Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ouachita Parish is located in Louisiana with a total population of 158,916. It is the 8th most populous county out of 64 in Louisiana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ouachita Parish is 36.6 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ouachita Parish is $51,241. This is 15% lower than the state median of $60,023. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%. This is 27% 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 6.6%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $183,000. Housing costs are 12% lower than the state median of $208,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 59.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Ouachita Parish is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 37.0%.

Education

27.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% higher 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 87.9%.