How many immigrants are in Louisiana?
About 196K in 2021. This represents roughly 4.2% of the population, or about 2 in 50 residents. Immigrants include foreign-born residents, those who have become US citizens, those authorized to enter the US, and undocumented residents.
Showing data for
In 2021
196K
Louisiana residents were foreign-born
In 2021
2 in 50
Louisiana residents were foreign-born
The number of foreign-born residents in Louisiana increased from 165K in 2011 to 196K in 2021. This growth occurred alongside changes in the native-born population due to births, deaths, and migration. The foreign-born share of Louisiana's population was 4.2% in 2021, lower than the national average of 13.6%, and up from 3.7% in 2011.
Foreign-born share of the population in Louisiana
Changes in immigrant populations reflect shifts in both local and national demographics. The largest immigrant populations are found in major metro areas. Metro areas in California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the Northeast generally have a higher share of foreign-born residents.
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In 2021, the metro areas in the US with the highest and lowest foreign-born population shares were Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL at 41.2% (highest) and Beckley, WV at 0.8% (lowest). In Louisiana, the highest and lowest were New Orleans-Metairie at 7.6% and Monroe at 1.6%, respectively.
On average, 8.2% of the population in metro areas was foreign-born in 2021
Foreign-born share of the population (2021)
| 1. | New Orleans-Metairie, LA Metro Area | 7.6% |
| 2. | Baton Rouge, LA Metro Area | 4.2% |
| 3. | Lake Charles, LA Metro Area | 3.4% |
| 4. | Lafayette, LA Metro Area | 3.3% |
| 5. | Alexandria, LA Metro Area | 2.7% |
| 6. | Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Metro Area | 2.5% |
| 7. | Houma-Thibodaux, LA Metro Area | 2.4% |
| 8. | Hammond, LA Metro Area | 2.1% |
| 9. | Monroe, LA Metro Area | 1.6% |
