West Monroe, Louisiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Monroe, Louisiana had a total population of 12,729, the 40th largest city in Louisiana, with a median household income of $49,386, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.3%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 9.6% is notably above the national average.
West Monroe Quick Facts
How West Monroe 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 | 12,837 | 12,729 | -0.8% |
| Median household income | $46,663 | $49,386 | +5.8% |
| Median home value | $174,400 | $192,400 | +10.3% |
How West Monroe 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+)
West Monroe Rankings in Louisiana
Explore Louisiana Rankings
Other Cities in Ouachita Parish
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe | 47,004 | $40,505 | 35.9% | $198,900 |
| Claiborne | 13,308 | $72,420 | 11.3% | $219,200 |
| Brownsville | 4,357 | $35,526 | 29.4% | $74,700 |
| Swartz | 4,110 | $67,287 | 14.5% | $199,800 |
| Richwood | 3,839 | $31,680 | 39.1% | $53,000 |
| Lakeshore | 3,437 | $48,214 | 23.6% | $166,800 |
| Bawcomville | 2,804 | $24,929 | 47.3% | $61,500 |
| Sterlington | 2,229 | $69,007 | 17.3% | $228,400 |
| Calhoun | 420 | $138,372 | 0.0% | $275,200 |
Cities Similar to West Monroe
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker | 12,253 | $54,750 | $157,900 | 20.6% | 29.8% |
| Gardere | 12,223 | $55,409 | $243,300 | 30.8% | 35.3% |
| Pineville | 14,160 | $49,774 | $201,500 | 26.2% | 21.1% |
| Bayou Blue | 12,218 | $63,958 | $189,100 | 15.5% | 23.9% |
| Morgan City | 11,064 | $56,474 | $155,200 | 15.3% | 17.4% |
Population Overview
West Monroe is a small city located in Louisiana, within Ouachita Parish. The total population is 12,729. It ranks as the 40th most populous out of 488 Census-designated places in Louisiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Monroe is 35.4 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 38.0 years. 10.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Monroe is $49,386. This is 19% lower than the state median of $60,756. It is also 39% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.3%. This is 39% 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 9.6%. This is 52% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $192,400. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $216,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 44.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% lower than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Monroe is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 41.1%.
Education
22.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% 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 85.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Monroe, 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 West Monroe, Louisiana?
West Monroe, Louisiana has a population of 12,729 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Monroe, LA?
The median household income in West Monroe is $49,386, which is 39% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Monroe, LA?
The poverty rate in West Monroe is 26.3%. This means approximately 3,204 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Monroe, Louisiana?
West Monroe's population is 45.6% White, 41.1% Black, 10.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Monroe, LA?
The median home value in West Monroe is $192,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is West Monroe, Louisiana?
22.0% of adults (25+) in West Monroe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.