Natchitoches Parish Profile
Historical Natchitoches Parish has always been defined by is strategic location. Following the Red River, French settlers founded Natchitoches as a trading post with Spanish controlled Mexico. Today, Natchitoches remains a key location for trade and tourism.

Natchitoches Parish: Where the Past and Future Meet

As one of the largest parishes in the state, Natchitoches Parish covers 1,252 sq. miles in the heart of Louisiana's Cane River Creole "country."  The parish seat, the City of Natchitoches, is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. While deeply entrenched in its proud heritage, Natchitoches focuses on future growth and economic development.  

Located on I-49 in northwest Louisiana,  Natchitoches Parish supports an estimated 2019 population of 38,974 residents with an median household income of $31,916.  A civilian labor force of 15,702 are largely employed in white collar jobs, with Northwestern State University as one of the parish's primary employers.  The unemployment rate in Natchitoches Parish stands at 7.0% (August 2019). 

In addition to its unique historic identity, its natural beauty and small town “feel”, Natchitoches delivers a number of business advantages including:

  • A well-developed transportation network that includes air, rail, interstate highway and water transport options
  • A diverse economy built around Northwestern State University, medical and social services, manufacturing, the retail trade and tourism
  • Low taxes and competitive operating costs
  • A strategic location between Alexandria, LA (50 miles) and Shreveport, LA (72 miles) on I-49
  • An excellent regional medical facility
  • A multitude of cultural, historical and recreational offerings

Natchitoches Parish Communities
Natchitoches Parish Demographics
Natchitoches Workplace Statistics
Natchitoches Parish Transportation Infrastructure
Natchitoches Parish Major Employers
Taxes: Cost of Business
 


 

Natchitoches Parish Communities 

• Natchitoches • Natchez
• Campti • Powhatan
• Ashland • Provencal 
• Clarence • Robeline
• Goldonna  


Natchitoches Parish Population Demographics

Demographics
  2010 Census  2019 Estimate 2024 Estimate
  Population 39,566 38,974 39,139
  Households 15,614 15,683 15,859
  Median Age (2019) 33.5
  5-Year Population Growth Projection (2024) 0.42%
Race (2019 Estimate)
  White 53.82%
  African American 40.81%
  American Indian or Alaska Native 1.07%
  Asian 0.59%
  Other 3.71%
Income (2019 Estimate)
  Median Household Income $31,916
  Average Household Income $51,990
Educational Attainment (2019 Estimate)
  Some High School, No Diploma 11.04%
  High School Graduate 33.11%
  Some College or Associate Degree 31.88%
  Bachelor's Degree 11.64%
  Master's, Professional or Doctorate
7.63%
Average Weekly Wage (Q1 2019)
  Average Weekly Wage $692
Source: Nielsen Segementation & Market Solutions, Pop-Fact Demographics 2019; Louisiana Workforce Commission
 
 

Natchitoches Parish Transportation Infrastructure

Major Interstates     Interstate 49
Major Highways     US 71, US 84, LA 1, LA 6, LA 9, LA 117, LA126, LA 153, LA 156, LA1226
Ports
  • Red River Port - 27.4 miles
  • Port of Shreveport-Bossier - 58.1 miles
  • Port of Natchitoches - 4.7 miles
  • Greater Ouachita Port - 92.7 miles
Class 1 Railroads
  • Kansas City Railroad (KCS)
  • Union Pacific Railroad (UP)
Airports
  • Natchitoches Regional Airport - 1.8 miles
  • Shreveport Regional Airport - 78.1 miles

Tax Structure: Cost of Doing Business

State Corporate Income Tax

  • 4% on the first $25,000 of net income
  • 5% on the next $25,000
  • 6% on the next $50,000
  • 7% on the next $100,000
  • 8% on the excess of $200,000
  • Louisiana uses single sales factor

State Corporate Franchise Tax

  • $1.50 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof up to $300,000
  • $3.00 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof in excess of $300,000
  • The initial corporation franchise tax is $110

Unemployment Insurance Tax

  • The 2017 wage base is $7,700
  • Standard rate range is .10% - 6.2%
  • Rate for new employers is the average rate for the particular industry
  • Maximum unemployment weekly benefit is 1/2 of the claimant's previous wage earnings for 26 weeks

2018 Parishwide Millage (Property Tax) Rate
 

92.2 mills*

Total Sales Taxes in Unincorporated Natchitoches Parish

8.45%**

Total Sales Taxes in Campti

9.95%

Total Sales Taxes in Clarence

9.545%

Total Sales Taxes in City of Natchitoches

9.95%

Total Sales Taxes in Natchez

9.45%

Total Sales Taxes in Robeline

9.45%

* To calculate property tax, multiply the assessed value of the property by the appropriate millage rate. The assessed value is the fair market value of the property times 10% for real property or 15% for personal property.

** Sales taxes include a 5% state tax along with a local portion

Natchitoches, LA



The City of Natchitoches is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana purchase, founded in 1714 by French settlers. The city retains its European flair through its architecture, heritage and easy lifestyle. 
 
At the heart of the city's downtown National Historic Landmark District lies Front Street, a brick thoroughfare where wrought iron balconies, restaurants and shops face the beautiful Cane River Lake. 
 
The City of Natchitoches has positioned itself as a movie location, a tourist destination and a retirement community.