Acadiana Is Growing While Much Of Louisiana Shrinks, New Data Shows

While many Louisiana cities continue to lose residents, several communities in Lafayette Parish and across Acadiana are doing exactly the opposite.

New population data released through the U.S. Census Bureau and compiled by World Population Review shows Acadiana remains one of the state's brightest growth stories, with Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro and Maurice posting some of Louisiana's strongest gains.

The growth comes as Louisiana continues to face population challenges statewide. According to World Population Review, only 45 of Louisiana's 155 cities with populations over 1,000 residents experienced growth between 2020 and 2025, while 110 communities saw declines.

Youngsville And Broussard Lead Louisiana's Annual Growth

According to newly released Census estimates covering July 1, 2024 through July 1, 2025, Youngsville recorded the largest population increase among Louisiana municipalities.

Youngsville's population grew from 18,986 residents to 19,980, a jump of 994 people or 5.3%.

City of Youngsville

Broussard wasn't far behind, adding 475 residents over the same period. The city's population increased from 15,324 to 15,799, representing 3% growth.

Carencro also continued its upward trend, growing from 12,876 residents to 13,224, a 2.7% increase.

Other Acadiana communities also posted gains:

• Scott: 9,447 to 9,635 residents (+2%)
• Maurice: 3,059 to 3,215 residents (+5%)
• Sunset: 3,162 to 3,194 residents (+1%)

The City of Lafayette also grew, though at a more modest pace. Population estimates show Lafayette increasing from 122,688 residents to 123,311, a gain of 623 people or 0.5%.

Carencro And Maurice Stand Out Over Five Years

Looking at a longer timeline reveals just how dramatic some of Acadiana's growth has been.

Between 2020 and 2025, Carencro emerged as one of Louisiana's biggest growth success stories. The city's population surged from 9,328 residents to 13,224, an increase of 3,896 people or 41.7%.

World Population Review

Maurice experienced even stronger percentage growth during that span, growing from 2,185 residents in 2020 to 3,215 residents in 2025. That's an increase of 47%, adding more than 1,000 residents.

Youngsville added nearly 4,000 residents over the same five-year period, growing from 16,025 residents to 19,980, a 24.6% increase.

City of Youngsville

Broussard also posted impressive gains, increasing from 13,521 residents to 15,799, adding 2,278 residents.

World Population Review's statewide rankings place Maurice among Louisiana's fastest-growing communities with annualized growth of 6.78%, followed closely by Carencro at 6.71%.

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Lafayette Parish Continues To Buck Statewide Trends

The latest numbers arrive just months after Lafayette Parish was recognized as Louisiana's fastest-growing parish for the second consecutive year.

While Acadiana communities continue attracting new residents, many Louisiana cities are moving in the opposite direction.

New Iberia, Opelousas and Morgan City all reported significant population losses over the last five years.

New Iberia lost approximately 1,880 residents during that period, while Opelousas lost 669 residents and Morgan City lost 655.

Even during the most recent one-year reporting period, New Iberia's population dropped by more than 400 residents.

The contrast highlights a trend that has become increasingly clear across South Louisiana. While many municipalities struggle to maintain population levels, communities surrounding Lafayette continue to attract new families, home construction, business investment and development.

For residents of Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro, Maurice and other growing Acadiana communities, the numbers confirm what many have already noticed firsthand: more neighborhoods, more traffic, more businesses and more people choosing to call the region home.