Natchitoches, LA
Population 17,682 · Louisiana
About Natchitoches, LA
Natchitoches is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 17,682 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,731 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Natchitoches features a median home value of $188,400, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Natchitoches in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $777, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,170 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (2,782 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (3,697 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Natchitoches shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Natchitoches have an average one-way commute time of 16.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.5% of Natchitoches residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Natchitoches Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Natchitoches, LA
Compared to national averages, Natchitoches has a median household income of $38,731 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,400, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $777 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Natchitoches's income is 29% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 20% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Natchitoches, LA?
Natchitoches offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $777/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,731) that falls below the national average. However, Natchitoches’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Natchitoches has a population of 17,682 with a median age of 26.7 years. Compare Natchitoches with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Natchitoches
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretna | 17,468 | $46,045 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 18,259 | $107,544 | $319,300 | Compare |
| Estelle | 16,761 | $73,519 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Youngsville | 16,664 | $113,164 | $263,200 | Compare |
| Thibodaux | 15,792 | $53,775 | $237,400 | Compare |
| Zachary | 19,637 | $90,507 | $258,000 | Compare |
| Opelousas | 15,662 | $36,260 | $113,000 | Compare |
| Hammond | 20,790 | $41,222 | $219,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Louisiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Natchitoches With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Natchitoches
What is the population of Natchitoches, LA?
The population of Natchitoches, LA is 17,682 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Natchitoches?
The median household income in Natchitoches, LA is $38,731 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Natchitoches?
The median home value in Natchitoches, LA is $188,400, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Natchitoches?
The median monthly rent in Natchitoches, LA is $777, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Natchitoches?
The unemployment rate in Natchitoches, LA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Natchitoches, LA a good place to live?
Natchitoches offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,682 and a median age of 26.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Natchitoches, LA?
29.5% of residents in Natchitoches aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Natchitoches?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Natchitoches, LA: median home value is $188,400 (23% below national), median rent is $777/month, and median household income is $38,731. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Natchitoches?
The poverty rate in Natchitoches, LA is 34.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Natchitoches, LA?
Natchitoches's population is 1.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 55.6% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.