Opelousas, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Opelousas, Louisiana is 15,662 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest city in Louisiana. The median household income is $36,260, the median home value is $113,000, and the median age is 34.3.
The population has declined 9.4% since 2010 (16,757 → 15,176).
15,662
Population
1619
People / sq mi
$36,260
Median Income
$113,000
Median Home Value
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Opelousas covers 9.7 sq mi of land at 1619 people per square mile.
About Opelousas, LA
The poverty rate is what most separates Opelousas from the typical city: 31.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 15,662 residents, Opelousas is a city in Louisiana. It ranks #32 among cities in Louisiana by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $36,260, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 31.5%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $113,000, with typical rent around $734.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 10.9%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Opelousas: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Opelousas city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Opelousas city had a population of 16,757 in 2010 and 15,176 in 2024, a -9.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,757 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.70%.
15,176
Population (2024)
16,757
Population (2010)
16,757
Peak (2010)
-0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,757 |
| 2011 | 16,672 |
| 2012 | 16,609 |
| 2013 | 16,537 |
| 2014 | 16,546 |
| 2015 | 16,468 |
| 2016 | 16,420 |
| 2017 | 16,300 |
| 2018 | 16,093 |
| 2019 | 15,911 |
| 2020 | 15,771 |
| 2021 | 15,670 |
| 2022 | 15,463 |
| 2023 | 15,346 |
| 2024 | 15,176 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 16.2% |
| Black or African American | 80.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$36,260
Median Household Income
$19,584
Per Capita Income
31.5%
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$113,000
Median Home Value
$734
Median Rent
50.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
78.6%
High School+
10.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
82.6%
Public Transit
5.2%
Work From Home
24.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
5.6%
Foreign Born
96.0%
Non-English at Home
3.7%
Veterans
15.9%
With Disability
93.7%
Health Insurance
82.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.3% |
| Manufacturing | 8.0% |
| Information | 6.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.7% |
| Construction | 5.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.8% |
| Public Administration | 3.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Louisiana
Largest counties in Louisiana
Part of Louisiana
Metro areas in Louisiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Opelousas, Louisiana has a population of 15,662 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest city in Louisiana.
The median household income in Opelousas, Louisiana is $36,260, with 31.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Opelousas, Louisiana is $113,000, with median monthly rent at $734 and a homeownership rate of 50.6%.
The median age in Opelousas, Louisiana is 34.3 years. The population is 46.3% male and 53.7% female.
The population has declined 9.4% since 2010 (16,757 → 15,176).
Where to stay in Opelousas
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.