Demographics

As of 2022, Evangeline Parish, LA, has a population of approximately 32,281. The median age is about 39.4 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female. Racially, the population is 67% White, 27% Black or African American, 3% Native American, and 1% each for Asian and people of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up roughly 1.7% of the total population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, serves approximately 6,000 K-12 students across 12 public schools, including 5 high schools. High school graduation rates hover around 85%. About 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are standard, with most campuses employing resource officers and security systems. Educational programs range from vocational training to dual-enrollment college credit. School performance scores average 65/150 (2023 state data), with ongoing efforts to improve. Adult education is available via local community colleges and literacy programs, addressing region-specific needs.

As of 2022, Evangeline Parish, LA, recorded an employment rate of 51.9%. Major industries include health care & social assistance (17.9%), educational services (10.6%), and retail trade (10.4%). Top occupations are office/administrative support (11.7%) and sales-related roles (9.7%). The average commute time is 29.8 minutes, with 92.7% commuting by car and 81.9% commuting outside their city of residence—most to nearby parishes such as St. Landry and Rapides.

Evangeline County, LA, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $107,000 and median monthly rents near $675. The area’s housing stock features primarily single-family homes, with a mix of older and newer builds. Property values have shown modest increases of roughly 3% annually in recent years. Popular neighborhoods include Ville Platte and Mamou. Property taxes remain low, averaging 0.3% of property value per year, making the area attractive for buyers. Rental options are limited, but vacancy rates stay manageable, supporting a steady market for both homeowners and renters.

Elections

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, has about 21,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, parish, and municipal races, with turnout around 55% in presidential elections. Polling sites: Ville Platte Civic Center, local schools, churches. The Parish Registrar of Voters administers elections. Issues include rural broadband, healthcare, and job growth. In the 2020 presidential race, about 72% voted Republican, 27% Democrat. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, with a slight Republican edge in registration (approx. 52% R, 38% D). Early and absentee voting are available to residents.

County Crime & Safety

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, experiences a crime rate above the national average, with recent statistics indicating a violent crime rate of about 5.2 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime at 20 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office actively encourages crime reporting, maintaining transparency through annual public safety reports. In 2022, there were over 500 reported property crimes and approximately 120 violent crimes. Safety initiatives continue to be implemented, yet caution is advised in certain neighborhoods, reflecting persistent challenges in reducing local crime rates.