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

Total population
3,935
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$28,750/yr
-11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,783
-0.5% year-over-year change

Tensas County population

How many people live in Tensas County

Tensas County is home to 3,935 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Tensas County locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
3,935
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
1,892
Female
51.9%
2,043
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,892 48.1% -1.7%
Female 2,043 51.9% -1.2%
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 Tensas County is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.4% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
19.4%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
28.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 716 18.2% -1.6%
15 to 24 384 9.8% 1.1%
25 to 44 764 19.4% -6.5%
45 to 64 965 24.5% -2.1%
Over 65 1,106 28.1% 2.3%
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 Tensas County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.6% of locals are Caucasian, 54% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,874 98.4% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25 0.6% -51.9%
Non-citizens 36 0.9% 63.6%
Racial breakdown
White
41.6%
Black or African American
54%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 1,637 41.6%
Black or African American 2,124 54%
Asian 40 1%
Two or more races 115 2.9%
Other 19 0.5%

Households in Tensas County

A peek inside Tensas County households

Tensas County has 1,578 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.9% are families, while the remaining 47.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,578
-3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
743
Family households
835
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 743 47.1% -1.5%
Family households 835 52.9% -4.6%
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 Tensas County

The housing landscape of Tensas County

Tensas County's housing consists of 2,783 units, with 76.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 18.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,783
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,134 76.7%
1 unit, attached 5 0.2%
2 units 5 0.2%
3 or 4 units 48 1.7%
5 to 9 units 14 0.5%
10 to 19 units 28 1%
20 to 49 units 19 0.7%
Mobile home 521 18.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
18
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tensas County

In Tensas County, the median construction year is 1972. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 167 6% 16.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 223 8% 24.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 359 12.9% -5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 484 17.4% -3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 674 24.2% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 371 13.3% -5.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 165 5.9% 22.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 242 8.7% -9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80 2.9% -4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 18 0.6% 20.0%
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.

Tensas County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,578 occupied housing units in Tensas County, 74.2% are owner-occupied, while 25.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 43.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,578
-3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
407
Owner occupied
1,171
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 407 25.8% -17.8%
Owner occupied 1,171 74.2% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
43.3%
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.

Tensas County housing costs

Housing costs in Tensas County come to a median of $520 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $547.

Median housing costs per month
$520/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 Tensas County
$547/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 Tensas County

Tensas County education at a glance

About 57.6% of the population in Tensas County went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 2.7% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 134 4.3% 20.7%
High school diploma 1,780 57.6% -7.5%
College diploma 681 22% 6.6%
Associate degree 84 2.7% 15.1%
Bachelor's degree 244 7.9% 11.4%
Graduate degree 169 5.5% 3.7%
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 Tensas County

How much people earn in Tensas County

The average annual household income in Tensas County was $45,603 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $28,750, reflecting a -11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tensas County
$45,603/year
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tensas County
$28,750/year
-11.0% year-over-year change

Tensas County income by age

In Tensas County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,583 overall. Overall, 65.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $42,000 -16.2%
45 - 64 $36,583 -9.3%
Over 65 $39,545 14.5%
Above poverty level
2,393
Below poverty level
1,249
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,393 65.7% -6.2%
Below poverty level 1,249 34.3% 0.5%

Employment in Tensas County

Workforce and job types in Tensas County

80.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 54.5% are employed by private companies, and 27.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
796
Blue collar
195
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 796 80.3% -11.0%
Blue collar 195 19.7% -35.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
54.5%
Governmental workers
27.8%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 81 8.2% -2.4%
Private companies 540 54.5% -22.0%
Governmental workers 275 27.8% -9.2%
Not for profit companies 95 9.6% -20.8%

Transportation in Tensas County

How people get around in Tensas County

Commuting methods vary: 98.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 899 98.1% -18.4%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0.3% -25.0%
Bicycle 3 0.3% 50.0%
Walk 11 1.2% 10.0%
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 Tensas County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
71357 1,458 683 $28,750 $39,618
71366 1,369 583 $48,977 $66,889
71375 1,108 312 $24,231 $30,302

Explore more communities

FAQs about Tensas County demographics 

What is the total population of Tensas County?

Tensas County has a total population of 3,935 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tensas County?

The gender ratio in Tensas County is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (1,892 residents)
  • 51.9% females (2,043 residents)

What is the median age in Tensas County?

The median age in Tensas County is 50.7.

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

The age distribution in Tensas County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (716 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (384 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.4% (764 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (965 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.1% (1,106 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tensas County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tensas County is as follows:
  • White: 41.6% (1,637 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54% (2,124 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 1% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (115 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (19 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Tensas County.

How many housing units are there in Tensas County?

There are 2,783 housing units in Tensas County, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tensas County has a total of 1,578 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tensas County?

Tensas County has a median household income of $28,750, representing a -11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Tensas County?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.3% (796 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.7% (195 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (81 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.5% (540 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.8% (275 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (95 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