Natchitoches, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Natchitoches, Louisiana is 17,682 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest city in Louisiana. The median household income is $38,731, the median home value is $188,400, and the median age is 26.7.
The population has declined 7.3% since 2010 (18,518 → 17,165).
17,682
Population
763
People / sq mi
$38,731
Median Income
$188,400
Median Home Value
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Natchitoches covers 23.2 sq mi of land at 763 people per square mile.
About Natchitoches, LA
Among US cities, Natchitoches stands out first on household income: a median of $38,731, below the US median of $78,538. With 17,682 residents, Natchitoches is a city in Louisiana. It ranks #27 among cities in Louisiana by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $38,731, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 21.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $188,400, with typical rent around $777.
Roughly 29.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.0%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Natchitoches city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Natchitoches city had a population of 18,518 in 2010 and 17,165 in 2024, a -7.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,518 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.53%.
17,165
Population (2024)
18,518
Population (2010)
18,518
Peak (2010)
-0.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,518 |
| 2011 | 18,436 |
| 2012 | 18,412 |
| 2013 | 18,279 |
| 2014 | 18,248 |
| 2015 | 18,141 |
| 2016 | 18,082 |
| 2017 | 18,000 |
| 2018 | 17,751 |
| 2019 | 17,485 |
| 2020 | 18,082 |
| 2021 | 17,775 |
| 2022 | 17,580 |
| 2023 | 17,356 |
| 2024 | 17,165 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.6% |
| Black or African American | 56.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$38,731
Median Household Income
$23,380
Per Capita Income
21.9%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$188,400
Median Home Value
$777
Median Rent
42.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.7%
High School+
29.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
79.3%
Public Transit
3.0%
Work From Home
16.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.6%
Foreign Born
96.0%
Non-English at Home
5.2%
Veterans
14.3%
With Disability
92.2%
Health Insurance
89.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 35.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.7% |
| Manufacturing | 8.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.9% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Public Administration | 3.3% |
| Retail Trade | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
Largest cities in Louisiana
Largest counties in Louisiana
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Metro areas in Louisiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Natchitoches, Louisiana has a population of 17,682 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest city in Louisiana.
The median household income in Natchitoches, Louisiana is $38,731, with 21.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Natchitoches, Louisiana is $188,400, with median monthly rent at $777 and a homeownership rate of 42.9%.
The median age in Natchitoches, Louisiana is 26.7 years. The population is 47.0% male and 53.0% female.
The population has declined 7.3% since 2010 (18,518 → 17,165).
Where to stay in Natchitoches
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.