Ponchatoula, Louisiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ponchatoula, Louisiana had a total population of 7,808, the 73rd largest city in Louisiana, with a median household income of $51,161, which is 16% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Ponchatoula Quick Facts
How Ponchatoula 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 | 7,839 | 7,808 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $47,821 | $51,161 | +7.0% |
| Median home value | $194,300 | $200,300 | +3.1% |
How Ponchatoula 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 59 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ponchatoula Rankings in Louisiana
Explore Louisiana Rankings
Other Cities in Tangipahoa Parish
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond | 21,539 | $48,166 | 28.9% | $221,400 |
| Amite City | 4,048 | $44,636 | 11.2% | $112,800 |
| Natalbany | 2,416 | $32,483 | 40.8% | $151,200 |
| Independence | 2,207 | $40,268 | 31.0% | $147,000 |
| Kentwood | 2,087 | $31,364 | 35.3% | $95,500 |
| Roseland | 1,070 | $45,856 | 54.2% | $112,500 |
| Tickfaw | 857 | $54,125 | 20.6% | $180,300 |
| Tangipahoa | 522 | $20,144 | 65.5% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Ponchatoula
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve | 7,791 | $55,450 | $154,100 | 10.3% | 19.1% |
| Breaux Bridge | 7,501 | $47,806 | $175,900 | 20.3% | 30.4% |
| Westwego | 8,335 | $46,261 | $177,400 | 16.9% | 20.2% |
| Fort Polk South | 7,869 | $63,800 | N/A | 34.0% | 14.0% |
| Bridge City | 7,297 | $57,031 | $95,700 | 7.7% | 24.1% |
Population Overview
Ponchatoula is a small city located in Louisiana, within Tangipahoa Parish. The total population is 7,808. It ranks as the 73rd most populous out of 488 Census-designated places in Louisiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ponchatoula is 44.0 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 38.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ponchatoula is $51,161. This is 16% lower than the state median of $60,756. It is also 37% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 18.9%. The unemployment rate is 2.3%. This is 63% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $200,300. Housing costs are 7% lower than the state median of $216,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 76.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ponchatoula is White (non-Hispanic), making up 60.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 31.9%.
Education
23.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% 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 88.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ponchatoula, 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 Ponchatoula, Louisiana?
Ponchatoula, Louisiana has a population of 7,808 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ponchatoula, LA?
The median household income in Ponchatoula is $51,161, which is 37% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ponchatoula, LA?
The poverty rate in Ponchatoula is 14.3%. This means approximately 1,101 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ponchatoula, Louisiana?
Ponchatoula's population is 60.3% White, 31.9% Black, 3.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ponchatoula, LA?
The median home value in Ponchatoula is $200,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Ponchatoula, Louisiana?
23.9% of adults (25+) in Ponchatoula hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.