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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Rapides Parish: 65.3% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. With 128,470 residents, Rapides Parish is a county in Louisiana. It ranks #13 among counties in Louisiana by population.
The typical household earns $55,946, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $179,100, with typical rent around $942.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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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County rankings
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.
Rapides Parish, LA Climate
Rapides Parish, LA has an average annual temperature of 18.9°C (66°F) and receives about 1540 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.9°C
Avg Temp
1540
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 48° | 147 mm |
| February | 11° / 52° | 122 mm |
| March | 15° / 59° | 141 mm |
| April | 19° / 66° | 118 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 140 mm |
| June | 26° / 80° | 125 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 113 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 108 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 108 mm |
| October | 19° / 67° | 118 mm |
| November | 14° / 58° | 136 mm |
| December | 10° / 51° | 164 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 Rapides Parish, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Rapides 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 3°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rapides Parish
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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.