Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Louisiana
The population of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is 245,075 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Louisiana. The median household income is $67,660, the median home value is $234,200, and the median age is 36.4.
The population of Lafayette Parish has grown 14.3% since 2010 (222,513 → 254,241), a +0.96% annualized rate.
245,075
Population
+0.96%
Annual growth
912
People / sq mi
$67,660
Median Income
$234,200
Median Home Value
Lafayette Parish covers 269 sq mi of land at 911.6 people per square mile.
About Lafayette Parish, LA
What distinguishes Lafayette Parish is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 912 people per square mile. With 245,075 residents, Lafayette Parish is a county in Louisiana. It is the #5-largest of all counties in Louisiana nationally.
Median household income is $67,660, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $234,200, with typical rent around $1,022.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 34.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 9.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lafayette Parish: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lafayette Parish Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lafayette Parish had a population of 222,513 in 2010 and 254,241 in 2024, a 14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 254,241 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.96%.
254,241
Population (2024)
222,513
Population (2010)
254,241
Peak (2024)
0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 222,513 |
| 2011 | 224,898 |
| 2012 | 227,554 |
| 2013 | 231,757 |
| 2014 | 235,999 |
| 2015 | 239,654 |
| 2016 | 241,611 |
| 2017 | 242,039 |
| 2018 | 243,493 |
| 2019 | 244,798 |
| 2020 | 242,178 |
| 2021 | 244,933 |
| 2022 | 248,145 |
| 2023 | 250,486 |
| 2024 | 254,241 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.0% |
| Black or African American | 25.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.4
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
14.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,660+$7,637 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,948 |
| Per-capita income | $39,092 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%-1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lafayette Parish is professional & business services, accounting for 26.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
81.8%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$234,200+$25,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,022
Median rent
66.1%
Homeownership rate
110,400
Total housing units
90.0%
Occupied
10.0%
Vacant
33.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
13.1%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
90.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
34.9%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana has a population of 245,075 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Louisiana. Population density is 912 people per square mile.
The population of Lafayette Parish has grown 14.3% since 2010 (222,513 → 254,241), a +0.96% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is $67,660, with mean (average) household income of $94,948 and per-capita income of $39,092. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lafayette Parish, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.0%), Black or African American (25.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is 36.4 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Lafayette Parish is $234,200 and median monthly rent is $1,022. 66.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 110,400 total housing units, 10.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
New Orleans is among the largest cities associated with Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 376,035.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.