Lafayette County Public RecordsLouisiana

As of the 2020 Census, Lafayette Parish (commonly referred to as Lafayette County), Louisiana, had a population of 241,753. Approximately 52% are female and 48% male. The median age is about 36 years. Racially, the population is 69% White, 25% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 3.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Children under 18 comprise 23%, while those 65 and older make up around 14% of residents.

Lafayette Parish, LA, serves over 31,000 K-12 students in 47 public schools, including 10 high schools, with a graduation rate of 85%. Approximately 33% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average test score ranks above the state average. Notable for safety measures, most schools feature security officers and surveillance. The area hosts higher education institutions like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, serving over 19,000 students. Educational programs include STEM, magnet, and gifted tracks, alongside robust adult education and continuing studies initiatives.

Lafayette Parish, LA (often referred to colloquially as Lafayette County) had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2% in early 2024. The workforce numbered about 117,000, with top industries being healthcare (19%), retail trade (12%), and education (10%). Leading occupations include healthcare practitioners, office/administrative roles, and sales. Around 54% of workers commute under 20 minutes, with over 85% driving alone. Most employment is centered in Lafayette city, while some commute to nearby parishes like Acadia and St. Landry.

Lafayette County, Louisiana, features a homeownership rate of around 59%, with a median home value near $210,000. Rentals comprise about 41% of the housing, with median monthly rents averaging $1,150. Recent market trends show property values increasing by roughly 5% year-over-year. The area offers diverse housing types, from historic homes in neighborhoods like Freetown-Port Rico and Saint Streets to newer developments in Youngsville and southern Lafayette. Property tax rates average 0.51%, lower than the national average, making homeownership relatively affordable.

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, has approximately 137,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local (city/parish), state, and federal elections, including regular primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, Lafayette Parish voted about 62% Republican and 36% Democrat. There are over 50 polling locations across the parish. Key issues include education, crime, and infrastructure. The Lafayette Parish Registrar of Voters manages voter registration and election administration. Major parties are Democratic and Republican. Voter turnout ranges from 60-70% in national elections, but tends to be lower in municipal contests.

Lafayette County, LA, has seen a moderate crime rate in recent years, with a reported violent crime rate of approximately 5.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 4.0. Property crime rates are higher, at about 28.7 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 20. Data from local law enforcement and FBI Crime Reports emphasize ongoing efforts to improve public safety, with community programs and increased patrols helping to lower rates by roughly 8% since 2022. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities for continued improvement.