Barksdale AFB PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Northwest Louisiana Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Barksdale AFB is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52 Stratofortress) and 8th Air Force headquarters with 5,600 active duty personnel. This is a bomber mission—strategic bombing and nuclear deterrence in Northwest Louisiana. Low cost of living, decent schools, but high deployment tempo.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Excellent fit (E5 BAH covers median 3BR house with $450-500 buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,150/month (very affordable for Louisiana)
• School Quality: Bossier Parish (7-8/10) is strong, avoid Caddo Parish/Shreveport (5-6/10)
• Shreveport/Bossier: Twin cities (400K metro), casino hub, decent amenities

What This Guide Covers: Housing with real prices, school ratings, Bossier City/Shreveport intel, and B-52 bomber mission realities.

Want real-time data? This guide provides 2025 rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Barksdale Air Force Base
• Location: Bossier City, LA (Bossier Parish) - adjacent to Bossier City
• Size: 22,000 acres
• Population: 5,600 active duty + 14,000 total (civilians + dependents)
• Branch: Air Force (ACC - Air Combat Command, AFGSC - Air Force Global Strike Command)
• Major Units: 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress), 8th Air Force headquarters (AFGSC), 307th Bomb Wing (B-52H, Reserve)
• Climate: Humid subtropical Louisiana—hot/humid summers (90-98°F), mild winters (40-60°F)
• Nearest Major City: Shreveport/Bossier City, LA (adjacent, 400K metro), Dallas, TX (3 hours east)

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BAH Rates

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Key Insight: BAH generously covers rent in all good neighborhoods—Bossier Parish schools (7-8/10, best) are easily affordable. E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers median rent ($1,150) with $500 left over. This is a HIGH savings post—low cost of living + generous BAH = save $6,000-7,000/year.

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

🏆 Tier 1 - Best for Families (Live Here)

Benton, LA (North of base, Bossier Parish):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,200/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 8/10 (Bossier Parish—best schools in area)
• Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, growing rapidly
• Best Areas: Near Benton Elementary/Middle/High (8-9/10 schools)
• Why: Best schools, safe, pocket $450/month

Haughton, LA (Northeast of base, Bossier Parish):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,150/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 7-8/10 (Bossier Parish)
• Vibe: Small town (3.5K people), family-oriented
• Why: Great schools, quiet, pocket $500/month

East Bossier City (Airline Drive area, Bossier Parish):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,150/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to gate
• Schools: 7-8/10 (Bossier Parish)
• Vibe: Suburban, established neighborhoods
• Best Areas: Near Airline High School, Parkway High School
• Why: Good schools, close commute, pocket $500/month

On-Base Housing (Privatized - Corvias):

• Cost: Free (BAH auto-deducted)
• Wait Time: 4-8 months (moderate)
• Quality: 7-8/10 (renovated, good)
• Schools: Bus to Bossier Parish schools (7-8/10)
• Why: Convenience, no commute, excellent schools

⚠️ Tier 2 - Livable But Research Carefully

West Bossier City (Near casinos):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,100/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to gate
• Schools: 6-7/10 (Bossier Parish—mixed)
• Vibe: Casino district, entertainment, busier
• Trade-off: Cheap rent + casinos but some traffic/noise

South Shreveport (Youree Drive area):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,050/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 5-6/10 (Caddo Parish—weaker)
• Vibe: Shopping district, established, mixed areas
• Trade-off: Cheap rent but sacrifice schools

❌ Tier 3 - Avoid Unless You Know What You're Doing

Downtown Shreveport:

• Higher crime, schools 4-5/10, older infrastructure
• Not worth the savings

West Shreveport:

• Some higher crime areas, schools 4-5/10
• Research carefully before committing

Pro Tip: Benton (8/10 schools, Bossier Parish) is the gold standard—best schools in area, 15-20 min commute, pocket $450. Haughton (7-8/10 schools, small town 3.5K people) pocket $500. East Bossier City (7-8/10 schools, Airline/Parkway High) pocket $500, shorter commute. AVOID Caddo Parish/Shreveport schools (5-6/10). Bossier Parish schools are FAR superior.

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Schools

Top Elementary Schools

• Benton Elementary (Benton) - 9/10 - Best elementary near base
• Elm Grove Elementary (Bossier Parish) - 8/10 - Excellent
• Cope Middle Magnet (Bossier Parish) - 8/10 - Strong academics

Top Middle Schools

• Benton Middle (Benton) - 8/10 - Best middle school near base
• Greenacres Middle (Bossier Parish) - 7/10 - Solid

Top High Schools

• Benton High School (Benton) - 9/10 - Best high school near base
• Airline High School (Bossier City) - 8/10 - Excellent
• Parkway High School (Bossier City) - 8/10 - Strong academics

Private Schools

• Loyola College Prep (Shreveport) - 8/10 - Catholic Jesuit (9-12, $10K-14K/year)
• Caddo Parish Magnet High (Shreveport) - 8/10 - Public magnet, selective admissions

Schools to Avoid

• Most Caddo Parish/Shreveport schools - 4-6/10 - Struggling district
• West Shreveport schools - 4-5/10 - Weak performance

School District Strategy: Bossier Parish Schools (7-9/10) are EXCELLENT—Benton schools are 8-9/10 (best), Airline/Parkway High Schools are 8/10. Caddo Parish/Shreveport Schools (4-6/10) are FAR weaker—avoid unless childless. Live in Bossier Parish for schools. Private schools limited—Loyola College Prep (8/10, $10K-14K/year) is best Catholic option.

For live school ratings and neighborhood analysis: Base Navigator →

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Local Intel (What You Actually Need to Know)

Cost of Living

Overall: -14% lower — Northwest Louisiana affordability
Housing: -22% lower — BAH covers rent with $450-500 buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary + off-base savings
Utilities: +12% higher — Hot/humid summers, AC runs constantly

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in East Bossier City): $1,150
• Utilities (electric + AC): $190 (summer: $250-290)
• Groceries: $755
• Gas (commute + errands): $160
• Internet/Streaming: $86
• Kids (activities, daycare part-time): $310

Total: ~$2,651/month (summer: ~$2,761 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $739-849)

State Taxes

• Louisiana: 1.85%-4.25% state income tax (graduated, LOW)
• No local taxes: Bossier City has no additional city tax
• Military Benefit: Active duty can claim home state of record (tax advantage if from no-income-tax state)

BAH Reality: E5 with dependents BAH (~$1,650) covers East Bossier City rent ($1,150) with $500 left over. Live in Benton ($1,200, best schools 8/10) and pocket $450. Haughton ($1,150, 7-8/10 schools, small town) pocket $500. Budget $250-290/month for summer AC (hot/humid Louisiana).

Pro Tip: East Bossier City or Haughton = sweet spot (pocket $500/month, 7-8/10 schools). Benton has best schools (8-9/10) and pocket $450. LOW cost of living + generous BAH = save $6,000-7,000/year. Louisiana income tax is LOW (1.85-4.25%). Use this assignment to max TSP, pay off debt, build wealth.

Traffic & Commute

• Rush Hour: 7-8am, 4:30-5:30pm (moderate)
• Best Routes: I-220, Airline Drive, Barksdale Boulevard
• Worst: I-20 through Shreveport (backed up), avoid if possible
• Pro Tip: 10-20 minute commute from Bossier City suburbs, minimal traffic

Commissary & BX

• Best Times: Weekday mornings, early afternoons
• Worst Times: Weekends (busier), paydays
• Off-Base Alternative: Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, Louisiana Boardwalk outlets

Things You Should Know

• B-52 mission: 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress)—strategic bombing, nuclear deterrence
• 8th Air Force: AFGSC headquarters (nuclear/conventional long-range strike)
• Moderate to high deployments: B-52 crews deploy regularly (Middle East, Guam, Europe, 4-6 months)
• 307th Bomb Wing: Reserve B-52H wing (part-time reservists)
• Casinos: Bossier City has 4 casinos (Horseshoe, Margaritaville, Boomtown, Diamond Jacks)
• Shreveport/Bossier: Twin cities (400K metro), Red River separates them
• Hot/humid summers: 90-98°F + 70-80% humidity, AC runs constantly

Hidden Gems

• Louisiana Boardwalk (Bossier City) - Outlets, restaurants, Bass Pro Shops on Red River
• Red River District (Shreveport) - Casinos, entertainment, riverfront
• Sci-Port Discovery Center (Shreveport) - Interactive science museum, IMAX
• R.W. Norton Art Gallery (Shreveport) - Free art museum, beautiful gardens
• Cross Lake (Shreveport) - Boating, fishing, water sports
• Caddo Lake (45 min) - Cypress swamp, kayaking, eerie beauty (TX/LA border)
• Texas (Dallas): 3 hours east (weekend trips)

Areas to Avoid

• Downtown Shreveport (higher crime, weak schools)
• West Shreveport (some sketchy areas)

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What's It Like to Live at Barksdale AFB?

Barksdale AFB is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress) and 8th Air Force headquarters (AFGSC). If you're here, you're either flying/maintaining B-52s or supporting strategic operations. The mission is strategic bombing and nuclear deterrence—B-52 crews deploy regularly to Middle East/Guam/Europe (moderate to high tempo, 4-6 month rotations). The 307th Bomb Wing (Reserve B-52Hs) also operates from here. This is a bomber mission in Northwest Louisiana—high tempo, strong community, casinos, decent cost of living.

Mission Reality:

• 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress): Strategic bombing, nuclear deterrence, moderate to high deployments (Middle East, Guam, Europe, 4-6 months)
• 8th Air Force (AFGSC HQ): Nuclear/conventional long-range strike command
• 307th Bomb Wing (B-52H, Reserve): Part-time reservists, some deployments
• Support/Mx: Moderate to high deployment tempo
• Bomber community: Legendary B-52 culture, tight-knit

Quality of Life:

• LOW cost of living: Pocket $450-500/month from BAH, save $6,000-7,000/year
• Schools: Bossier Parish (7-9/10) is EXCELLENT—Benton schools (8-9/10) are best
• Shreveport/Bossier metro: 400K people, casinos (Horseshoe, Margaritaville), Louisiana Boardwalk
• Moderate to high deployment tempo: B-52 crews deploy frequently (4-6 months)
• Hot/humid summers: 90-98°F + 70-80% humidity (brutal)
• Casinos: 4 in Bossier City (entertainment + jobs for spouses)

The Good:

• LOW cost of living (pocket $450-500/month from BAH, save $6,000-7,000/year)
• Bossier Parish schools EXCELLENT (7-9/10, Benton schools 8-9/10)
• Bomber community is legendary (B-52 culture, strong camaraderie)
• Casinos (Horseshoe, Margaritaville, entertainment + spouse jobs)
• Louisiana Boardwalk (outlets, Bass Pro Shops, riverfront)
• Shreveport/Bossier metro 400K (decent size, not too small)
• Low Louisiana income tax (1.85-4.25%)
• Dallas 3 hours (weekend trips)

The Not-So-Good:

• Moderate to high deployment tempo (B-52 crews, 4-6 month rotations)
• Hot/humid summers are brutal (90-98°F + 70-80% humidity)
• Caddo Parish/Shreveport schools are WEAK (4-6/10, avoid)
• Casinos can be tempting/problem for some (gambling)
• Shreveport downtown has crime (avoid)

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Cost of Living

Overall: -14% lower — Northwest Louisiana affordability
Housing: -22% lower — BAH covers rent with huge buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary saves 20-30%
Utilities: +12% higher — AC runs constantly in summer

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in East Bossier City): $1,150
• Utilities (electric + AC): $190 (summer: $250-290)
• Groceries: $755
• Gas (commute + errands): $160
• Internet/Cable: $86
• Childcare (part-time): $310
• Car Insurance: $120 (LA is moderate)
• Misc (restaurants, entertainment): $135

Total: ~$2,906/month (summer: ~$3,016 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $484-594)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers East Bossier City rent ($1,150) with $500 left over. Live in Benton ($1,200, best schools 8-9/10) and pocket $450. Haughton ($1,150, 7-8/10 schools, small town) pocket $500. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted).

Savings Potential: HIGH—pocket $450-500/month in good neighborhoods. Low cost of living + generous BAH = save $6,000-7,000/year. Louisiana income tax LOW (1.85-4.25%, save $2,000-2,500/year vs high-tax states). Budget extra $600-800/year for summer AC spike. This is a wealth-building assignment—max TSP, pay off debt, build emergency fund.

Pro Tips:

• East Bossier City or Haughton = sweet spot (pocket $500/month, 7-8/10 schools)
• Benton = best schools (8-9/10) pocket $450/month
• Commissary saves 20-30% vs off-base (Walmart, Target)
• Louisiana has LOW income tax (1.85-4.25%, major savings)
• LOW cost of living = save $6,000-7,000/year (max TSP contributions)

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Shreveport/Bossier metro (400K people) has a regional economy—healthcare, casinos, education, oil/gas, and military. Civilian jobs are plentiful in casinos/hospitality but also healthcare pays well. Remote work is growing—many spouses work remotely.

Top Spouse Employers:

1. Casinos: Horseshoe, Margaritaville, Boomtown, Diamond Jacks (dealers, hospitality - $30K-42K + tips)
2. Healthcare: Ochsner LSU Health, Willis-Knighton Health (RN $58K-72K, admin $32K-46K)
3. On-Base Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman (admin, IT - $42K-58K)
4. Education: Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish schools (teachers start $42K)
5. Oil/Gas: Admin roles (moderate market, $38K-54K)
6. Remote Work: Growing market ($48K-72K)

Average Spouse Salaries:

• Healthcare (RN): $58,000-72,000
• Casino/hospitality (manager): $30,000-42,000 + tips
• On-base contractor (admin/IT): $42,000-58,000
• Teaching (LA): $42,000-54,000
• Oil/gas (admin): $38,000-54,000
• Remote work (varies): $48,000-72,000

Military Spouse Preference:

• Barksdale AFB has NAF jobs (CDC, fitness, MWR)
• Airman & Family Readiness has job assistance programs
• MyCAA grants available for education/certifications
• Shreveport/Bossier job market decent—casinos hiring, healthcare strong

Childcare Situation:

• CDC Waitlist: 4-8 months (get on list at PCS orders)
• Off-Base Daycare: $98-138/week per child (affordable)
• FCC (Family Child Care): On-base home providers, $88-128/week
• School-Age: Before/after school programs $62-102/week

For Families:

• Schools: Bossier Parish (7-9/10) is EXCELLENT—Benton schools (8-9/10) are best, avoid Caddo Parish/Shreveport (4-6/10)
• Activities: Louisiana Boardwalk, casinos, Cross Lake, Sci-Port Discovery Center, Red River District
• Support: Strong military community, bomber family culture (spouses bond during deployments)

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Common Questions About Barksdale AFB

Q: Is Barksdale AFB a good duty station? A: YES, especially if you value LOW cost of living and EXCELLENT schools. Pocket $450-500/month from BAH, save $6,000-7,000/year, Bossier Parish schools are 7-9/10 (Benton schools 8-9/10, best), bomber community is legendary, casinos for entertainment. Trade-offs: moderate to high deployment tempo (B-52 crews, 4-6 months), hot/humid summers (90-98°F + 70-80% humidity), Shreveport schools WEAK (4-6/10, avoid). Good for families focused on saving + education.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base? A: Off-base is better for most. Benton (8-9/10 schools, best) 15-20 min commute, pocket $450. East Bossier City or Haughton (7-8/10 schools) 10-20 min, pocket $500. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, convenient. All options have access to excellent Bossier Parish schools.

Q: How bad are the deployments? A: Moderate to high for B-52 crews. 2nd Bomb Wing deploys regularly to Middle East, Guam (rotational deployments), Europe (4-6 month rotations). Support/Mx moderate to high tempo. If you're flying or maintaining B-52s, expect regular deployments. 8th Air Force HQ staff less frequent.

Q: Can my spouse find work? A: YES. Shreveport/Bossier (400K metro) has casinos (dealers, hospitality $30K-42K + tips), healthcare (RN $58K-72K), on-base contractors ($42K-58K), teaching ($42K-54K), oil/gas admin ($38K-54K). Remote work growing ($48K-72K). Job market is decent—casinos always hiring, healthcare strong.

Q: What's the bomber community like? A: Legendary. 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress) has storied history (formed 1917). Tight-knit bomber culture—strategic missions, nuclear deterrence. 8th Air Force HQ gives Barksdale prestige. B-52 community takes pride in the mission (longest-serving aircraft in USAF history, 1952-present). Strong family support network (spouses bond during deployments).

Q: Are the schools really that good? A: YES. Bossier Parish Schools (7-9/10) are EXCELLENT—Benton schools (8-9/10) are among the best in Louisiana. Airline High, Parkway High (both 8/10) are strong. Caddo Parish/Shreveport Schools (4-6/10) are FAR weaker—avoid. Live in Bossier Parish for schools. This is a major quality-of-life win vs most LA bases.

Q: What about the casinos? A: Bossier City has 4 casinos (Horseshoe, Margaritaville, Boomtown, Diamond Jacks). Entertainment, restaurants, shows, poker rooms. Some like it (date nights, entertainment), others avoid (gambling temptation). Casinos hire spouses (dealers, hospitality $30K-42K + tips). Good for entertainment if you're not anti-gambling. Budget discipline required.

Q: Can I save money at Barksdale? A: YES. This is a HIGH savings post. Pocket $450-500/month from BAH, LOW cost of living, LOW Louisiana income tax (1.85-4.25%) = save $6,000-7,000/year. Max your TSP (19% or $23,500 annual limit), pay off debt, build emergency fund. One of the best savings assignments in CONUS.

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Next Steps: Your PCS Toolkit

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem

Last verified: 2025-01-15. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.