Demographics

As of 2020, Lincoln County, LA had a population of approximately 48,396. The median age is about 31.2 years. Gender distribution is nearly equal: 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county is 58.4% White, 36.6% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.4% other/mixed races, with 2.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

Elections

Lincoln County, LA, had 27,892 registered voters as of 2023, with voter registration overseen by the Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters. Elections include federal, state, and local races, with recent turnout at 53% for the 2022 midterms. There are 21 polling locations countywide. Major parties include Democrat and Republican, with Republicans winning 61% of the recent sheriff’s race. Key local issues include education, infrastructure, and economic development. Election administration adheres to state regulations, ensuring voter ID requirements and early voting options for approximately 4,500 early ballots cast in the last general election.

Education, Employment and Housing

Lincoln County, LA, home to Ruston, has about 19 public schools, including Ruston High School, serving over 6,000 students. High school graduation rate stands at around 89%. Approximately 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, boosted by Louisiana Tech University. School safety is rated above average, with low incidents reported. Educational programs include advanced STEM courses, arts, and dual-enrollment. The district’s academic performance averages a “B” grade (80/100) from state assessments. Adult education and GED programs are also available through community partnerships.

As of 2022, Lincoln County, LA, had an employment rate of about 56.1%. Major industries include educational services, health care, and social assistance (32.6%), retail trade (11.0%), and manufacturing (10.8%). The predominant occupations are in management, business, science, and arts (36.3%). Average commute time is approximately 17.1 minutes; 84.2% of residents drive alone to work, while 10.3% carpool. Ruston serves as the primary employment hub, with many residents working locally or commuting to nearby parishes.

In Lincoln County, LA, approximately 55% of residents own homes, while 45% rent. The median home value is around $180,000, with property values rising by about 6% annually. Common housing types include single-family homes and apartments, prevalent in neighborhoods like Ruston and Grambling. Average monthly rent is roughly $950. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.4% of a home's value. The area attracts families and students, given its proximity to Louisiana Tech University, contributing to a dynamic housing market with steady demand for both homeownership and rentals.

County Crime & Safety

Lincoln County, LA, typically reports lower crime rates compared to state averages. According to the latest data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 3.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime is about 16.4 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community reporting and transparency, resulting in improved response times and increased public trust. Recent years have seen crime rates remain steady, with slight decreases in burglary and theft reported in 2023. Overall, Lincoln County is considered safer than many Louisiana counties.