Shreveport, LA, September 6, 2025

News Summary

The economic outlook for Shreveport indicates a mix of positive and negative trends for the coming years. While the regional airport reports record air travel and local casinos see revenue increases, the unemployment rate has risen to about 5%. Housing prices remain stable, but high interest rates prompt a cautious market. Overall, Shreveport’s economy exhibits slow but steady growth amidst national economic concerns. Local experts continue to monitor the situation closely for emerging trends.

Shreveport’s Economic Outlook: Mixed Signals in 2024 and 2025 Reports

Shreveport’s economy is showing a mixed outlook for 2024 and 2025, according to a recent report by Douglas White, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at LSU Shreveport. This report, presented during a meeting with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, evaluates the economic performance of Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parishes, and it reveals both positive and concerning trends in the local economy.

In a notable development, the Shreveport Regional Airport achieved record air travel in the second quarter of 2024, despite declining trends observed nationally. Similarly, local casinos experienced a year-over-year revenue increase, attributed primarily to the opening of the new Live! Casino in Bossier City on February 13, 2025. While these developments are encouraging, the overall economic environment remains characterized by “slow and steady” growth, akin to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, indicating stability without substantial fluctuations.

The current unemployment rate in the Shreveport area is approximately 5%, which has seen an uptick from earlier figures in 2024. This rise in unemployment is partially linked to an aging workforce and increased job switching behaviors among younger employees. Despite these challenges, Shreveport’s local economy remains stable with tax collections up by 5% year-over-year, defying the broader national trends of rising unemployment.

Inflation appears to be moderating in the region, but White expressed concerns about potential impacts from tariffs on future prices. Furthermore, housing prices in Shreveport have generally remained stable, with a modest increase noted despite high interest rates that have deterred some prospective buyers. The current interest rates are around 6%, prompting some in the housing market to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

White has advised those looking to purchase homes to consider buying now, with the prospect of refinancing later as interest rates are expected to decline. Although sales tax collections have remained steady, uncertainty looms regarding how new legislative measures might affect future revenue. The performance of Shreveport’s housing market has been surprisingly resilient, with median prices rising by 3% since the beginning of 2024.

Despite national economic indicators suggesting a slowdown, the economic metrics observed in Shreveport during the second quarter of 2024 have not reflected such pessimism. White plans to closely assess local economic data in the upcoming third quarter to better understand ongoing and emerging trends.

Key Economic Indicators

• Unemployment Rate: Currently around 5%
• Tax Collection Growth: Up 5% year-over-year
• Housing Market: Median prices increased by 3% this year
• Interest Rates: Approximately 6%
• Airport Usage: Record air travel reported
• Casino Revenue: Increased due to new casino opening

FAQs

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Additional Resources

• Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
• Wikipedia: Economy of Louisiana
• Bossier Press
• Google Search: Shreveport economic trends
• KTAL News
• Google Scholar: Shreveport economy
• KSLA News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic development
• Shreveport Times
• Google News: Shreveport economic report

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.