Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Louisiana
The population of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is 158,916 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Louisiana. The median household income is $51,241, the median home value is $183,000, and the median age is 36.6.
The population of Ouachita Parish has grown 2.5% since 2010 (153,966 → 157,874), a +0.18% annualized rate.
158,916
Population
+0.18%
Annual growth
260
People / sq mi
$51,241
Median Income
$183,000
Median Home Value
Ouachita Parish covers 610 sq mi of land at 260.4 people per square mile.
About Ouachita Parish, LA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Ouachita Parish: 59.5% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 158,916 residents, Ouachita Parish is a county in Louisiana. It is the #8-largest of all counties in Louisiana nationally.
The typical household earns $51,241, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.8%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $183,000, with typical rent around $923.
About 27.5% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.1%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Ouachita Parish Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ouachita Parish had a population of 153,966 in 2010 and 157,874 in 2024, a 2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 160,114 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.19%.
157,874
Population (2024)
153,966
Population (2010)
160,114
Peak (2020)
0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 153,966 |
| 2011 | 154,654 |
| 2012 | 155,265 |
| 2013 | 156,075 |
| 2014 | 156,383 |
| 2015 | 156,916 |
| 2016 | 156,948 |
| 2017 | 155,913 |
| 2018 | 154,694 |
| 2019 | 153,401 |
| 2020 | 160,114 |
| 2021 | 158,889 |
| 2022 | 157,812 |
| 2023 | 157,712 |
| 2024 | 157,874 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.7% |
| Black or African American | 37.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.6
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
15.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,241$-8,782 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,757 |
| Per-capita income | $30,656 |
| Poverty rate | 18.8%+4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ouachita Parish is professional & business services, accounting for 29.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$183,000$-25,700 vs state
Median home value
$923
Median rent
59.5%
Homeownership rate
70,667
Total housing units
86.0%
Occupied
14.0%
Vacant
40.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
18.4%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.0%
High School+
27.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Louisiana
Other counties in Louisiana
Part of Louisiana
Metro areas in Louisiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana has a population of 158,916 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Louisiana. Population density is 260 people per square mile.
The population of Ouachita Parish has grown 2.5% since 2010 (153,966 → 157,874), a +0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is $51,241, with mean (average) household income of $76,757 and per-capita income of $30,656. 18.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ouachita Parish, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.7%), Black or African American (37.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is 36.6 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Ouachita Parish is $183,000 and median monthly rent is $923. 59.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 70,667 total housing units, 14.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
New Orleans is among the largest cities associated with Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 376,035.
Ouachita Parish, LA Climate
Ouachita Parish, LA has an average annual temperature of 18.1°C (65°F) and receives about 1358 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.1°C
Avg Temp
1358
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 129 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 123 mm |
| March | 14° / 57° | 135 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 114 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 142 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 104 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 94 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 77 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 89 mm |
| October | 19° / 65° | 101 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 113 mm |
| December | 9° / 48° | 137 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 Ouachita Parish, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Ouachita Parish, LA are typically October, September and April, 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). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ouachita Parish
Visiting or relocating to Ouachita Parish, LA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Ouachita Parish
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Ouachita Parish?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Ouachita Parish, LA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Louisiana
Population 452,821
Population 432,484
Population 376,035
Population 269,331
Full rankings of Louisiana counties
Statewide data for Louisiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Louisiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.