Louisiana Population Data in 2024 – Key Trends and Forecasts

Population By Age

Population Distribution by Age Group

The population is predominantly in the working-age group of 25-44 years, comprising 27.23% of the total, while the elderly population aged 65 and over accounts for 16.02%. A significant portion, 33.33%, is under 25 years old, reflecting a relatively young demographic base.

Age Cohort Breakdown

The largest cohort in Louisiana is the working-age group (18-64 years), making up 60.66% of the population. The younger cohort under 18 years accounts for 23.33%, slightly above the national average, while the elderly population (16.02%) is marginally below the national average, highlighting a younger overall state demographic.

Louisiana Population Pyramid Metrics

Population Distribution by Race

Louisiana’s racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for 59.45% of the population, followed by Black or African American individuals at 31.56% as per Neilsbergs article.

These two groups form the vast majority, reflecting the state’s historical and cultural background.

Smaller racial groups include Asians (1.73%), individuals of some other race (1.82%), and American Indian and Alaska Native populations (0.54%).

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders make up a very small portion at 0.05%.

Louisiana Counties Population 2024

Migration Patterns

Louisiana hosts a diverse and significant immigrant population, with 4.2% of the state’s residents being foreign-born and 1.8% of U.S.-born residents living with at least one immigrant parent according to the American Immigration Council.

Immigrants play a vital role in the state’s economy, making up 5.3% of the labor force and contributing extensively as entrepreneurs, STEM workers, and in construction, where they represent 13.5% of the workforce.

They also account for 10.7% of entrepreneurs, generating $613.6 million in business income.

Immigrant Economic Contributions

Immigrant households hold a combined income of $6.3 billion, with $4.8 billion in spending power, demonstrating their significant economic influence.

They contribute $1.5 billion in taxes, supporting essential programs like Social Security and Medicare.

These figures emphasize that immigrant contributions far outweigh any costs associated with public services they use.

Immigrant Workforce Participation

Immigrants are key contributors to Louisiana’s workforce, making up 5.3% overall.

Their entrepreneurial spirit is evident, with 10.7% of entrepreneurs being foreign-born, generating $613.6 million in business income.

They are especially prominent in STEM fields and construction, where they represent 8.3% and 13.5% of workers, respectively.

Top Countries of Origin for Immigrants

Immigrants in Louisiana predominantly come from Honduras (18.9%), Mexico (12.4%), and Vietnam (8.4%), reflecting a blend of Central American and Asian influences.

This diversity enriches the state’s cultural and economic landscape, fostering global connections and contributions to various industries.

Louisiana Labor Market Overview

Louisiana had 104,000 job openings in September, down 6,000 from August. Hires increased by 6,000 to 83,000, while total separations rose sharply to 82,000 according to BLS.

Quits saw a significant rise of 13,000, indicating higher voluntary turnover, while layoffs remained steady.

Job Openings and Turnover Rates in Louisiana

The job openings rate declined slightly to 5.0%, aligning with reduced openings. Meanwhile, the hiring rate increased to 4.2%, and the separations rate rose sharply.

The increase in the quits rate suggests growing confidence in job opportunities despite the slight cooling in openings.

Comparison of Job Openings and Turnover Rates (Louisiana vs. U.S.)

Louisiana’s labor market remains tighter than the national average, with a higher job openings rate (5.0% vs. 4.5%) and hires rate (4.2% vs. 3.5%).

The quits rate is also higher, reflecting a more dynamic labor market in Louisiana compared to the U.S. average.

Hires and Separations in Louisiana (Monthly Averages Over Last 12 Months)

Over the past year, Louisiana’s labor market has seen consistent activity with hires averaging 84,000 per month and separations at 82,000

Quits averaged 52,000, with a range from 36,000 to 59,000, indicating fluctuating voluntary turnover. Layoffs remained stable, suggesting consistent employer retention strategies.

Household Income

Louisiana’s average household income is 21% lower than the national average, and the median household income lags by 23% as per Income By Zip Code.

These gaps reflect a state economy that faces challenges in matching national income levels, though the poverty threshold remains consistent.

Income by Household Types

Family incomes are significantly higher than single-person households, which average $32,981 annually.

Retirement income, averaging $48,352, is a mix of Social Security and pensions, highlighting the financial challenges faced by retirees compared to working households.

Richest Zip Codes in Louisiana (2024)

The wealthiest zip code, 70124, boasts an average household income of $166,557.

These affluent areas reflect pockets of economic prosperity that contrast sharply with statewide income averages.

Louisiana Income Distribution

Income distribution in Louisiana reveals a concentration of households earning between $50,000 and $199,999 (41%), while 16% of households earn below $25,000.

This underscores significant income disparities within the state.

Median Household Income by Age Group

Median income peaks between ages 25 and 64, reflecting career maturity and higher earning potential.

It declines for those under 25 and over 65, illustrating the economic impact of early career challenges and retirement.

Labor Force Data (in thousands)

As BLS notes the civilian labor force in Louisiana remained relatively stable from May to October 2024, fluctuating slightly between 2,073,000 and 2,076,800. Employment followed a similar pattern, peaking in August at 1,995,700 before declining slightly to 1,987,800 in October.

The unemployment rate remained consistent at 3.9% from July through September but rose back to 4.1% in October, aligning with an increase in the number of unemployed individuals (85,200). These trends indicate a stable but slightly tightening labor market as employment figures dipped marginally toward the end of the observed period.

Educational Attainment

In Louisiana, 27% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly below the national average of 36.2% as per notes from the Census Bureau.

The majority of residents have attained a high school diploma (33.1%) or some college education without earning a degree (20.2%).

These figures highlight a gap in higher education attainment compared to national standards.

School Enrollment (Population 3 Years and Older)

School enrollment in Louisiana shows a higher percentage (69.6%) of residents enrolled in K-12 education compared to the national average of 67.8%.

However, participation in graduate or professional programs (4.4%) and undergraduate college enrollment (19.0%) indicate potential areas for educational investment to align more closely with national trends.

These figures reflect a strong focus on early education but highlight challenges in higher education access and attainment.

Health Stats

Census.gov notes that Louisiana has a higher disabled population (17.2%) compared to the national average (13.6%).

Among disabilities, ambulatory and cognitive difficulties are most prevalent. In terms of fertility, the majority of women giving birth are in the 20-34 age range, highlighting this as the prime childbearing period.

Health Insurance Coverage in Louisiana (2023)

Louisiana has a lower percentage of uninsured residents (6.9%) than the national average (7.9%). Over the last decade, the uninsured rate in the state has significantly declined, reflecting improved access to health care.

Crime Rates in Louisiana

Louisiana reports a total crime rate of 33.77 per 1,000 residents, with property crimes dominating at 27.48 incidents per 1,000 according to the Neighborhood Scout.

Violent crimes occur at a rate of 6.29 per 1,000, indicating that while property crimes are significantly more common, violent crimes remain a notable concern.

This crime rate is reflective of Louisiana’s challenges in addressing public safety across its communities.

Violent Crime Breakdown (Louisiana vs. U.S.)

Louisiana’s violent crime rates exceed national averages in every category, particularly in assault, which occurs at a rate of 5.02 per 1,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 2.68. While murder and robbery rates are also higher than the national averages, the disparity in assault rates highlights an area for targeted intervention and law enforcement focus.

Property Crime Breakdown (Louisiana vs. U.S.)

Property crime rates in Louisiana are considerably higher than national averages, particularly in theft, which occurs at a rate of 19.40 per 1,000 residents compared to the U.S. rate of 14.02.

Burglary rates are nearly double the national average, suggesting significant vulnerabilities in residential and commercial property security. Motor vehicle theft is slightly above the national rate, adding to the property crime burden.

Crime Victimization and Geographic Distribution

In Louisiana, residents face a 1 in 159 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a much higher 1 in 36 chance for property crimes. Urban areas such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge report higher crime rates per square mile, emphasizing the need for enhanced urban policing and community safety initiatives to address the concentration of crime in these regions.

Methodology