St. Landry Parish, LA

St. Landry Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Opelousas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 82,540. The parish was established in 1807 and is named after Saint Landry of Paris.

History

St. Landry Parish was one of the original parishes created by the Louisiana State Legislature in 1807. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Chitimacha. French and Spanish settlers arrived in the 18th century, and the area became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 939 square miles, of which 924 square miles is land and 15 square miles (1.6%) is water. The parish is located in the central part of the state and is part of the Acadiana region.

Adjacent parishes

• Avoyelles Parish (north)
• Pointe Coupee Parish (northeast)
• St. Martin Parish (east)
• Lafayette Parish (southeast)
• Acadia Parish (south)
• Evangeline Parish (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 82,540 people, 30,000 households, and 20,000 families residing in the parish. The population density was 89 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the parish was 55.3% White, 41.2% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of St. Landry Parish is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles. The parish is known for its production of rice, soybeans, and crawfish. The Opelousas area is a hub for the healthcare and education sectors.

Education

St. Landry Parish is served by the St. Landry Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area. Higher education is provided by Louisiana State University at Eunice and South Louisiana Community College.

Culture

St. Landry Parish is part of the Acadiana region, known for its Cajun and Creole cultures. The parish hosts several annual festivals, including the Yambilee Festival and the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival. The area is also known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Notable People

• Jim Bowie, 19th-century pioneer and soldier
• Rod Bernard, musician
• Armand Duplantis, pole vaulter

See Also

• Opelousas, Louisiana
• Acadiana
• Louisiana
• Louisiana Purchase
• Cajun culture
• Creole culture