Oberlin, Louisiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Oberlin, Louisiana had a total population of 1,809, the 206th largest town in Louisiana, with a median household income of $31,738, which is 48% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 48% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 8.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
Oberlin Quick Facts
How Oberlin 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 | 1,683 | 1,809 | +7.5% |
| Median household income | $41,198 | $31,738 | -23.0% |
| Median home value | $95,700 | $96,000 | +0.3% |
How Oberlin 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 59 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Oberlin Rankings in Louisiana
Explore Louisiana Rankings
Other Cities in Allen Parish
Cities Similar to Oberlin
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonport | 1,858 | $31,875 | $88,300 | 10.6% | 27.4% |
| Zwolle | 1,796 | $27,688 | $75,900 | 4.8% | 42.0% |
| Coushatta | 1,938 | $31,250 | $96,100 | 12.3% | 34.6% |
| Baldwin | 1,962 | $31,669 | $129,400 | 4.7% | 26.9% |
| North Vacherie | 1,905 | $37,083 | $221,900 | 25.3% | 18.8% |
Population Overview
Oberlin is a small community located in Louisiana, within Allen Parish. The total population is 1,809. It ranks as the 206th most populous out of 488 Census-designated places in Louisiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Oberlin is 38.0 years. This is about the same as the state median of 38.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Oberlin is $31,738. This is 48% lower than the state median of $60,756. It is also 61% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%. This is 17% 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 3.1%. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $96,000. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $216,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Oberlin is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 44.4%.
Education
8.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 67% 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 87.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Oberlin, 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 Oberlin, Louisiana?
Oberlin, Louisiana has a population of 1,809 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Oberlin, LA?
The median household income in Oberlin is $31,738, which is 61% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Oberlin, LA?
The poverty rate in Oberlin is 22.1%. This means approximately 366 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Oberlin, Louisiana?
Oberlin's population is 48.9% White, 44.4% Black, 4.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Oberlin, LA?
The median home value in Oberlin is $96,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Oberlin, Louisiana?
8.8% of adults (25+) in Oberlin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.