Rapides Parish, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Louisiana
The population of Rapides Parish, Louisiana is 128,470 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Louisiana. The median household income is $55,946, the median home value is $179,100, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Rapides Parish has declined 4.4% since 2010 (131,742 → 125,899), a -0.32% annualized rate.
128,470
Population
-0.32%
Annual growth
97
People / sq mi
$55,946
Median Income
$179,100
Median Home Value
Rapides Parish covers 1,324 sq mi of land at 97.0 people per square mile.
About Rapides Parish, LA
Rapides Parish is a county in Louisiana with a population of 128,470. It ranks #13 among counties in Louisiana by population. The median age is 37.8, in line with the national median. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The median household income in Rapides Parish is $55,946, below the US median of $74,580. 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $179,100, with monthly rent averaging $942. The homeownership rate of 65.3% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rapides Parish reflects 22.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.6 minutes each way.
Rapides Parish Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rapides Parish had a population of 131,742 in 2010 and 125,899 in 2024, a -4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 132,337 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
125,899
Population (2024)
131,742
Population (2010)
132,337
Peak (2013)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 131,742 |
| 2011 | 132,019 |
| 2012 | 132,022 |
| 2013 | 132,337 |
| 2014 | 132,229 |
| 2015 | 131,821 |
| 2016 | 131,838 |
| 2017 | 131,272 |
| 2018 | 130,404 |
| 2019 | 129,800 |
| 2020 | 129,658 |
| 2021 | 128,646 |
| 2022 | 126,977 |
| 2023 | 126,453 |
| 2024 | 125,899 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.2% |
| Black or African American | 31.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,946$-4,077 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,662 |
| Per-capita income | $31,688 |
| Poverty rate | 15.0%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rapides Parish is professional & business services, accounting for 29.2% of workers.
How residents commute
2.2%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,100$-29,600 vs state
Median home value
$942
Median rent
65.3%
Homeownership rate
58,321
Total housing units
83.4%
Occupied
16.6%
Vacant
34.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
91.2%
With broadband internet
15.7%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
94.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.4%
High School+
22.4%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rapides Parish, Louisiana has a population of 128,470 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Louisiana. Population density is 97 people per square mile.
The population of Rapides Parish has declined 4.4% since 2010 (131,742 → 125,899), a -0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rapides Parish, Louisiana is $55,946, with mean (average) household income of $79,662 and per-capita income of $31,688. 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rapides Parish, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.2%), Black or African American (31.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rapides Parish, Louisiana is 37.8 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Rapides Parish is $179,100 and median monthly rent is $942. 65.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 58,321 total housing units, 16.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rapides Parish, Louisiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
New Orleans is among the largest cities associated with Rapides 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.