RANK #318 / 996 · POP 159,585 · LA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.5%
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, is distinguished by its natural setting along the Ouachita River, which divides the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe. The parish is located in northeastern Louisiana, approximately 100 miles east of Shreveport and 65 miles west of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This area offers a blend of urban and rural living, with a community feel that locals often highlight. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge providing opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, paddling, and hiking among cypress swamps and bottomland hardwoods. The Ouachita River itself is a focal point for activities like bass fishing tournaments and various water sports.
Life in Ouachita Parish offers a balance for families and individuals, with public schools in the Ouachita Parish School System generally well-regarded. Commute options primarily involve personal vehicles, though Monroe Transit System provides fixed-route bus services within Monroe, and West Ouachita Public Transit offers services in western Ouachita Parish. The economy is experiencing new investment, particularly in infrastructure and site development to attract businesses. Efforts are underway to enhance quality of life through investments in public spaces, educational institutions, and cultural projects, alongside initiatives for workforce development that connect skilled workers with local careers.
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Lafitte Solar Project
RWE (with PPA from Meta)
|
$100M | Completed |
|
South Monroe Industrial Park (FastSites Program)
Louisiana Economic Development / Grow NELA
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Sterlington Solar Facility
Entergy Louisiana
|
$49M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ouachita Parish has a Boom Town Index score of 68/100, ranking #318 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $49,261, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ouachita Parish is $172,800 with median rent at $886/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2851, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed -2.1% in the past 12 months.