Tensas Parish, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 64th-largest in Louisiana
The population of Tensas Parish, Louisiana is 3,992 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 64th-largest county in Louisiana. The median household income is $36,074, the median home value is $80,300, and the median age is 47.4.
The population of Tensas Parish has declined 26.5% since 2010 (5,229 → 3,844), a -2.17% annualized rate.
3,992
Population
-2.17%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$36,074
Median Income
$80,300
Median Home Value
Tensas Parish covers 603 sq mi of land at 6.6 people per square mile.
About Tensas Parish, LA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Tensas Parish: the median home is valued at $80,300. With 3,992 residents, Tensas Parish is a county in Louisiana.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $36,074, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 24.7%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $80,300, with typical rent around $613.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 13.1%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Tensas Parish Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Tensas Parish had a population of 5,229 in 2010 and 3,844 in 2024, a -26.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,229 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -2.17%.
3,844
Population (2024)
5,229
Population (2010)
5,229
Peak (2010)
-2.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,229 |
| 2011 | 5,091 |
| 2012 | 4,998 |
| 2013 | 4,932 |
| 2014 | 4,852 |
| 2015 | 4,773 |
| 2016 | 4,652 |
| 2017 | 4,572 |
| 2018 | 4,454 |
| 2019 | 4,319 |
| 2020 | 4,108 |
| 2021 | 4,026 |
| 2022 | 3,848 |
| 2023 | 3,848 |
| 2024 | 3,844 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 41.6% |
| Black or African American | 53.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.4
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
27.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 27.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $36,074$-23,949 vs state |
| Mean household income | $50,490 |
| Per-capita income | $21,878 |
| Poverty rate | 24.7%+10.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 37.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Tensas Parish is professional & business services, accounting for 18.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
85.9%
Public transit
2.1%
Work from home
27.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$80,300$-128,400 vs state
Median home value
$613
Median rent
69.6%
Homeownership rate
2,804
Total housing units
58.1%
Occupied
41.9%
Vacant
30.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
82.1%
With broadband internet
22.7%
Foreign-born
4.5%
Veterans (18+)
20.1%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.9%
High School+
13.1%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tensas Parish, Louisiana has a population of 3,992 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 64th-largest county in Louisiana. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Tensas Parish has declined 26.5% since 2010 (5,229 → 3,844), a -2.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Tensas Parish, Louisiana is $36,074, with mean (average) household income of $50,490 and per-capita income of $21,878. 24.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Tensas Parish, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (53.3%), White (41.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Tensas Parish, Louisiana is 47.4 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Tensas Parish is $80,300 and median monthly rent is $613. 69.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,804 total housing units, 41.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Tensas Parish, Louisiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.7%.
New Orleans is among the largest cities associated with Tensas Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 376,035.
Tensas Parish, LA Climate
Tensas Parish, LA has an average annual temperature of 18.4°C (65°F) and receives about 1443 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.4°C
Avg Temp
1443
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 149 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 124 mm |
| March | 14° / 58° | 157 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 136 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 137 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 106 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 96 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 86 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 80 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 98 mm |
| November | 14° / 56° | 127 mm |
| December | 10° / 49° | 147 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 Tensas Parish, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Tensas Parish, LA are typically October, September and May, 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). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Tensas 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.