Gretna, Louisiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Gretna, Louisiana had a total population of 17,389, the 29th largest city in Louisiana, with a median household income of $43,110, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Louisiana (diversity index: 70/100).
Gretna Quick Facts
How Gretna Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,468 | 17,389 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $46,045 | $43,110 | -6.4% |
| Median home value | $242,600 | $257,400 | +6.1% |
How Gretna Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 59 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Gretna Rankings in Louisiana
Explore Louisiana Rankings
Other Cities in Jefferson Parish
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metairie | 139,729 | $73,042 | 12.5% | $327,500 |
| Kenner | 64,904 | $64,020 | 15.4% | $246,300 |
| Marrero | 32,540 | $41,402 | 23.0% | $169,800 |
| Terrytown | 24,726 | $51,718 | 19.2% | $220,300 |
| Harvey | 20,915 | $48,774 | 25.8% | $200,100 |
| Estelle | 16,341 | $78,869 | 17.0% | $217,300 |
| River Ridge | 13,312 | $84,336 | 9.7% | $357,400 |
| Woodmere | 11,879 | $75,828 | 18.2% | $191,100 |
| Waggaman | 11,330 | $68,374 | 24.5% | $170,400 |
| Timberlane | 10,886 | $65,901 | 25.1% | $221,000 |
Cities Similar to Gretna
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natchitoches | 17,577 | $37,133 | $193,200 | 30.3% | 35.9% |
| Thibodaux | 15,732 | $52,072 | $232,500 | 34.6% | 19.6% |
| Harvey | 20,915 | $48,774 | $200,100 | 19.1% | 25.8% |
| Opelousas | 15,495 | $32,964 | $105,100 | 10.7% | 37.4% |
| Hammond | 21,539 | $48,166 | $221,400 | 27.7% | 28.9% |
Population Overview
Gretna is a small city located in Louisiana, within Jefferson Parish. The total population is 17,389. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 488 Census-designated places in Louisiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gretna is 38.3 years. This is about the same as the state median of 38.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gretna is $43,110. This is 29% lower than the state median of $60,756. It is also 47% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.9%. This is 42% higher than the state poverty rate of 18.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. The median home value is $257,400. Housing costs are 19% higher than the state median of $216,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x. 48.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% lower than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Gretna is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 30.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.5% vs 7.2%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (3.7% vs 1.7%).
Education
24.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 75.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gretna, Louisiana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Louisiana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 488 Census-designated places in Louisiana. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gretna, Louisiana?
Gretna, Louisiana has a population of 17,389 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gretna, LA?
The median household income in Gretna is $43,110, which is 47% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Gretna, LA?
The poverty rate in Gretna is 26.9%. This means approximately 4,379 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gretna, Louisiana?
Gretna's population is 38.0% White, 30.0% Black, 24.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gretna, LA?
The median home value in Gretna is $257,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x.
How educated is Gretna, Louisiana?
24.5% of adults (25+) in Gretna hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.