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:
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A well-developed transportation network that includes air, rail, interstate highway and water transport options
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A diverse economy built around Northwestern State University, medical and social services, manufacturing, the retail trade and tourism
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Low taxes and competitive operating costs
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A strategic location between Alexandria, LA (50 miles) and Shreveport, LA (72 miles) on I-49
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An excellent regional medical facility
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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
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• Natchitoches |
• Natchez |
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• Campti |
• Powhatan |
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• Ashland |
• Provencal |
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• Clarence |
• Robeline |
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• Goldonna |
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Demographics |
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2010 Census |
2019 Estimate |
2024 Estimate |
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Population |
39,566 |
38,974 |
39,139 |
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Households |
15,614 |
15,683 |
15,859 |
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Median Age (2019) |
33.5 |
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5-Year Population Growth Projection (2024) |
0.42% |
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Race (2019 Estimate) |
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White |
53.82% |
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African American |
40.81% |
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American Indian or Alaska Native |
1.07% |
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Asian |
0.59% |
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Other |
3.71% |
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Income (2019 Estimate) |
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Median Household Income |
$31,916 |
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Average Household Income |
$51,990 |
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Educational Attainment (2019 Estimate) |
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Some High School, No Diploma |
11.04% |
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High School Graduate |
33.11% |
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Some College or Associate Degree |
31.88% |
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Bachelor's Degree |
11.64% |
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Master's, Professional or Doctorate |
7.63%
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Average Weekly Wage (Q1 2019) |
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Average Weekly Wage |
$692 |
Source: Nielsen Segementation & Market Solutions, Pop-Fact Demographics 2019; Louisiana Workforce Commission
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Major Interstates |
Interstate 49 |
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Major Highways |
US 71, US 84, LA 1, LA 6, LA 9, LA 117, LA126, LA 153, LA 156, LA1226 |
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Ports |
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Red River Port - 27.4 miles
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Port of Shreveport-Bossier - 58.1 miles
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Port of Natchitoches - 4.7 miles
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Greater Ouachita Port - 92.7 miles
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Class 1 Railroads |
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Kansas City Railroad (KCS)
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Union Pacific Railroad (UP)
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Airports |
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Natchitoches Regional Airport - 1.8 miles
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Shreveport Regional Airport - 78.1 miles
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State Corporate Income Tax
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4% on the first $25,000 of net income
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5% on the next $25,000
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6% on the next $50,000
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7% on the next $100,000
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8% on the excess of $200,000
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Louisiana uses single sales factor
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State Corporate Franchise Tax
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$1.50 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof up to $300,000
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$3.00 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof in excess of $300,000
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The initial corporation franchise tax is $110
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Unemployment Insurance Tax
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The 2017 wage base is $7,700
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Standard rate range is .10% - 6.2%
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Rate for new employers is the average rate for the particular industry
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Maximum unemployment weekly benefit is 1/2 of the claimant's previous wage earnings for 26 weeks
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2018 Parishwide Millage (Property Tax) Rate
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92.2 mills*
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Total Sales Taxes in Unincorporated Natchitoches Parish
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8.45%**
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Total Sales Taxes in Campti
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9.95%
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Total Sales Taxes in Clarence
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9.545%
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Total Sales Taxes in City of Natchitoches
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9.95%
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Total Sales Taxes in Natchez
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9.45%
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Total Sales Taxes in Robeline
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9.45%
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* 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