Elections

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, with about 36,500 registered voters as of 2024, conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general contests. The Registrar of Voters oversees 38 precincts with polling locations in cities like Abbeville and Kaplan. In the 2020 presidential election, Vermilion Parish voters favored Republican candidates, who received over 75% of the vote. Major issues include hurricane recovery and education. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, with Republicans holding a voter registration edge. Election administration is managed by the Parish Clerk of Court following Louisiana Secretary of State guidelines.

County Crime & Safety

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, has a crime rate above the national average, with recent FBI data noting approximately 29.6 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, occur at a rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are more common at 25.9 per 1,000. Most incidents are reported swiftly to local authorities, with community policing efforts helping to improve safety. Nonetheless, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and participate in neighborhood watch programs.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, had a population of about 57,359. The median age was 39.1 years. Females represented 50.2% and males 49.8% of the population. Racially, 79.3% identified as White, 16.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and about 3.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The parish shows a relatively balanced age and gender structure, with a predominantly White, rural population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, has approximately 19 public schools, including 4 high schools. About 78% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census). Schools like Abbeville High earned a GreatSchools score of 6/10. The parish invests in adult education and career technical programs, with offerings through the Vermilion Parish Adult Education Center. School safety initiatives include on-site officers and regular safety drills. Overall, Vermilion Parish schools provide diverse educational opportunities, though higher education attainment rates trail state and national averages.

As of 2022, Vermilion Parish, LA, has an employment rate of approximately 93.5%, with around 23,000 employed residents. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (17.8%), Educational Services (10.9%), and Retail Trade (11.1%). Most common occupations are in Office & Administrative Support (12.7%) and Sales (9.5%). About 85.2% of workers commute by car, averaging a 28-minute travel time, with Lafayette being a primary employment destination outside the parish. The civilian labor force participation rate is 56.5%.

Vermilion Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $114,000 and median gross rent near $709 (2022 ACS). Popular housing types include single-family homes, with some mobile homes in rural areas. Notable neighborhoods include Abbeville and Erath, featuring a mix of historic and newer properties. The property market remains stable, with prices appreciating modestly in recent years. Property tax rates average about 0.29% of assessed home value, among the lowest in Louisiana, making the area attractive for buyers seeking affordability and a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.