2023 Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
208,668
Median Age
37.2 years
Median Household Income
$67,849
Bachelor's Degree+
24.71%
Uninsured Rate
7.7%
Total Households
76,995
Total Workers
91,736
Citizenship Rate
98.0%
Total Veterans
11,763
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
12.9%
Families in Poverty
6,484
SNAP Recipients
14.38%
Households w/ SNAP
11,071

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is 208,668. The median age of the population in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is 37.2 years. The median age for males is 36.0 years, and for females it is 38.2 years.

The age distribution of the population in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.86%
5–17 years (children) 18.24%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.31%
25–34 years 13.91%
35–54 years 24.36%
55–64 years 12.72%
65 years and over (seniors) 15.61%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

The total dependency ratio in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is 68.66. The youth dependency ratio is 42.33, and the old-age dependency ratio is 26.33. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, including Lake Charles (70605) (40,715), Lake Charles (70601) (31,843), and Sulphur (70663) (29,511).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is calculated at 51.35, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 65.29%
Black/African American Alone 23.66%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 5.18%
Two or More Races 3.72%
Asian Alone 1.46%
Some Other Race Alone 0.55%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.11%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.03%

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $67,849. This figure is based on a total of 76,995 households.

The distribution of household income in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 15.01%
$20,000 to $34,999 12.37%
$35,000 to $49,999 11.57%
$50,000 to $74,999 15.70%
$75,000 to $149,999 27.79%
$150,000 or more 17.55%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, explore the data for: Lake Charles (70611) ($101,146), Lake Charles (70605) ($88,337), and Sulphur (70665) ($88,328).


Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is based on a total of 55,624 properties.

The property value distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 4.90%
$25,000 to $49,999 3.47%
$50,000 to $99,999 12.12%
$100,000 to $199,999 27.03%
$200,000 to $499,999 45.76%
$500,000 to $999,999 5.57%
$1,000,000 or more 1.15%

Educational Attainment in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, totaling 138,954 individuals.

89.39% of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 24.71%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 10.61%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 34.40%
Some college or associate's degree 30.29%
Bachelor's Degree 16.27%
Graduate or professional degree 8.43%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana shows that 7.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 15,954 individuals out of a total population of 206,756 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 19.6% for males and 12.1% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 9.9% of males and 7.3% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, uninsured rates for children are 4.4% for males and 4.1% for females, while seniors have rates of 1.2% for males and 0.2% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 4.4% 4.1%
18-34 years 19.6% 12.1%
35-64 years 9.9% 7.3%
65+ years 1.2% 0.2%

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana shows that 98.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 204,546 individuals out of a total population of 208,668 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 95.9% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 1.3% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (2,752 individuals), while 2.0% are non-citizens (4,122 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 95.9%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.1%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.7%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 1.3%
Not a U.S. citizen 2.0%
Total U.S. Citizens 98.0%

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana show that 91.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 83,057 workers out of a total workforce of 90,481 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (142 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.7%) and bicycling (0.2%).

5.1% of workers in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana report working from home. An additional 1.1% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 91.8% 83,057
Public transportation 0.2% 142
Bicycle 0.2% 219
Walked 1.7% 1,521
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.1% 964
Worked from home 5.1% 4,578
Total Workers - 90,481

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana totals 91,736 workers. Of these, 47,947 (52.3%) are male and 43,789 (47.7%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 37,550 (40.9%) 30,293 (33.0%)
Private Non-Profit 1,962 (2.1%) 3,843 (4.2%)
Government (All Levels) 5,231 (5.7%) 8,115 (8.8%)
  • Local Government 2,970 5,762
  • State Government 1,543 1,955
  • Federal Government 718 398
Self-Employed 3,177 (3.5%) 1,508 (1.6%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.


Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 11,763 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 3,374 veterans (28.7% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 2,240 veterans (19.0%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 3,374 28.7%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 2,240 19.0%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 2,177 18.5%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,829 15.5%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 735 6.2%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 691 5.9%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 360 3.1%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 167 1.4%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 89 0.8%
Between Korean War and World War II 42 0.4%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 30 0.3%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 29 0.2%
Total Veterans 11,763 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 50,391 families in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

Of these families, 6,484 (12.9%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 15,003 families (29.8%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 28,904 families (57.4%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 2,702 5.4%
50-74% of Poverty 1,762 3.5%
75-99% of Poverty 2,020 4.0%
100-124% of Poverty 1,690 3.4%
125-149% of Poverty 1,813 3.6%
150-174% of Poverty 2,183 4.3%
175-184% of Poverty 733 1.5%
185-199% of Poverty 1,001 2.0%
200-299% of Poverty 7,583 15.0%
300-399% of Poverty 7,275 14.4%
400-499% of Poverty 6,265 12.4%
500%+ of Poverty 15,364 30.5%
Total Families 50,391 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 76,995 total households in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Of these, 11,071 households (14.38%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 5,813 (52.51%) have children under 18 years, while 5,258 (47.49%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 2,130 (19.24%) 761 (6.87%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 595 (5.37%) 238 (2.15%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 3,029 (27.36%) 967 (8.73%)
Nonfamily Households 59 (0.53%) 3,292 (29.74%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.86%
5–17 years (children)18.24%
18–24 years (young adults)8.31%
25–34 years13.91%
35–54 years24.36%
55–64 years12.72%
65 years and over (seniors)15.61%

The racial and ethnic composition of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 65.29%, Black/African American Alone: 23.66%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 5.18%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is $67,849. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 15.01%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 12.37%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 11.57%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 15.70%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 27.79%, High Income ($150,000+): 17.55%.

Approximately 33.15% of households in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is: Less than $25,000: 4.90%, $25,000-$49,999: 3.47%, $50,000-$99,999: 12.12%, $100,000-$199,999: 27.03%, $200,000-$499,999: 45.76%, $500,000-$999,999: 5.57%, $1,000,000 or more: 1.15%.

There are 55,624 owner-occupied housing units in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 6.72% of owner-occupied housing units in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 24.71% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 10.61%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 34.40%, Some college or associate's degree: 30.29%, Bachelor's degree: 16.27%, Graduate or professional degree: 8.43%.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 89.39% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 7.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 15,954 individuals out of a total population of 206,756 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. For young adults (18-34 years), 19.6% of males and 12.1% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 9.9% of males and 7.3% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana have uninsured rates of 4.4% for males and 4.1% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.2% for males and 0.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 98.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 208,668 people, 204,546 are U.S. citizens.

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana has 2,752 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.3% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is: 95.9% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.3% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 2.0% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 91.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 90,481 total workers, 83,057 use personal vehicles for their commute.

142 workers in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.2% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana include: 5.1% work from home, 1.7% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 1.1% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana has 91,736 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 40.9% of male workers and 33.0% of female workers in this category.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, there are 5,231 male government workers and 8,115 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 5.7% of male workers and 8.8% of female workers.

Self-employment in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana includes 3,177 males (3.5%) and 1,508 females (1.6%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 11,071 households (14.38% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 76,995 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 5,813 (52.51%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana include diverse household types. Among households with children, 3,029 (27.36%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 2,130 (19.24%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 11,763 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is Vietnam Era Only, with 3,374 veterans (28.7% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 2,240 veterans (19.0%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 60.0% of all veterans in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 7,055 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 6,484 families (12.9% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 50,391 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana has 15,003 families (29.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 5,686 families (11.3%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2,702 families (5.4%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 28,904 families (57.4%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.