Rapides County Public RecordsLouisiana

As of 2022, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, has a population of approximately 129,800. The median age is about 38 years, with 23% under 18 and 17% over 65. The gender split is roughly equal, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the population is around 59% White, 36% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% identifying as other or multiracial.

Rapides Parish, Louisiana, had approximately 84,300 registered voters in 2023, with party affiliation split mainly between Democrats (40%), Republicans (37%), and Independents/others. Elections held include local, state, and federal offices, with turnout varying—about 52% in the 2020 presidential election. Recent results saw Republicans dominating parish-wide; for example, in 2020, Donald Trump won 66% of the vote. There are nearly 50 polling locations managed by the Rapides Parish Registrar of Voters. Key issues include crime, education, and infrastructure. Election administration follows state regulations ensuring accessible, secure voting, with the two main parties being Republican and Democrat.

Rapides Parish, LA, has over 50 public schools, including 10 high schools. Around 83% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 19% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools receive an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10, indicating mixed performance. The district offers Advanced Placement programs, dual enrollment, and career tech education. School safety initiatives include resource officers in most high schools. Adult education is available through institutions like Central Louisiana Technical Community College, supporting GED and workforce training programs.

Rapides Parish, LA, had an employment rate of approximately 55% in 2022. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (19.8%), Retail Trade (13.4%), and Educational Services (8.8%). The predominant occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (13.1%) and Sales (10.8%). The mean commute time is around 22.2 minutes, with 87.1% driving alone to work. Major employment locations are Alexandria and Pineville, the parish's urban centers. Unemployment was around 4.1% as of late 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau, LA Works).

Rapides Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 65%, with a median home value around $161,000 in 2023. Rental units comprise about 35% of the market, with median rent near $900. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some historic properties, especially in Alexandria’s Garden District and Pineville. Property values have seen modest 3% year-over-year growth. Neighborhoods range from affordable to upscale. The average property tax rate is 0.45%, lower than the national average, resulting in an estimated annual tax of $725 on a median-valued home.

Rapides Parish, Louisiana, reported a crime rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crimes, including homicide and assault, accounted for about 5.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes like burglary and theft were approximately 33.4 per 1,000. The parish saw an uptick in theft reports but a slight decrease in violent offenses compared to prior years. Local law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity, contributing to an over 85% reporting rate of major crimes, aiding in ongoing safety and prevention efforts.