The Zydeco Capital of the World — where Cajun and Creole cultures converge in St. Landry Parish, with music, food, and homes at a fraction of the national average.
The numbers that matter most when you’re evaluating a move to Opelousas.
Discover what makes Opelousas a great place to call home.
How Opelousas compares to the Louisiana average and national average.
| Category | Opelousas | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Median) | $145,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Rent (1BR) | $650/mo | $906/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Groceries | 92 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 76 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Transportation | 88 index | 97 index | 100 index |
Opelousas and St. Landry Parish offer affordable neighborhoods with deep cultural roots.
Historic downtown with Landry Street bars, boutiques, and music venues. Older homes with character and walkability. Homes from $50K–$130K.
Residential neighborhoods with larger lots and a quiet feel. Close to shopping along Creswell Lane. Homes from $80K–$180K.
Newer development near the interstate with modern construction and commercial amenities. Homes from $100K–$220K.
Small Cajun town south of Opelousas known for its annual festival and tight-knit community. Very affordable homes from $60K–$150K.
Rural communities along the Atchafalaya Basin with fishing access and very low costs. USDA-eligible. Homes from $50K–$140K.
The Prairie Cajun Capital, 30 minutes west, famous for Saturday night Cajun music shows at the Liberty Theater. Homes from $70K–$160K.
St. Landry Parish School District serves Opelousas and surrounding communities with public and private options.
The St. Landry Parish School Board operates 34 schools serving approximately 12,000 students. The district includes traditional schools, a magnet academy, and alternative programs.
Healthcare, food manufacturing, agriculture, and education anchor the Opelousas economy, supported by I-49 access to Lafayette.
Opelousas is a surprising food manufacturing center. Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, Savoie's Cajun Meats, and LouAna Cooking Oil are all headquartered or manufactured in the area. These nationally distributed brands provide stable manufacturing jobs and contribute to the area's identity as the Spice Capital of Louisiana.
Bayou Mortgage helps St. Landry Parish families achieve homeownership with affordable loan options, including USDA zero-down programs.
Opelousas is one of Louisiana's most affordable housing markets. First-time buyers can find homes under $100K, and quality family homes are available well under $200K. Many areas qualify for USDA zero-down financing, and the stable market means less competition and more negotiating power for buyers.
With a median home price around $145K, your FHA down payment (3.5%) would be roughly $5,000. Many buyers qualify for USDA loans with $0 down in eligible areas. Monthly mortgage payments in Opelousas are often half of what you'd pay in rent in larger Louisiana cities.
Every city has tradeoffs. Here’s an honest look at Opelousas.
Considering other areas? Check out these nearby cities.
Common questions about moving to Opelousas.
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New to the homebuying process? Here's what to expect with Mortgage Pre-Approval in Louisiana before you start shopping for a home.
