Lafayette Parish, situated in the southern part of Louisiana, is home to approximately 240,000 residents. The parish encompasses the city of Lafayette, which ranks as the fourth-largest city in the state and is a focal point of Cajun culture.
Despite its overall population, Lafayette Parish experiences disparities in prosperity and well-being across its regions. Certain areas within the county face significant economic challenges, ranking among the least affluent and most disadvantaged in both Louisiana and the United States.
In 2021, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Lafayette Parish stood at 18.4%. This figure exceeded the national average of 12.8%, yet was slightly below the state’s average of 19.6%.
This data indicates that around 44,000 individuals in Lafayette Parish lived below the poverty line, set at $26,246 for a family of four in 2021.
Furthermore, the incidence of poverty varied depending on the specific location within the county. Some neighborhoods demonstrated significantly higher poverty rates than others. Drawing on information from the U.S. Census Bureau and additional sources, the subsequent list highlights some of the least affluent neighborhoods in Lafayette Parish:
Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, situated in the eastern part of Lafayette Parish near Ascension Parish, is a small city with a population of approximately 6,800. It serves as the seat of Ascension Parish. According to RoadSnacks‘ 2023 report, Donaldsonville was designated as the poorest city in Louisiana.
In 2021, the median household income in Donaldsonville stood at $20,052, the lowest in the state and less than half of the national median of $62,843. The city also experienced an unemployment rate of 15.4%, which was the fourth-highest in Louisiana, more than double the national rate of 6%.
The poverty rate in Donaldsonville was 46.9%, the second-highest in the state, nearly four times the national rate. Over half of the children and over a third of the seniors in Donaldsonville lived in poverty.
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Opelousas
Opelousas, situated in the northern part of Lafayette Parish near the border with St. Landry Parish, is home to approximately 15,700 residents. It serves as the seat of St. Landry Parish. According to RoadSnacks, Opelousas holds the distinction of being one of the poorest cities in Louisiana for 2023.
In 2021, the median household income in Opelousas was just $23,975, ranking among the lowest in the state and falling below half of the national average. The unemployment rate stood at 14%, surpassing the state average and more than double the national figure.
With a poverty rate of 40%, Opelousas ranked among the highest in the state, exceeding three times the national average. Shockingly, over half of the children and more than a quarter of the seniors in Opelousas lived in poverty.
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Bogalusa
Bogalusa, situated in the southeastern corner of Lafayette Parish, near the Washington Parish border, is home to approximately 11,400 residents. It is part of the New Orleans metropolitan area.
As of 2021, the median household income in Bogalusa was $24,625, ranking among the lowest in the state and less than half of the national median. The unemployment rate stood at 13%, surpassing the state average and more than double the national figure.
With a poverty rate of 38%, Bogalusa ranked among the highest in the state, exceeding three times the national average. Over half of the city’s children and more than a quarter of its seniors lived below the poverty line.
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Crowley
Crowley, situated in the western part of Lafayette Parish and bordering Acadia Parish, is home to approximately 12,900 residents and serves as the seat of Acadia Parish.
As of 2021, the median household income in Crowley stood at $28,667, ranking among the lowest in the state and less than half of the national average. The unemployment rate was 11.7%, one of the highest in the state, nearly double the national figure.
The poverty rate was 33.4%, surpassing the state average and more than two and a half times the national rate. Over 40% of children and over 20% of seniors in Crowley lived in poverty.
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Marksville
Marksville, situated in the northeastern region of Lafayette Parish near the Avoyelles Parish border, serves as the seat of Avoyelles Parish. The city is home to approximately 5,400 residents.
As of 2021, the median household income in Marksville stood at $29,000, ranking among the lowest in the state and less than half of the national median.
The unemployment rate was notably high at 11.6%, nearly double the national average. Additionally, the poverty rate was 33%, surpassing the state average and more than two and a half times the national figure. Distressingly, over 40% of children and more than 20% of seniors in Marksville experienced poverty.
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Final Words
These neighborhoods in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana face significant challenges and difficulties, including limited access to education, healthcare, transportation, and opportunities.
Addressing poverty is a complex issue that demands coordinated efforts from a range of stakeholders, including government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and communities.
By increasing awareness and knowledge about the underlying causes and impacts of poverty, we aspire to build a more inclusive and thriving future for all residents of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.
