Opelousas Public RecordsLouisiana

Opelousas, located in St. Landry Parish, LA, is served by over 3 hospitals, including Opelousas General Health System (197 licensed beds), and several clinics such as the Southwest Louisiana Primary Health Care Center. Healthcare access remains a challenge, with 19% of residents uninsured (2021) and a population largely African American (~57%). Common health issues include diabetes (15% adult prevalence), hypertension, and obesity (42%). The city hosts roughly 100 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the national average, highlighting ongoing disparities in care and insurance coverage.

Transportation in Opelousas, Saint Landry Parish, LA, is predominantly car-dependent, with around 90% of commuters driving alone and less than 0.5% using public transit. The average one-way commute time is approximately 23 minutes. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 93% of households having access to at least one vehicle. Public transit options are limited, relying mostly on paratransit and regional bus services. Major employment hubs include healthcare, local government, and retail along US-190 and I-49, which also serve as key transportation corridors within the city’s infrastructure.

As of the 2020 Census, Opelousas, located in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, had a population of 15,786. The city's demographic makeup was approximately 74% Black or African American, 22% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% other races. The median age was about 36 years, with 53% female and 47% male residents. Children under 18 made up around 25% of the population, while those 65 and older comprised about 15%.

Opelousas, in St. Landry Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of roughly 48%, with median home values around $95,000 and median rents near $750/month. The city features a mix of single-family homes, older cottages, and some new developments. Popular neighborhoods include Park Vista and Bellevue. Recent years have seen stable but slow property value growth, averaging 2-3% annually. Property tax rates are approximately 0.36% of assessed value, noticeably below the U.S. average. Rental demand remains steady, reflecting the area’s affordability compared to regional urban centers.

Opelousas, in St. Landry Parish, LA, has 11 public schools—including Opelousas Senior High—and several private institutions, serving around 6,500 students. About 73% of residents have a high school diploma, while only 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 4/10 on GreatSchools, indicating below-average performance. Programs include vocational training and adult education at South Louisiana Community College. School safety initiatives are in place, though incidents are slightly above state average. Educational offerings focus on general, technical, and special education, striving to improve local graduation and post-secondary success rates.