Opelousas 63 Average
Opelousas Livability #184 ranked city in Louisiana#15,098 ranked city in the USARanks better than 48% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Opelousas

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.

What's it like Living in Opelousas?

Located in the state of Louisiana, Opelousas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 17,032 people. With a total of 77%, the Black or African American racial group makes up the majority of the population in Opelousas. The next most represented races are 21% White and 0% Asian. Opelousas is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 45%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Opelousas, Louisiana. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Opelousas and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Opelousas has received a livability score of 63/100. This score is ranked in the 50th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Opelousas ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Opelousas does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Opelousas market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Opelousas. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Opelousas are affordable. Median real estate prices in Opelousas come in at $225,575, which is 15.8% lower than the Louisiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Opelousas, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 15% higher than the Louisiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Opelousas

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Compare Opelousas, LA Livability

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      Opelousas transportation information

      Statistic Opelousas Louisiana National
      Average one way commute22min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.4%82.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%9.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.3%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%2.6%4.6%
      Source: The Opelousas, LA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.