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
Part of Louisiana
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).
Natchitoches city, LA Climate
Natchitoches city, LA has an average annual temperature of 18.4°C (65°F) and receives about 1361 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.4°C
Avg Temp
1361
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 121 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 120 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 121 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 105 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 145 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 112 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 97 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 88 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 92 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 98 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 109 mm |
| December | 9° / 49° | 153 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Natchitoches city, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Natchitoches city, LA are typically October, April and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.