Orleans County, LA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
371,572
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,143/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
195,300
0.4% year-over-year change

Orleans County population

How many people live in Orleans County

Orleans County is home to 371,572 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Orleans County locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
371,572
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
174,875
Female
52.9%
196,697
Value Percent YoY change
Male 174,875 47.1% -1.3%
Female 196,697 52.9% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Orleans County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.2% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
30.2%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 60,897 16.4% -2.2%
15 to 24 45,539 12.3% -0.1%
25 to 44 112,145 30.2% -2.4%
45 to 64 89,074 24% -2.3%
Over 65 63,917 17.2% 3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Orleans County, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 31.2% of locals are Caucasian, 54.6% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 343,114 92.3% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,926 4.3% -2.7%
Non-citizens 12,532 3.4% -0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
31.2%
Black or African American
54.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 115,775 31.2%
Black or African American 202,955 54.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,060 0.3%
Asian 10,350 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 58 0%
Two or more races 31,199 8.4%
Other 10,175 2.7%

Households in Orleans County

A peek inside Orleans County households

Orleans County has 155,768 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.1% are families, while the remaining 51.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
155,768
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
80,872
Family households
74,896
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 80,872 51.9% -0.7%
Family households 74,896 48.1% 1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Orleans County

The housing landscape of Orleans County

Orleans County's housing consists of 195,300 units, with 46.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
195,300
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 89,990 46.1%
1 unit, attached 19,407 9.9%
2 units 28,986 14.8%
3 or 4 units 15,590 8%
5 to 9 units 8,955 4.6%
10 to 19 units 8,474 4.3%
20 to 49 units 7,705 4%
50 or more units 15,200 7.8%
Mobile home 941 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 52 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,306
61.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Orleans County

In Orleans County, the median construction year is 1950. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 61,327 31.4% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14,351 7.4% 4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22,671 11.6% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 20,033 10.3% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25,704 13.2% -5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16,384 8.4% 7.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,220 3.2% 5.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,803 7.6% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12,501 6.4% 12.8%
Built in 2020 or later 1,306 0.7% 61.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Orleans County occupancy rates

Out of the 155,768 occupied housing units in Orleans County, 51.2% are owner-occupied, while 48.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
155,768
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
76,024
Owner occupied
79,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 76,024 48.8% -0.8%
Owner occupied 79,744 51.2% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
20.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Orleans County housing costs

Housing costs in Orleans County come to a median of $1,261 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,208.

Median housing costs per month
$1,261/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Orleans County
$1,208/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Orleans County

Orleans County education at a glance

About 28.9% of the population in Orleans County went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.3% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11,084 3.7% 8.0%
High school diploma 86,302 28.9% -3.1%
College diploma 68,933 23.1% -3.2%
Associate degree 15,784 5.3% 7.3%
Bachelor's degree 63,561 21.3% -0.6%
Graduate degree 52,705 17.7% 0.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Orleans County

How much people earn in Orleans County

The average annual household income in Orleans County was $89,651 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,143, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Orleans County
$89,651/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Orleans County
$53,143/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Orleans County income by age

In Orleans County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,878. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,797 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,210, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,490 in earnings. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,210 -1.1%
25 - 44 $64,878 2.5%
45 - 64 $62,797 2.3%
Over 65 $40,490 12.3%
Above poverty level
274,990
Below poverty level
79,773
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 274,990 77.5% -1.3%
Below poverty level 79,773 22.5% -1.7%

Employment in Orleans County

Workforce and job types in Orleans County

86.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.8% run their own businesses, 58.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
148,175
Blue collar
22,249
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 148,175 86.9% -1.8%
Blue collar 22,249 13.1% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.8%
Private companies
58.4%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 20,126 11.8% -3.5%
Private companies 99,444 58.4% -3.4%
Governmental workers 25,388 14.9% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 25,466 14.9% 2.5%

Transportation in Orleans County

How people get around in Orleans County

In Orleans County, the average commute time is 148 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
148 min
-3.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 118,568 85.2% -3.6%
Taxicab 1,240 0.9% 31.2%
Bus or trolleybus 6,493 4.7% 1.0%
Railroad 97 0.1% 120.5%
Ferryboat 109 0.1% 9.0%
Motorcycle 375 0.3% 0.8%
Bicycle 2,896 2.1% -12.6%
Walk 9,441 6.8% -1.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Orleans County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
70115 31,183 13,890 $90,182 $146,740
70116 10,404 5,950 $52,306 $89,957
70117 25,652 11,779 $45,764 $71,622
70118 36,072 12,831 $63,750 $120,298
70119 37,253 18,142 $53,143 $76,827
70122 35,253 15,178 $49,455 $72,810
70124 21,778 8,362 $121,228 $180,619
70112 3,490 2,327 $19,395 $59,718
70113 9,387 3,830 $39,333 $74,777
70114 22,659 9,512 $43,493 $62,566

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FAQs about Orleans County demographics 

What is the total population of Orleans County?

Orleans County has a total population of 371,572 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Orleans County?

The gender ratio in Orleans County is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (174,875 residents)
  • 52.9% females (196,697 residents)

What is the median age in Orleans County?

The median age in Orleans County is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Orleans County?

The age distribution in Orleans County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (60,897 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (45,539 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.2% (112,145 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (89,074 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (63,917 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans County is as follows:
  • White: 31.2% (115,775 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54.6% (202,955 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,060 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (10,350 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (58 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (31,199 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (10,175 residents)

What percentage of the population in Orleans County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in Orleans County.

How many housing units are there in Orleans County?

There are 195,300 housing units in Orleans County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Orleans County and what is the average household size?

Orleans County has a total of 155,768 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Orleans County?

Orleans County has a median household income of $53,143, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Orleans County?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.9% (148,175 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.1% (22,249 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.8% (20,126 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.4% (99,444 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (25,388 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.9% (25,466 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025