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Bossier City, Louisiana

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

51
Overall Score

Bossier City, Louisiana, situated on the eastern bank of the Red River, is a vibrant community known for its strong military presence, diverse economy, and Southern charm. Historically, the city grew around the agricultural industry and later became a crucial transportation hub. Today, it serves as a significant economic and cultural center in Northwest Louisiana, attracting residents with its relatively affordable cost of living and a growing job market. The city's character is shaped by a blend of military personnel from Barksdale Air Force Base, local families, and a burgeoning entertainment scene, offering a unique lifestyle that combines small-town feel with urban amenities.

About Louisiana

Louisiana, a state in the southern United States, is characterized by its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures, evident in its vibrant music, cuisine, and festivals like Mardi Gras. The economy is significantly driven by the energy sector, particularly petroleum refining, oil drilling, and natural gas extraction, alongside strong manufacturing, healthcare, and agribusiness industries. Living in Louisiana generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing and utilities often more affordable. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring long, hot, and humid summers with frequent precipitation, and mild winters, though the state is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. The lifestyle is often described as relaxed and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on community and outdoor activities.

62,901
Population
$42K
Avg Salary
94
Cost Index
50.8
Quality Score
How this 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 35 / 100 35.0 30% 10.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 94.0 51.3 25% 12.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $55,819 Income needed to live here: $67,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% 37.7 20% 7.5
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 3.3% 86.0 15% 12.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 50.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=85), last refreshed 23 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Bossier City

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
65
Affordability
85
Growth
60

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bossier City is notably more affordable than the national average, standing approximately 5.8% lower overall. Housing expenses, in particular, are a significant factor in this affordability, with both rental and homeownership costs being considerably lower than the national benchmarks. While groceries are slightly less expensive, utility prices in Bossier City are about 4.0% higher than the national average, which can slightly offset some of the savings in other categories. Despite this, the overall financial landscape makes Bossier City an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing access to essential services and amenities.

Average Rent
$964/mo
Groceries
$674/mo
Utilities
$385/mo
Healthcare
$140/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$674.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$149.00

Salary Insights

Bossier City's economy is dynamic, experiencing a job growth rate of 3.3% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a healthy and expanding job market. The most prominent employment sectors in the city include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction, which collectively employ a significant portion of the workforce. Additionally, Accommodation and Food Services and Public Administration, heavily influenced by the presence of Barksdale Air Force Base, are major employers. The average individual salary in Bossier City was reported at $42,372 per year as of July 2026, with a median household income of $55,819 in 2024. The city's economic resilience is bolstered by its diverse industry mix, including military, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, providing a stable foundation for employment opportunities.

The average salary in Bossier City is $42,372 per year. You would need approximately $67,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Construction Accommodation and Food Services Health Care & Social Assistance +3.30% Public Administration / Military

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
71.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Bossier City is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle due to a walkability score of 31. The average commute time for residents is a relatively short 18 minutes, which is a notable advantage for daily commuters. While public transit options are limited, the city's road network facilitates driving, though traffic can be a concern during peak hours. Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household.

18 min
Avg Commute
25.00/10
Transit Score
31.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The overall cost of living in Bossier City is approximately 5.8% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $964 per month as of July 2026, significantly below the national average.
The city experienced a healthy job growth rate of 3.3% from 2023 to 2024.
The average commute time for residents is a relatively short 18 minutes.
Bossier City has a strong military presence, contributing to a stable economic sector and community diversity.
Drawbacks
Bossier City has a high crime rate, ranking among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a low walkability score of 31, meaning most errands require a car.
Summers are characterized as oppressive, hot, and uncomfortably humid.
The city's population is projected to have a negative growth rate from 2024 to 2026.
Utility costs are approximately 4.0% higher than the national average.

Questions about Bossier City

What people ask about living in and moving to Bossier City, Louisiana.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bossier City? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bossier City is about $964 per month. This figure reflects the current market and includes standard utilities. Prices can vary by location, building amenities, and lease terms, so it’s helpful to compare listings on local rental sites or consult a real estate agent familiar with the city’s neighborhoods.

What healthcare facilities are available in Bossier City? Healthcare 1 answer

The city hosts several medical centers offering primary care, emergency services, and specialty clinics. These facilities provide a range of services from routine check-ups to advanced diagnostics. To find the best fit for your needs, review the local health department’s directory, read patient reviews, and confirm that your insurance is accepted at the chosen provider.

What is the overall vibe of Bossier City for new residents? General 1 answer

Bossier City blends small-town charm with some urban conveniences. Residents often describe a welcoming atmosphere, community events, and a slower pace compared to larger metros. The city hosts annual festivals, local markets, and cultural gatherings that foster neighborly connections. Visiting during a community event or exploring downtown can give you a feel for the local lifestyle.

How does the cost of living in Bossier City compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Bossier City’s cost of living index is 94, meaning expenses are roughly 6% below the national average. Housing, groceries, and utilities tend to be cheaper, so a $42,372 annual salary can comfortably cover basic living costs. However, discretionary spending like dining out or entertainment may still be comparable to larger cities. It’s wise to create a budget that accounts for local tax rates and any specific utility...

How do the public schools in Bossier City perform academically? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Bossier City offer a range of programs, but performance can vary by district. Standardized test scores and graduation rates are available through the state’s education department, which provides detailed reports on each school’s academic standing. Visiting school sites or speaking with parents in the community can also give insight into classroom environments and extracurricular opportunities.

Is Bossier City considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Bossier City has a safety score of 35 out of 100, indicating higher-than-average crime rates compared to national benchmarks. While many neighborhoods are relatively calm, it’s important to research specific areas, review local crime statistics, and talk to residents. Community watch groups and local law enforcement resources can provide additional context on safety practices in different parts of the city.

What industries are most common for employment in Bossier City? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Bossier City hosts a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service-oriented jobs. The logistics sector is active due to nearby transportation hubs, so roles in warehousing, distribution, and freight handling are common. Additionally, healthcare and education provide stable employment options. Checking local job boards and the city’s economic development portal can give you up-to-date listings and industry trends.

What are some popular outdoor activities in Bossier City? Things to Do 1 answer

Bossier City offers a variety of outdoor spaces, including riverfront parks, nature trails, and recreational lakes. Visitors can enjoy walking, biking, and birdwatching in these areas. Seasonal festivals and farmers markets also provide cultural experiences. Local tourism websites and community calendars list upcoming events and trail maps for planning visits.

What is the best time of year to move into Bossier City? Moving Here 1 answer

The region experiences mild winters and hot summers. Moving between late spring and early fall offers comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, making transportation and unpacking easier. During the rainy season, be prepared for occasional downpours. Checking historical weather data can help you choose a window that minimizes weather-related delays.

What public transportation options are available in Bossier City? Getting Around 1 answer

Public transit in Bossier City is limited, primarily consisting of a city bus service that connects key commercial and residential zones. The schedule is less frequent than in larger metro areas, so many residents rely on personal vehicles. For commuters, rideshare services and regional shuttles to nearby cities may be practical alternatives. Checking the city transit authority’s website will give you current routes,...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Bossier City? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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