Opelousas, LA
Population 15,662 · Louisiana
About Opelousas, LA
Opelousas is a mid-sized city in Louisiana with a population of 15,662 residents. The median household income is $36,260 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Opelousas is 34.3 years.
Housing in Opelousas has a median home value of $113,000 and median monthly rent of $734. Of the 7,086 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,007 owner-occupied and 2,938 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Opelousas is 10.3% and the poverty rate is 34.0%. 10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.2 minutes.
How Opelousas Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Opelousas, LA
Compared to national averages, Opelousas has a median household income of $36,260 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,000, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $734 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Opelousas's income is 34% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 28% below the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Opelousas, LA?
Opelousas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $734/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,260) that falls below the national average. However, Opelousas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Opelousas has a population of 15,662 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Opelousas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Opelousas
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thibodaux | 15,792 | $53,775 | $237,400 | Compare |
| Youngsville | 16,664 | $113,164 | $263,200 | Compare |
| Estelle | 16,761 | $73,519 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Pineville | 14,268 | $51,583 | $182,900 | Compare |
| Luling | 13,873 | $82,273 | $268,400 | Compare |
| Gretna | 17,468 | $46,045 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Broussard | 13,791 | $116,613 | $301,000 | Compare |
| Natchitoches | 17,682 | $38,731 | $188,400 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Opelousas
What is the population of Opelousas, LA?
The population of Opelousas, LA is 15,662 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Opelousas?
The median household income in Opelousas, LA is $36,260 per year.
What is the median home value in Opelousas?
The median home value in Opelousas, LA is $113,000.
What is the average rent in Opelousas?
The median monthly rent in Opelousas, LA is $734.
What is the unemployment rate in Opelousas?
The unemployment rate in Opelousas, LA is 10.3%.