Bossier Parish Profile
Bossier Parish is home to Barksdale Airforce Base, which hosts the 2nd Bomb Wing. Barksdale AFB acts as a key economic driver and employer in the region. In 2009, the Air Force Global Strike Command was activated at Barksdale AFB, expanding its capabilities as a defensive and economic stronghold.

Bossier Parish: Brimming with Opportunities

Located in northwest Louisiana, Bossier Parish covers 840 sq. miles of land with ready access to I-20, I-49 and the planned I-69. Bordered by the Red River, Bossier Parish offers multimodal transportation options, including Class 1 rail, airports, and port transportation.
 
With an estimated 2019 population of 129,314 residents earning a median household income of $51,024, Bossier Parish represents one of the fastest growing parishes in Louisiana.  Bossier has a civilian labor force of 56,325 and an unemployment rate of 4.3% (August 2019). 

The largest employer in northwest Louisiana is Barksdale Air Force Base, located south of Bossier City. Employing more than 10,000 people, Barksdale generates an annual economic impact of  $753.8 million for the economy of Bossier Parish and surrounding communities. In 2009, the Air Force's newest command, Global Strike Command, was activated at Barksdale increasing the base's importance as a military facility and economic engine.

Created to support Global Strike Command, Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) is a joint project between Bossier City, Bossier Parish and the State of Louisiana.  CIC anchors a 3,000 acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region.

Bossier Parish Communities 
Bossier Parish Population Demographics 
Bossier Parish Workplace Statistics 
Bossier Parish Transportation Infrastructure 
Bossier Parish Major Employers 
Bossier Parish Tax Structure 

Bossier Parish Communities

  • Bossier City
  • Benton
  • Haughton 
  • Plain Dealing

Bossier Parish’s Population Demographics

Demographics
  2010 Census  2019 Estimate 2024 Estimate
  Population 116,979 129,314 134,736
  Households 45,215 50,756 53,254
  Median Age (2019) 35.85
  5-Year Population Growth Projection (2024) 4.19%
Race (2019 Estimate)
  White 69.62%
  African American 22.16%
  American Indian or Alaska Native 0.53%
  Asian 1.85%
  Other 5.84%
Income (2019 Estimate)
  Median Household Income $51,024
  Average Household Income $68,086
Educational Attainment (2019 Estimate)
  Some High School, No Diploma 8.10%
  High School Graduate 29.54%
  Some College or Associate Degree 34.06%
  Bachelor's Degree 16.52%
  Master's, Professional or Doctorate
8.91%
Average Weekly Wage (Q1 2019)
  Average Weekly Wage $800
Source: Environics Analytics (EA). Claritas - Pop-Facts Premier 2019, Claritas. Louisiana Workforce Commission
 
 

Bossier Parish Transportation Infrastructure

Major Interstates     Interstate 20, Interstate 49, Interstate 220
Major Highways     US 71, US 79, US 80, LA 2, LA 3
Ports
  • Red River Port - 56.7 miles
  • Port of Shreveport Bossier - 29.7 miles
  • Port of Natchitoches - 78.8 miles
  • Greater Ouachita Port - 106 miles
Class 1 Railroads
  • Kansas City Railroad (KCS)
  • Union Parish (UP)
Airports
  • Shreveport Regional Airport - 21.5 miles
  • Monroe Regional Airport - 112 miles

 

Tax Structure: Cost of Doing Business


State Corporate Income Tax

  • 4% on the first $25,000 of net income

  • 5% on the next $25,000

  • 6% on the next $50,000

  • 7% on the next $100,000

  • 8% on the excess of $200,000

  • Louisiana uses single sales factor

State Corporate Franchise Tax

  • $1.50 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof up to $300,000

  • $3.00 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof in excess of $300,000

  • The initial corporation franchise tax is $110

Unemployment Insurance Tax

  • The 2017 wage base is $7,700

  • Standard rate range is .10% - 6.2%

  • Rate for new employers is the average rate for the particular industry

  • Maximum unemployment weekly benefit is 1/2 of the claimant's previous wage for 26 weeks

2018 Parishwide Millage (Property Tax) Rate

116.1 mills*

Total Sales Taxes in Unincorporated Bossier Parish

    8.70%**

Total Sales Taxes in Bossier City

    9.45%

 Total Sales Taxes in Benton

    9.70%

Total Sales Taxes in Haughton

    9.70%

Total Sales Taxes in Plain Dealing

   9.70%

* To calculate property tax, multiply the assessed value of the property by the appropriate millage rate. The assessed value is the fair market value of the property times 10% for real property or 15% for personal property.

** Sales taxes include a 4.45% state tax along with a local portion

Bossier City, LA



Bossier City is the largest population center in Bossier Parish, although it is not the parish seat, which is located in Benton, LA.
 
With more than 61,000 residents, Bossier City is home to three major riverboat casinos: Harrah's Horseshoe, Diamond Jacks, and Boomtown. Harrah's Louisiana Downs, a first-class thoroughbred racetrack with slot machines, is located on the east side of the city. Read More