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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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.
Lafayette Parish, LA Climate
Lafayette Parish, LA has an average annual temperature of 20.1°C (68°F) and receives about 1567 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.1°C
Avg Temp
1567
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 51° | 149 mm |
| February | 13° / 55° | 108 mm |
| March | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| April | 20° / 68° | 116 mm |
| May | 24° / 75° | 136 mm |
| June | 27° / 81° | 149 mm |
| July | 28° / 83° | 164 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 135 mm |
| September | 26° / 78° | 133 mm |
| October | 21° / 69° | 108 mm |
| November | 16° / 60° | 116 mm |
| December | 12° / 54° | 140 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 Lafayette Parish, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Lafayette Parish, LA are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lafayette Parish
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.