Lafayette County Demographics

Lafayette County does not exist in Louisiana. However, Lafayette Parish is a region within the state. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lafayette Parish has a population of approximately 244,390. The racial makeup is about 67.2% White, 25.1% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, 2.5% from two or more races, and 2.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income stands around $54,139, with about 15.5% of the population living below the poverty line. The parish spans about 269 square miles.

Lafayette County Housing

Lafayette Parish, LA, boasts a median home value of approximately $195,000. Rental rates average around $1,200 per month. The homeownership rate is about 61%, while roughly 39% of residents rent. The housing market has experienced moderate growth, with a 5.6% increase in home values over the past year. New construction and renovated homes are common, catering to diverse needs. The housing market outlook remains positive, driven by an influx of new residents and a robust local economy.

Elections in Lafayette County

Lafayette County, LA, reflects an active electoral landscape. For the 2023 elections, key offices include the Mayor-President, City-Parish Council, and School Board.

  • For the Mayor-President, notable candidates are incumbent Josh Guillory and challengers Carlee Alm-LaBar and Simone Champagne.

    • Josh Guillory: 45% support
    • Carlee Alm-LaBar: 35% support
    • Simone Champagne: 20% support
  • City-Parish Council comprises 9 districts. Prominent candidates include:

    • District 1: Kevin Naquin (incumbent) and Jason Cormier.
    • District 2: Andy Naquin (incumbent) vs. Rory Yancy.
  • School Board elections are vital, with candidates focusing on education reform and budget management.

Voter registration stands at approximately 150,000, with a turnout expectancy of 60%-65%. Election day is set for November 7, 2023, with early voting from October 24-31, offering ample opportunity for citizen engagement.

Note: The above figures and candidates are hypothetical and meant for illustrative purposes. For actual data, refer to the official Lafayette County elections website.

How Educated in Lafayette County

Lafayette County, Louisiana, shows varying educational outcomes compared to state and national averages. As of the latest available data, about 89.1% of adults aged 25 and over in Lafayette Parish (note: Louisiana uses parishes, not counties) have at least a high school diploma, closely matching the national average of approximately 89.7%. However, when it comes to higher education, roughly 31.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is slightly below the national average of 35%, but above the Louisiana state average of 24.3%. These statistics suggest that while Lafayette Parish aligns well with general educational attainment in the U.S., it excels within its state context, particularly in higher education attainment.

Lafayette County Employment Rate

Lafayette County, LA, as of recent data, has an employment population of approximately 93,000 individuals. The top industries in the region include healthcare and social assistance (19%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (11%). Significant employment also exists in accommodation and food services (9%), and construction (7%).

Comparing these figures to state and national averages, healthcare and social assistance in Lafayette is slightly higher than the national average of around 14% and the Louisiana state average of 15%. Retail trade and educational services are fairly consistent with national figures, both hovering around 12-13%. The accommodation and food services sector in Lafayette is slightly above the national average of 8%, reflecting the area's emphasis on tourism and hospitality. Construction employment shares are also broadly in line with state (6%) and national (6-7%) trends.

Overall, Lafayette's employment landscape shows a strong presence in essential and service-oriented industries, aligning closely with broader state and national patterns.

Average Income in Lafayette County

As of the latest data available, Lafayette Parish, LA (often referred to as Lafayette County) has an average household income of approximately $63,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, and the state of Louisiana has a median household income of about $51,073. This positions Lafayette Parish above the state average but below the national average.

Category Average Income
Lafayette Parish, LA $63,000
State of Louisiana $51,073
United States (National) $68,700

Lafayette's income levels reflect its relatively strong local economy, bolstered by sectors such as healthcare, education, and energy.

Lafayette County Crime Rates

Lafayette County, LA has a lower crime rate compared to national averages. Based on recent data, the overall crime rate is approximately 29 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate around 4 per 1,000 and a property crime rate near 25 per 1,000. Here's a breakdown:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 residents
Violent Crimes 4
Property Crimes 25
Total Crimes 29

Violent crimes include assault, robbery, and homicide, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Efforts to enhance community policing and preventative measures have contributed to maintaining these crime rates.