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Shreveport, Louisiana Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Shreveport, Louisiana at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $167,600
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; partial pension exclusion.
- Avg January Low
- 41°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 90.5 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 58 / 100
Overview
"Shreveport, Louisiana is one of the most affordable Southern retirement metros, with median home prices around $175,000 and a cost of living roughly 14% below the national average. Louisiana's graduated state income tax tops at 4.25% but exempts Social Security and the first $6,000 of other retirement income per person. Willis-Knighton Health System is the dominant regional medical network. The city is known for very low housing costs, mild winters, and proximity to East Texas lakes and outdoor recreation."
Shreveport sits in northwest Louisiana on the Red River, about 18 miles east of the Texas border. The metro economy was built on oil and natural gas and has been quietly stable since the 1970s. The senior population is around 16% age 65+, with stronger retiree concentrations in the southern suburbs (Southern Hills, Bossier City, Haughton).
The financial picture is friendly. Louisiana's graduated state income tax tops at 4.25%, with Social Security fully exempt and a $6,000 per person exclusion on other retirement income (with additional age-based exemptions). Property tax rates are very low (~0.55%) and there is a substantial homestead exemption ($75,000 of assessed value). Combined with median home prices around $175,000 — the lowest on most Southeast retirement lists — Shreveport delivers strong budget retirement math.
Healthcare is anchored by Willis-Knighton Health System, the dominant regional network with comprehensive cardiac, cancer, and orthopedic programs, and CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. Specialist depth is solid for the metro's size; Medicare Advantage plan availability is moderate.
The climate is humid subtropical — January low ~36°F, July high ~93°F, with summer humidity. The Red River, Cross Lake, and the Toledo Bend Reservoir give Shreveport strong access to fishing, boating, and hunting. Shreveport is best for budget-conscious retirees who want very low housing costs, mild winters, and outdoor recreation, and are comfortable with a smaller-city medical environment.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Shreveport's cost of living is 9.5% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Shreveport using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$363
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$408
Median home price used: $167,600
Median rent reference: $951 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Shreveport, Louisiana after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Shreveport scores 63.2 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Shreveport
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Shreveport →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Louisiana has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 300 sunny days a year and an average January low of 41°F, Shreveport offers a mild winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Shreveport
Is Shreveport, Louisiana a good place to retire in 2026?▾
Shreveport, Louisiana is one of the most affordable Southern retirement metros, with median home prices around $175,000 and a cost of living roughly 14% below the national average. Louisiana's graduated state income tax tops at 4.25% but exempts Social Security and the first $6,000 of other retirement income per person. Willis-Knighton Health System is the dominant regional medical network. The city is known for very low housing costs, mild winters, and proximity to East Texas lakes and outdoor recreation.
What is the cost of living in Shreveport, Louisiana for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 91, roughly 10% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $167,600.
Does Louisiana tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Louisiana residents: State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; partial pension exclusion.
What is the climate like in Shreveport, Louisiana?▾
Shreveport, Louisiana has January average low around 41°F, July average high around 96°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Shreveport, Louisiana?▾
Shreveport scores 63/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a solid score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
How much does it cost to retire in Shreveport, Louisiana?▾
For a retired couple in a paid-off home, total monthly costs in Shreveport run roughly $3,168 based on the cost-of-living index of 91. This includes property taxes, utilities, healthcare premiums, groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending. Renters add roughly $1,200–$1,800/month for a 2-bedroom.
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
ADKINS SEALE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC
PINNACLE ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP, CORPORATION (INC.)
HMV WEALTH ADVISORS, LLC
+56 more financial advisors available