime is often hyper-localized, the aggregate data suggests a need for due diligence in selecting neighborhoods (e.g., South Highlands vs. West Shreveport).

4. Is the housing market expected to recover or grow?
Forecasts for 2026-2028 predict modest appreciation of 2-3% annually, tracking inflation. This is not a "boom" market; plan for stability, not equity growth.