Rapides Parish, Louisiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Rapides Parish is located in Louisiana with a total population of 128,470. It is the 13th most populous county out of 64 in Louisiana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Rapides Parish is 37.8 years. This is about average than the state median of 37.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Rapides Parish is $55,946. This is 7% lower than the state median of $60,023. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 18.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $179,100. Housing costs are 14% lower than the state median of $208,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 65.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Rapides Parish is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.7% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 31.0%.

Education

22.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% 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 87.4%.