Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette: The third most populous city in Acadiana, Louisiana. It is located on the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana. Lafayette is known for its many cajun and creole restaurants, its many parks and green spaces, and its many attractions, such as the Lafayette Museum and the Lafayette Grand Opera House.

About

Lafayette is a city located in the county of Lafayette Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its population at the 2010 census was 120,623 and a population density of 864 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 126,535 inhabitants.

The city was created 203 years ago in 1820.

Lafayette is a city in southwest Louisiana, located in the heart of Cajun Country. With a population of over 126,000, it is the fourth-largest city in Louisiana.

History

The first European settlement of Lafayette dates back to the 1700s when it was a French outpost. Over time, Acadians and Creoles migrated to the area, influencing local culture.

As a major regional hub, Lafayette served as the capital of Louisiana from 1821-1823. It later became a vital center for the oil industry beginning in the early 1900s.

Today, energy and medical services drive the economy, but Cajun traditions remain strong. The city embraces its slogan “The Heart of Cajun Country”.

Culture

Lafayette is renowned as the Cajun music capital of the world. Musicians like Alan Toussaint got their start here, and genres like Zydeco originated in the city's dance halls and clubs.

The annual Festival International de Louisiane draws over 300,000 attendees. Other major events include Mardi Gras celebrations like the King Gabriel Mardi Gras Parade.

Cajun cuisine thrives in Lafayette. Classic dishes like gumbo, boudin, and po’ boys can be found in local restaurants, like the famed Randol's Restaurant.

Economy

Major industries include oil and gas production, telecommunications, finance, technology, and health care. Significant employers are Stuller Inc, Acadian Ambulance Service, and Lafayette General Health System.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, and several technical schools also boost the economy.

Things to Do

Popular attractions include the Acadiana Center for the Arts, the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, and Vermilionville - a living history museum and folk life park.

Outdoor recreation abounds at sites like Girard Park, which has a golf course, tennis courts, and even a mini zoo.

With a unique culture, dynamic economy, and excellent quality of life, Lafayette represents the best of Cajun Country while progressing as a modern hub for business and education.

Lafayette locator map
Location of Lafayette on Louisiana map.

Quick Facts about Lafayette

Population : 126,535 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Louisiana (United States)
County : Lafayette Parish
Phone Area Codes : 337
Area : 139.63 km2
Named for : Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Altitude : 36 feet / 11 meters
Capital : Acadiana
Capital city : Lafayette is capital of Lafayette Parish
Establishment : January 01, 1821 (203 years ago)
Time Zone : America/Chicago
Local time : 17:44:20 (7th November 2024)
Postal code : 70501
Density : 906 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 4.67% (2010-2020)
LafayetteCollage image
LafayetteCollage
LafayetteCollage image

Geography

Lafayette is located at 30°13'27"N 92°1'11"W (30.2240900, -92.0198400).

Lafayette map

  • Le Cannet
  • Namur
  • Poitiers

Demographics

The population of Lafayette increased by 4.67% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 120,623 - census
2011 122,674 1.67% estimation process
2012 123,587 0.74% estimation process
2013 124,873 1.03% estimation process
2014 126,036 0.92% estimation process
2015 126,922 0.7% estimation process
2016 127,221 0.24% estimation process
2017 126,526 -0.55% estimation process
2018 126,371 -0.12% estimation process
2019 126,185 -0.15% estimation process
2020 126,535 0.28% estimation process

Demographic Facts

Estimated population as of July 1, 2019 : 9,558
Based on demographic estimates as of April 1, 2010 : 9,814
Based on demographic estimates as of 1 April 2010 : -2.6%
April 1, 2020 Population : 9,597
April 1, 2010 Population : 9,815
People under 5 years old, percentage : 6.1%
People under 18 years old, percentage : 23.4%
People over 65 (%) : 22.1%
Female persons, % : 50.7%
White only, percent : 96.9%
Black or African American alone, percent : 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native only, % : 0.4%
Asians alone % : 0.5%
Only Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, % : Z
% of people who have participated in two or more races : 1.3%
% of Hispanic or Latino : 4.5%
White people, not Hispanic or Latino people, make up the majority of the population. : 93.1%
2015-2019 Veterans : 668
Percentage of foreign-born people, 2015-2019 : 2.3%
Residential units, July 1, 2019 : 4,748

Lafayette zip code is 70501. County name: Lafayette, County fips: 22055

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Economic Facts

Residential units, July 1, 2019 : 4,748
Rate of owner-occupied housing units, 2015-2019 : 74.2%
Owner-occupied housing unit median value, 2015-2019 : $103,800
From 2015 to 2019, the median selected monthly owner costs - with a mortgage : $1,067
Monthly owner costs, without a mortgage, at the median, 2015-2019 : $440
2015-2019 median gross rent : $568
Permits for construction, 2020 : 15
2015-2019 Households : 4,174
Population per household, 2015-2019 : 2.26
Living in the same house a year ago, percentage of people aged one year and up, 2015-2019 : 89.8%
Languages other than English spoken at home, as a percentage of people aged 5 and up, 2015-2019 : 4.8%
Households with computers, %, 2015-2019 : 83.3%
Percentage of households with a broadband Internet subscription, 2015-2019 : 77.0%
Percentage of people aged 25 and up with a high school diploma or higher, 2015-2019 : 92.8%
Bachelor's degree or higher, proportion of people aged 25 and up, 2015-2019 : 21.2%
Percentage of people under the age of 65 who have a disability, 2015-2019 : 10.4%
Persons under the age of 65 who do not have health insurance, as a percentage : 5.7%
Total civilian labor force, percent of population aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : 64.5%
Female labor force participation in the civilian labor force, as a percentage of the population aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : 58.2%
Total sales of lodging and food services in 2012 ($1,000) : 8,832
Total receipts/revenue for health care and social assistance in 2012 ($1,000) : 27,133
Manufacturers' total shipments in 2012 ($1,000) : 228,726
2012 total retail sales ($1,000) : 108,929
2012 total retail sales per capita : $11,196
Mean commute time to work (in minutes), workers aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : 18.3
2015-2019 median household income (in 2019 dollars) : $54,575
Income per capita in the previous 12 months (in 2019 dollars), 2015-2019 : $30,480
Percentage of people living in poverty : 10.8%
Total number of employer establishments, 2019 : 291
2019 total employment : 3,409
2019 total annual payroll ($1,000) : 140,651
Total employment, change in percentage terms, 2018-2019 : -3.2%
2018 total non-employer establishments : 767
Total number of businesses in 2012 : 981
Men-owned businesses in 2012 : 563
Women-owned businesses in 2012 : 320
Minority-owned businesses in 2012 : F
Non-minority-owned businesses in 2012 : 933
Veteran-owned businesses in 2012 : 117
Nonveteran-owned businesses in 2012 : 819
2010 population per square mile : 22.6
2010 land area in square miles : 434.35

People born in Lafayette (165)

People born in Lafayette, including actress, model Danneel Harris, tennis player Chanda Rubin, actress Valarie Rae Miller, .

List

  • Walter Davis (American triple jumper) he was born in 02/07/1979
  • Kevin Faulk (Player of American football) he was born in 05/06/1976
  • Daniel Cormier (American sport wrestler and mixed martial artist) he was born in 20/03/1979
  • Glen Provost (Catholic bishop) he was born in 09/08/1949
  • Bobby Parker (American blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter) he was born in 31/08/1937
  • Clifford Etienne (American boxer) he was born in 09/03/1970
  • Ron Guidry (American baseball player and coach) he was born in 28/08/1950
  • Jefferson Caffery (American diplomat) he was born in 01/12/1886
  • Regan Hood (American volleyball player) she was born in 10/08/1983
  • Buckwheat Zydeco (American accordionist) he was born in 14/11/1947
  • Dan Reeder (American musician and artist) he was born in 01/01/1954
  • Eric Griffin (American boxer) he was born in 03/11/1967
  • Jimmy Hayes (American politician) he was born in 21/12/1946
  • Nnamdi Asomugha (American football player, defensive back) he was born in 06/07/1981
  • Liz Carmouche (American mixed martial artist) she was born in 19/02/1984
  • James Domengeaux (Member of the United States House of Representatives from Louisiana (1907-1988)) he was born in 06/01/1907
  • Dustin Poirier (American martial artist) he was born in 19/01/1989
  • Rodney Mack (American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist) he was born in 12/10/1970

Schools in Lafayette

College & universities near Lafayette, LA

Code Name City ZIP
160658 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette (LA) 70503
487658 Academy of Interactive Entertainment Lafayette (LA) 70506-4293
485564 Infinity College Lafayette (LA) 70501-8833
159522 Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette Lafayette (LA) 70503-3246
434061 South Louisiana Community College Lafayette (LA) 70506-4109

Stations (4)

Amtrak & bus stations near Lafayette, LA

Code Name Address Type
LFT Lafayette 133 East Grant St. RAIL
NIB New Iberia West Washington St. RAIL
BTR Baton Rouge, Louisiana 1253 Florida St. BUS
LCH Lake Charles 100 Ryan Street RAIL

Post offices near Lafayette

Post Office Name City ZIP
Jefferson Post Office Lafayette (LA) 70501
Lafay Post Office Lafayette (LA) 70501
Oil Center Post Office Lafayette (LA) 70503
Bertrand Post Office Lafayette (LA) 70506
Energy Center Post Office Lafayette (LA) 70508

Other places with the same name (14)

  • Lafayette , Indiana The most populous city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. It is located on the Wabash River in north-central Indiana. Lafayette is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites, and its many attractions, such as the Purdue University campus and the Lafayette Public Library. with a population of 71,484 people.
  • Lafayette , Colorado city in Colorado with a population of 28,579 people.
  • Lafayette , California city in California with a population of 25,992 people.
  • LaFayette , Georgia city in and the county seat of Walker County, Georgia with a population of 7,508 people.
  • Lafayette , Ohio village in Ohio, United States with a population of 5,927 people.
  • Lafayette , Tennessee human settlement in Macon County, Tennessee, United States of America with a population of 5,271 people.
  • LaFayette , New York city in Onondaga County, New York, United States of America with a population of 4,794 people.
  • Lafayette , Oregon city in Oregon, USA with a population of 4,258 people.
  • Lafayette , New Jersey township in Sussex County, New Jersey with a population of 2,352 people.
  • Lafayette , Pennsylvania township of Pennsylvania with a population of 2,023 people.
  • Lafayette , Minnesota human settlement in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States of America with a population of 705 people.
  • LaFayette , Kentucky human settlement in Christian County, Kentucky, United States of America with a population of 161 people.
  • Lafayette , Illinois township in Ogle County, Illinois with a population of 161 people.

Other cities in Lafayette Parish

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Lafayette Parish , LA.

City Name Population Title
Youngsville 15,262 Suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States of America
Broussard 11,303 Suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette and St.
Carencro 9,945 Suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States
Scott 8,787 Suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States
Duson 1,761 Town of the United States

Distance to Other Cities

Lafayette distances to largest Louisiana cities