Relocation Guide

Moving to Bossier City?

Home to Barksdale Air Force Base, four casinos, and some of the most affordable housing in Louisiana. Northwest Louisiana's fastest-growing city has a lot to offer.

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Bossier City Quick Stats

The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Bossier City.

63,450
Population
$198,000
Median Home Price
5% Below
Cost of Living vs National Avg
0.53%
Property Tax Rate (vs 1.1% national)
15,000+
Barksdale AFB Personnel
$55,819
Median Household Income

Why People Move to Bossier City

Military community, entertainment hub, and some of the cheapest housing in the state.

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Barksdale Air Force Base
Home to the B-52H Stratofortress fleet, Barksdale spans 22,000 acres and employs 15,000+ military and civilian personnel. The base is the backbone of Bossier City's economy.
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Extremely Affordable Housing
Median home price of $198,000 — nearly half the national median. Homes under $150,000 are readily available, making homeownership achievable for most income levels.
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Entertainment District
The East Bank District along the Red River features Horseshoe Casino, Margaritaville Resort, Boomtown Casino, and the Louisiana Boardwalk for shopping and dining.
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Military-Friendly Schools
Bossier Parish Schools leads Louisiana with 28 Purple Star Schools, providing specialized support for military-connected students during PCS transitions.
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Low Cost of Living
Overall cost of living is 5% below the national average. Housing is 9% cheaper, groceries 3% lower, and transportation 5% below average.
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Growing Economy
Beyond the military, healthcare, retail, and construction sectors are thriving. The city's population is growing at 0.2% annually as defense contracts expand.

Cost of Living in Bossier City

How Bossier City compares to the Louisiana average and the national average.

CategoryBossier CityLouisiana AvgNational Avg
Median Home Price$198,000$253,100$368,581
Groceries97 index96 index100 index
Utilities103 index82 index100 index
Transportation95 index95 index100 index
Healthcare90 index93 index100 index
Property Tax0.53%0.53%1.1%

Notable Bossier City Neighborhoods

From established communities near the base to new developments on the city's expanding edges.

East Bank District

Bossier City's entertainment and commercial heart along the Red River. Casinos, the Louisiana Boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. More urban living with condos and apartments nearby.

Stockwell Place / South Bossier

Established residential area close to Barksdale AFB. Popular with military families for its proximity to the base and school assignments. Affordable homes in the $120,000-$200,000 range.

Airline Drive Corridor

Major commercial corridor with newer subdivisions branching off. Good mix of shopping, dining, and residential development. Growing rapidly with new construction.

Heritage Heights (On-Base)

Military family housing on Barksdale AFB managed by Hunt Military Communities. Convenient for active-duty personnel with base amenities within walking distance.

North Bossier / Kingston

Newer subdivisions with modern homes and growing retail. Kingston Road area has seen significant development with highly-rated school zones.

Benton (Nearby)

Just north of Bossier City, Benton offers a small-town feel with excellent Bossier Parish schools. Popular with families who want more space and a rural atmosphere while staying close.

Schools in Bossier City

Public Schools

Bossier Parish Schools serves the area with 20 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools educating over 21,600 students. The district is particularly well-known for its military family support.

  • Bossier High School — Assigned to Barksdale base housing; strong military family presence
  • Airline High School — Large comprehensive high school with strong athletics
  • Parkway High School — Growing school in north Bossier with newer facilities
  • Rusheon Middle School — Base-assigned middle school; Purple Star certified
  • Waller Elementary — Primary school for on-base housing families

28 Purple Star Schools

Bossier Parish leads Louisiana with 28 schools certified as Purple Star Schools, meaning they have dedicated staff and programs to support military-connected students through PCS moves and deployments. This is a major draw for military families.

Higher Education

Bossier Parish Community College is located in the city, and Louisiana State University Shreveport, Southern University at Shreveport, and Centenary College are just across the river.

Employment in Bossier City

The military is the dominant economic engine, but Bossier City has diversified into gaming, healthcare, and retail. Defense contracts continue to expand, bringing civilian jobs alongside the military presence.

Top Employers

  • Barksdale Air Force Base — 15,000+ active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel; the area's largest employer
  • Bossier Parish School Board — 21,600+ students and thousands of employees across 32 schools
  • Horseshoe Casino & Hotel — Major gaming and hospitality employer on the East Bank
  • Margaritaville Resort Casino — Entertainment and resort complex with hundreds of employees
  • Boomtown Casino Hotel — Another major gaming employer in the district
  • Willis-Knighton Health System — Regional healthcare provider with facilities in Bossier Parish

Buying a Home in Bossier City

With a median home price of just $198,000, Bossier City is one of the most affordable markets in Louisiana. VA loans are extremely popular here given the large military population — $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates make homeownership accessible for service members and veterans.

Many areas outside the city core also qualify for USDA financing, offering another $0-down option. First-time buyers can often find homes under $150,000, making FHA loans with 3.5% down an excellent pathway to homeownership. Flood risk is generally lower here than in south Louisiana, which means lower (or no) flood insurance costs for most properties.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Bossier City

✅ Pros

  • 👍 Extremely affordable housing — median under $200,000
  • 👍 Strong military community with excellent VA loan access
  • 👍 28 Purple Star Schools for military families
  • 👍 Entertainment district with casinos, dining, and Louisiana Boardwalk
  • 👍 Lower flood risk compared to south Louisiana
  • 👍 Growing city with expanding defense contracts

❌ Cons

  • 👎 Economy heavily dependent on Barksdale AFB and gaming
  • 👎 Poverty rate of 20.8% is above state and national averages
  • 👎 Fewer cultural amenities compared to south Louisiana cities
  • 👎 Summer heat can be oppressive (95-100+ degrees)
  • 👎 Far from major metros (5+ hours to Houston or Dallas)

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other areas? Check out these nearby relocation guides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Bossier City

Bossier City offers a cost of living 5% below the national average, affordable housing with a median price around $198,000, and a strong military community anchored by Barksdale Air Force Base. The school district is well-regarded, with 28 Purple Star Schools supporting military families.
The median home price in Bossier City is approximately $198,000, making it one of the most affordable cities in Louisiana and well below the national median of $368,581.
Barksdale Air Force Base is located directly within Bossier City, spanning 22,000 acres. The base is home to B-52H Stratofortress bombers and over 15,000 active-duty and reserve personnel.
Bossier Parish Schools serves the area with 20 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools for over 21,600 students. The district leads Louisiana with 28 Purple Star Schools.
The East Bank District features multiple casinos (Horseshoe, Margaritaville Resort), the Louisiana Boardwalk shopping complex, and numerous restaurants. Outdoor options include Red River National Wildlife Refuge and Cypress-Black Bayou Recreation Area.
VA loans are especially popular given the large military population. FHA loans, USDA loans in eligible areas, and Conventional loans are also available. Bayou Mortgage specializes in helping military families find the right program.

Ready to Buy in Bossier City?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from a Louisiana lender who specializes in VA, FHA, and USDA loans.

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