Lafayette is a city in south-central Louisiana, located along the Vermilion River. With a population of over 126,000 as of the 2020 US Census, it is the fourth-largest city in Louisiana. Lafayette serves as the parish seat of Lafayette Parish.
Population
According to the 2020 census, the population of Lafayette was 126,143. This makes it the 15th largest city in the Southern United States. The racial makeup of the city was 62.8% White, 31.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race made up 4.2% of the population.
Over the past few decades, Lafayette has seen steady population growth. Between 2000 and 2010, the city’s population grew by over 26%. While growth has slowed somewhat in recent years, Lafayette continues to draw new residents due to its diverse economy and high quality of life.
Economy and Major Employers
Lafayette has a robust and diverse economy anchored by energy, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Some of the major employers in Lafayette include:
- Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center – Lafayette’s biggest employer with over 2,600 employees, OLGMC is a non-profit academic hospital that serves as the major healthcare provider for Acadiana.
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – With an enrollment of over 18,000 students, UL Lafayette employs over 1,700 faculty and staff members. The university is a major driver of Lafayette’s economy and culture.
- Lafayette Consolidated Government – The consolidated city-parish government employs over 1,500 people in various public services and administrative roles.
- Stuller, Inc. – A major manufacturer and distributor of jewelry and jewelry-related products. Stuller employs over 1,200 people locally.
- Acadian Ambulance Service – With over 1,000 employees, Acadian Ambulance is one of the city’s major private employers providing emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
In addition to the above employers, Lafayette has a significant energy industry presence due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Oil and gas companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Weatherford maintain major regional offices in the city, employing hundreds of engineers, geoscientists, and other technical professionals.
Lafayette also has a growing technology and creative sector, driven in part by the University of Louisiana. The University’s Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) center and other research facilities have helped establish Lafayette as a hub for digital media, virtual reality, and 3D visualization companies. This innovative environment has attracted technology companies and startups to locate in the city.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Lafayette include:
- Vermilionville – This living history museum and folk life park showcases the heritage, culture, and history of the Acadian, Native American, and Creole peoples of the region. Vermilionville hosts various festivals, events, and historical reenactments throughout the year.
- Acadian Village – Located near downtown Lafayette, this replica Acadian settlement depicts life in south Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries through historic homes and buildings.
- Alexandre Mouton House – Built in the 1820s, this historic home was the residence of Louisiana’s 9th governor, Alexandre Mouton. It is one of the oldest buildings in Lafayette and now serves as a museum.
- Atchafalaya National Heritage Area – Encompassing parts of 14 Louisiana parishes, this federally designated National Heritage Area showcases the unique cultures, landmarks, and natural resources of the Atchafalaya Basin region.
- Acadiana Center for the Arts – This multidisciplinary arts center hosts theater, concerts, exhibits, and educational programs focused on promoting local culture and artistry.
- Cajundome – Home arena of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns basketball teams, the Cajundome is a premier venue for major concerts, conventions, and events in Acadiana.
Lafayette’s vibrant festival scene attracts thousands of visitors each year. Popular annual events include the Festival International de Louisiane celebrating Francophone culture, the Acadiana Center for the Arts highlighting Cajun food and music, and Christmas Festival of Lights at River Ranch showcasing elaborate holiday light displays.
Transportation
Lafayette is served by the Lafayette Regional Airport, located just a few miles from downtown. The airport offers daily flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston on carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. For travel within the region, the Lafayette Transit System operates 17 bus routes throughout the city and parishes.
Lafayette’s central location makes it easily accessible by car via Interstate 10 and Interstate 49. It is about a 2 hour drive from Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The city is also served by Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passenger train which connects New Orleans to Los Angeles.
Education
Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, founded in 1898 as an industrial school for the region’s youth. Today UL Lafayette is the second largest university in Louisiana with an enrollment of over 18,000 students across 9 colleges including engineering, education, nursing, and business. The Lafayette Parish School System operates public K-12 schools throughout the city and surrounding area.
In addition to UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College maintains a campus in Lafayette offering associate degrees and technical certifications. The Acadiana area is also home to several smaller four-year institutions including the University of Louisiana at Eunice, South Louisiana Community College, and Nunez Community College.
Conclusion
With its rich cultural heritage, growing economy, and friendly people, it’s no wonder Lafayette continues to emerge as one of Louisiana’s most vibrant and livable cities. Home to the “Happiest City in America” according to a 2014 Gallup poll, Lafayette offers the best of Cajun country’s food, music, and hospitality complemented by the amenities and opportunities of a modern urban center. Its diverse economy, rooted in energy, healthcare, education, and technology, provides jobs and supports an excellent quality of life. Whether you’re seeking great festivals, historic sites, or a great place to launch a business, Lafayette has something for everyone.