St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

St. Mary Parish is located in Louisiana with a total population of 48,455. It is the 22nd most populous county out of 64 in Louisiana.

Age Demographics

The median age in St. Mary Parish is 39.7 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 37.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in St. Mary Parish is $51,768. This is 14% lower than the state median of $60,023. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. 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 5.4%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $128,000. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $208,700. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, St. Mary Parish is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in St. Mary Parish is White (non-Hispanic), making up 53.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 28.9%.

Education

13.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 51% 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 80.6%.