Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Opelousas, LA
Thinking of moving to Opelousas, LA? With a population of nearly 16,000, Opelousas offers affordable living with median home prices around $86,000 and average rents at $810. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are higher than average, and poverty levels are notable. Commute times are short, and you'll enjoy a warm climate with 62% sunny days annually. The city features a diverse community, local healthcare options, and access to public and private schools—making it a unique place to call home in south Louisiana.
Demographics - Opelousas, LA
Demographics - Opelousas, LA
Opelousas is home to nearly 15,800 residents, with a predominantly Black community making up over two-thirds of the population. The median age is 37, reflecting a mix of families and older adults, and the city has a moderate population density that contributes to a small-town feel.
Population:
15,786
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.4
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.2%
Black:
69.1%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Opelousas, LA?
The cost of living in Opelousas is notably affordable, with median home values around $86,000 and average rents at $810. Utility and transportation costs are also reasonable, making the city an attractive choice for budget-conscious families or retirees.
Median House Value:
$86,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$2,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$925
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
44.0
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Opelousas, LA a safe place to live?
Opelousas experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 86 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should be aware of these risks when choosing neighborhoods within the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,314
Crime Index:
6,474
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 86
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Opelousas, LA year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and about 62% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall is substantial, averaging 60 inches, which supports lush landscapes but also means occasional heavy storms.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The area has a modest median household income of $29,800, and about 38% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the average commute is a convenient 24 minutes, reflecting the city's manageable size.
Median Income:
$23,400
Household Income:
$29,800
Family Income:
$36,300
Per Capita Income:
$15,700
Income Male:
$32,800
Income Female:
$25,900
Poverty Rate:
38.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
71.6%
Bachelors or More:
11.1%
Education
How are the schools in Opelousas, LA?
Families in Opelousas have access to both public and private school options, including Opelousas Senior High and Opelousas Catholic School. The city also hosts a community college campus, providing pathways for higher education close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Opelousas Senior High School
Street:
1014 Judson Walsh Dr
Phone:
337-942-5631
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Northeast Elementary School
Street:
2000 W. Grolee St
Phone:
337-942-6253
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Private Schools
Name:
Opelousas Catholic School
Street:
428 E. Prudhomme St
Phone:
337-942-5404
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana State University Eunice
City:
Eunice
State:
LA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
South Louisiana Community College – Opelousas Campus
City:
Opelousas
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Opelousas offers accessible healthcare with major facilities like Opelousas General Health System and a physician availability comparable to national averages. Most residents have health insurance coverage, supporting the community's overall wellbeing.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Opelousas General Health System
Address:
539 E Prudhomme Ln, Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone:
(337) 948-3011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.2%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Opelousas, LA?
The housing market in Opelousas is affordable, with a median home price of $86,000 and nearly half of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation, making it a practical choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$86,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Opelousas residents are served by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles located on Creswell Lane, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs. The DMV provides full state services and support for drivers in the region.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1638 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone:
1-225-925-6146
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.