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Opelousas, LA

Frequently asked questions

Opelousas, LA

Opelousas is a small city and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190 were constructed with a junction here. Opelousas is the principal city for the Opelousas-Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 80,808 in 2020. Opelousas is also the fourth largest city in the Lafayette-Acadiana Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 537,947.

Historically an area of settlement by French and Spanish Creoles, Creoles of color, and Acadians, Opelousas is the center of zydeco music. It celebrates its heritage at the Creoles of Color Heritage Folklife Center, one of the destinations on the new Louisiana African-American Heritage Trail. It is also the location of the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.

The city calls itself "the spice capital of the world", with the production and sale of seasonings such as Tony Chachere's products, Targil Seasonings, Savoie's cajun meats and products, and LouAna Cooking Oil.

During the tenure of Sheriff Cat Doucet, from 1936 to 1940 and again from 1952 to 1968, the section of Opelousas along Highway 190 was a haven of gambling and prostitution, the profits from which he skimmed a take.

Opelousas is home to several public and private schools. Opelousas has many public high schools, which are Opelousas Senior High, Northwest High School, and Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts. Opelousas Junior High serves as the area middle school. The city has seven public elementary schools. It is also home to one of the campuses of South Louisiana Community College

The private schools are religiously based, including Opelousas Catholic School, Westminster Christian Academy, Apostolic Christian Academy, New Hope Christian Academy, and Family Worship Christian Academy.

Opelousas places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several healthcare facilities serving the community. Opelousas General Health System is a prominent healthcare provider, offering a range of medical services to residents. For outdoor enthusiasts, Le Vieux Village offers scenic walking trails and cultural experiences. The Eunice Community Health Center promotes wellness through its health services and educational programs. Fitness buffs can head to Snap Fitness for a full range of gym equipment and classes. The Southwest Louisiana Primary Health Care Center provides health screenings and wellness resources. Academy of Acadiana offers yoga and meditation classes for mental and physical well-being.

Top sites in Opelousas, LA are South City Park, Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, and Louisiana Orphan Train Museum.

Population: 15,390 (2023). ZIP code: 70570. Area code: 337. Elevation: 69 ft (21 m).  Area: 9.68 sq mi (25.06 km²).

FAQs

What is Opelousas, LA is known for?

Opelousas is known as the home of Alamo hero Jim Bowie and as the Creole capital of the world, the birthplace of Zydeco music, and the Spice and Music Capital of Louisiana. Several waves of immigrants, including the French, Irish, Italian, German, and Spanish, have made Opelousas their home, contributing to great cultural diversity. Opelousas has many significant historical buildings and homes, and the 20 blocks surrounding the historic Parish Courthouse in downtown Opelousas has been designated a National Historic District. Within the district is Le Vieux Village (“the old village”), a complex of historical structures that includes a rural doctor’s office, two private homes, a rural general store, an early African American church, a rural schoolhouse, and a railroad depot.

What are the demographics of Opelousas, LA?

Opelousas is a city located in St. Landry Parish Louisiana. Opelousas has a 2024 population of 15,218. Opelousas is currently declining at a rate of -0.9% annually and its population has decreased by -3.5% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 15,770 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Opelousas was Black or African American: 79.63%, White: 17.52%, Two or more races: 2.21%, Other race: 0.43%, Native American: 0.18%, Asian: 0.03%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

What is the crime rate in Opelousas LA?

With a crime rate of 83 per one thousand residents, Opelousas has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 12. Within Louisiana, more than 100% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Opelousas.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Opelousas

Creole Heritage Folklife Center

World Population Review

Neighborhood Scout

ACHP

South City Park

Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center

Louisiana Orphan Train Museum

Opelousas General Health System

Le Vieux Village 

Eunice Community Health Center

Snap Fitness

Southwest Louisiana Primary Health Care Center

Academy of Acadiana

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.