Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana Property Taxes
Median Lake Charles, LA effective property tax rate: 0.91%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but equal to the Louisiana state median of 0.91%.
Median Lake Charles, LA home value: $84,000
Median annual Lake Charles, LA tax bill: $761, $1,639 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Jefferson Davis calculated?
Property taxes in Lake Charles, LA are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Lake Charles’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Lake Charles, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.91%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$764
$709
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary significantly within Louisiana. Each year, Jefferson Davis County estimates its budgetary needs for services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and legislation play a role in determining tax rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Lake Charles, located within Jefferson Davis County, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of this process. When comparing Lake Charles to other cities in Louisiana, you'll find that its rate is lower than both the state median and the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means that property owners in Lake Charles typically benefit from a lower property tax burden compared to many other parts of the country. With the national median property tax bill at $2400, residents in Lake Charles enjoy a more favorable property tax environment, making it an attractive location for property owners seeking to manage their tax expenses effectively.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Source: Ownwell

0.75%
0.92%
1.10%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Lake Charles Tax Rate
0.91%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Jefferson Davis County Tax Rate
1.00%
Median Effective Louisiana Tax Rate
0.91%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
70611 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
When examining property taxes in Lake Charles, LA, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Jefferson Davis County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Jefferson Davis County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Lake Charles.
For example, the median home price in Lake Charles is $84,000, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Source: Ownwell

$50,234
$92,617
$135,000
Median Lake Charles Market Value
$84,000
Median Jefferson Davis County Market Value
$71,000
Median Louisiana Market Value
$105,500
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
70611 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
In Lake Charles, located in Jefferson Davis County, LA, property tax bills are determined by assessing the market value of a home and applying the local tax rate. For instance, with a median home price of $84,000, homeowners can expect their tax bills to fall within a range, with the 25th percentile at $613 and the 75th percentile at $870. By comparison, the national median property tax bill is $2,400, making Lake Charles relatively affordable for homeowners. However, the tax bill can still be a significant expense, with some reaching as high as $962 at the 90th percentile.
Several factors influence the tax bill, including the assessed value of the property and any applicable exemptions. Homeowners may find these costs burdensome, but Ownwell offers valuable assistance. By providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services, Ownwell helps homeowners potentially reduce their tax bills, ensuring they pay only their fair share. This service can lead to substantial savings, easing the financial burden on homeowners in Lake Charles.
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Source: Ownwell

$548
$910
$1,271
Median Lake Charles Tax Bill
$761
Median Jefferson Davis County Tax Bill
$712
Median Louisiana Tax Bill
$865
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis County, Louisiana
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
70611 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell