Skip to main content
Population Review

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.

Lafayette Parish within Louisiana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Lafayette Parish is a county in Louisiana with a population of 245,075. It ranks #5 among counties in Louisiana by population. The median age is 36.4, younger than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

The median household income in Lafayette Parish is $67,660, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $234,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,022. The homeownership rate of 66.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Lafayette Parish reflects 34.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 254K20102024

254,241

Population (2024)

222,513

Population (2010)

254,241

Peak (2024)

0.96%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010222,513
2011224,898
2012227,554
2013231,757
2014235,999
2015239,654
2016241,611
2017242,039
2018243,493
2019244,798
2020242,178
2021244,933
2022248,145
2023250,486
2024254,241

Race & Ethnicity

White64.0%
Black or African American25.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

36.4

Median Age

51.1%

Female

48.9%

Male

14.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.6%
5–9
6.6%
10–14
7.0%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
6.1%
25–34
15.2%
35–44
14.2%
45–54
11.6%
55–59
6.0%
60–64
6.3%
65–74
9.1%
75–84
3.8%
85+
1.4%

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 rate12.6%-1.6% vs state
Unemployment rate3.3%
Employment-to-population61.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.8%
Finance & real estate
11.1%
Education & health care
8.8%
Construction
7.2%
Information
6.0%
Agriculture
5.8%
Manufacturing
4.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.7%

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+

Largest cities in Louisiana

Other counties in Louisiana

Part of Louisiana

Metro areas in Louisiana

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.