Vermilion Parish in Louisiana has a population of around 57,000 people and is situated in southern Acadiana, being a part of the Lafayette metropolitan area. The area is renowned for its vibrant Cajun culture, thriving seafood industry, and significant oil and gas production.
Despite these strengths, not all parts of the parish share the same level of prosperity. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Vermilion Parish was 16.8% in 2021, surpassing both the state average of 15.8% and the national average of 10.5%.
Certain neighborhoods within Vermilion Parish face even higher rates of poverty. This indicates a lack of economic opportunities, social services, and overall quality of life for the residents. Here are the five neighborhoods in Vermilion Parish with the lowest median household incomes based on data from 2016-2020:
Abbeville
Abbeville, located in Vermilion Parish, is the largest city with around 12,000 residents. It’s known for being the least affluent area in the parish, with a median household income of $30,571, which is less than half of the parish average of $52,219. The poverty rate in Abbeville is 32.4%, which is more than double the parish average of 16.8%.
Despite its economic struggles, Abbeville boasts historical sites like the Vermilion Parish Courthouse and the St. Mary Magdalen Church. It also hosts cultural events like the Giant Omelette Celebration and the Louisiana Cattle Festival. However, the city grapples with challenges such as low educational achievement, high unemployment, and crime.
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Gueydan
Gueydan, located in Vermilion Parish, has a population of approximately 1,400 residents. It ranks as the second poorest area in the parish, with a median household income of $31,250. The poverty rate in Gueydan stands at 24.9%, surpassing the parish average of 16.8%.
Although renowned as the “Duck Capital of America” due to its rich waterfowl population and the yearly Duck Festival, Gueydan faces challenges such as a diminishing population, aging infrastructure, and a limited range of economic activities.
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Kaplan
Kaplan, located in Vermilion Parish, has approximately 4,600 residents. It’s considered the third least affluent area in the parish, with a typical household earning around $33,750. The poverty rate in Kaplan stands at 23%, surpassing the parish average of 16.8%.
While Kaplan is famous for its Cajun culture and hosts a yearly Cajun Food Festival, it faces challenges like limited educational achievement, expensive healthcare, and environmental concerns.
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Maurice
Maurice is a small village in Vermilion Parish, home to around 1,200 residents. It ranks as the fourth least affluent area in the parish, with an average household income of $34,375.
The poverty rate in Maurice stands at 19%, which is higher than the parish’s average of 16.8%. The village is notable for its historic structures and its closeness to Lafayette. Nonetheless, it encounters difficulties like scarce public transportation, limited internet availability, and the potential for flooding.
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Erath
Erath, located in Vermilion Parish, has around 2,100 residents. It’s considered the fifth least affluent area in the parish, with an average household income of $35,833.
The poverty rate in Erath is 18%, slightly above the parish’s average of 16.8%. The town is recognized for its Acadian Museum and yearly Fourth of July Celebration. Nonetheless, Erath faces challenges like expensive housing, limited income, and the aftermath of hurricanes.
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Final Words
These five neighborhoods are among the poorest neighborhoods in Vermilion Parish and Louisiana. They require increased attention and assistance from both local and state authorities to enhance their economic and social circumstances and decrease poverty rates.
Moreover, they could benefit from additional resources and creative solutions from private and non-profit sectors to generate more employment and prospects for their inhabitants. By tackling these challenges, these neighborhoods have the potential to attain greater prosperity and overall well-being for both themselves and Vermilion Parish as a whole.
