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Population Review

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.

Tensas Parish within Louisiana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Tensas Parish is a county in Louisiana with a population of 3,992. It ranks #64 among counties in Louisiana by population. The median age is 47.4, older than the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

The median household income in Tensas Parish is $36,074, below the US median of $74,580. 24.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $80,300, with monthly rent averaging $613. The homeownership rate of 69.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Tensas Parish reflects 13.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.5 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%.

2010 · 5K20102024

3,844

Population (2024)

5,229

Population (2010)

5,229

Peak (2010)

-2.17%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20105,229
20115,091
20124,998
20134,932
20144,852
20154,773
20164,652
20174,572
20184,454
20194,319
20204,108
20214,026
20223,848
20233,848
20243,844

Race & Ethnicity

White41.6%
Black or African American53.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

47.4

Median Age

51.8%

Female

48.2%

Male

27.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
9.1%
10–14
4.4%
15–19
6.9%
20–24
2.7%
25–34
8.3%
35–44
12.2%
45–54
8.8%
55–59
6.2%
60–64
9.7%
65–74
17.0%
75–84
7.6%
85+
2.5%

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 rate24.7%+10.5% vs state
Unemployment rate5.7%
Employment-to-population37.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
18.9%
Agriculture
13.8%
Public administration
12.0%
Finance & real estate
10.9%
Retail trade
5.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.7%
Education & health care
4.5%
Construction
3.8%

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+

Largest cities in Louisiana

Other counties in Louisiana

Part of Louisiana

Metro areas in Louisiana

County rankings

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.