Opelousas, LA
Population 15,662 · Louisiana
About Opelousas, LA
Opelousas is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 15,662 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,260 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 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 Opelousas features a median home value of $113,000, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Opelousas one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $734, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,086 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,007 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (2,938 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Opelousas shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Opelousas have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Opelousas residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Opelousas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Opelousas
What is the population of Opelousas, LA?
The population of Opelousas, LA is 15,662 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 Opelousas?
The median household income in Opelousas, LA is $36,260 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Opelousas?
The median home value in Opelousas, LA is $113,000, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Opelousas?
The median monthly rent in Opelousas, LA is $734, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Opelousas?
The unemployment rate in Opelousas, LA is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Opelousas, LA a good place to live?
Opelousas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,662 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Opelousas, LA?
10.9% of residents in Opelousas 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 Opelousas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Opelousas, LA: median home value is $113,000 (54% below national), median rent is $734/month, and median household income is $36,260. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Opelousas?
The poverty rate in Opelousas, LA is 34.0%, 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 Opelousas, LA?
Opelousas's population is 1.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 78.5% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.