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
Ouachita Parish is a county in Louisiana with a population of 158,916. It ranks #8 among counties in Louisiana by population. The median age is 36.6, younger than the national median. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
The median household income in Ouachita Parish is $51,241, below the US median of $74,580. 18.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $183,000, with monthly rent averaging $923. The homeownership rate of 59.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ouachita Parish reflects 27.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.