Union Parish, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Louisiana
The population of Union Parish, Louisiana is 20,914 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Louisiana. The median household income is $45,743, the median home value is $115,400, and the median age is 43.5.
The population of Union Parish has declined 9.7% since 2010 (22,842 → 20,617), a -0.73% annualized rate.
20,914
Population
-0.73%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$45,743
Median Income
$115,400
Median Home Value
Union Parish covers 877 sq mi of land at 23.8 people per square mile.
About Union Parish, LA
The poverty rate is what most separates Union Parish from the typical county: 23.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 20,914 residents, Union Parish is a county in Louisiana. It ranks #42 among counties in Louisiana by population.
The typical household earns $45,743, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 23.5%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $115,400, with typical rent around $758.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.0%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Union Parish: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Union Parish Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union Parish had a population of 22,842 in 2010 and 20,617 in 2024, a -9.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,842 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.72%.
20,617
Population (2024)
22,842
Population (2010)
22,842
Peak (2010)
-0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,842 |
| 2011 | 22,766 |
| 2012 | 22,528 |
| 2013 | 22,460 |
| 2014 | 22,560 |
| 2015 | 22,490 |
| 2016 | 22,514 |
| 2017 | 22,391 |
| 2018 | 22,209 |
| 2019 | 22,068 |
| 2020 | 21,100 |
| 2021 | 21,013 |
| 2022 | 20,691 |
| 2023 | 20,686 |
| 2024 | 20,617 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.7% |
| Black or African American | 24.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.5
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,743$-14,280 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,887 |
| Per-capita income | $27,835 |
| Poverty rate | 23.5%+9.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union Parish is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
85.3%
Public transit
3.6%
Work from home
33.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$115,400$-93,300 vs state
Median home value
$758
Median rent
76.1%
Homeownership rate
10,416
Total housing units
79.2%
Occupied
20.8%
Vacant
23.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
86.1%
With broadband internet
21.3%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Union Parish, Louisiana has a population of 20,914 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Louisiana. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Union Parish has declined 9.7% since 2010 (22,842 → 20,617), a -0.73% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union Parish, Louisiana is $45,743, with mean (average) household income of $64,887 and per-capita income of $27,835. 23.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union Parish, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.7%), Black or African American (24.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union Parish, Louisiana is 43.5 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Union Parish is $115,400 and median monthly rent is $758. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,416 total housing units, 20.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union Parish, Louisiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
New Orleans is among the largest cities associated with Union 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.