Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Natchitoches Parish is located in Louisiana with a total population of 37,047. It is the 29th most populous county out of 64 in Louisiana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Natchitoches Parish is 33.3 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 37.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Natchitoches Parish is $46,798. This is 22% lower than the state median of $60,023. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%. This is 28% 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 6.2%. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $163,000. Housing costs are 22% lower than the state median of $208,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Natchitoches Parish is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 39.5%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 1.7%.

Education

25.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% lower than the state rate of 26.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.3%.