06/01/2026
Beauregard Parish: Building on a Strong Foundation
When people hear the words โeconomic development,โ they often think about new buildings, new businesses, or major construction projects.
But economic development is really about something much simpler. Itโs about creating opportunities for the people who live here.
Itโs about supporting local businesses. Itโs about creating jobs that allow families to stay in Beauregard Parish. Itโs about maintaining strong schools, quality healthcare, affordable housing, and a quality of life that makes people proud to call this parish home.
And when we look at the numbers, there is good reason to be optimistic about the future of Beauregard Parish.
A Parish Rooted in Stability:
Today, approximately 36,700 people call Beauregard Parish home.
While many rural communities across Louisiana have experienced population declines, Beauregard Parish has maintained a stable population and experienced modest growth over the past decade.
That stability is important. It means families continue choosing to raise their children here. It means businesses continue investing here. It means our schools, churches, civic organizations, and community traditions remain strong.
From Merryville to Ragley, from Singer to South Beauregard, from Longville to Fields, from Dry Creek to DeRidder and every community in between, residents continue to invest in the future of this parish.
Our Greatest Asset Is Our People:
More than one-quarter of Beauregard Parish residents are under the age of 18.
That means thousands of young people are preparing to become the future workforce, business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, first responders, and community leaders who will carry this parish forward.
The Beauregard Parish School System continues to be one of our greatest assets, helping prepare students for careers, technical training, military service, entrepreneurship, and higher education.
Whether a student chooses to attend college, enter a trade, start a business, work in manufacturing, serve in healthcare, or continue a family farming operation, opportunities exist right here in Beauregard Parish.
A Diverse Economy Creates Opportunity:
One of the strengths of Beauregard Parish is that our economy is not dependent on a single industry.
Forestry and timber continue to play a major role in our economy, with companies such as Canfor Southern Pine and Packaging Corporation of America providing quality jobs and long-term investment.
Healthcare remains a major employment sector through Beauregard Health System and numerous healthcare providers throughout the parish.
Agriculture continues to be an important part of our heritage and economy, supporting cattle operations, timber production, hay producers, family farms, and agricultural businesses throughout the parish.
Manufacturing, construction, retail, utilities, education, transportation, professional services, and hundreds of locally owned small businesses also contribute to the economic strength of our community.
This diversity helps provide stability during changing economic conditions and creates opportunities for residents with a wide range of skills and interests.
Families Are Earning More:
Recent data shows that the median household income in Beauregard Parish is nearly $66,000 per year, exceeding the Louisiana average.
That is an encouraging sign.
Growing incomes help families purchase homes, support local businesses, invest in their children, and build financial security for the future.
While challenges remain and some families continue to face economic hardship, the overall trend reflects the resilience and work ethic that have long defined Beauregard Parish.
Homeownership and Affordability Remain Strengths:
Across the country, affordable housing has become a growing concern.
Fortunately, Beauregard Parish continues to offer opportunities for families to achieve homeownership.
Nearly 85 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied, and housing costs remain more affordable than many areas of Louisiana and the nation.
This affordability benefits everyone. It helps attract workers, retain families, and provide stability for future growth.
Small Businesses Drive Our Economy:
While major employers are important, the backbone of Beauregard Parish remains its small businesses.
Local restaurants, retailers, contractors, service providers, healthcare practices, farms, ranches, and family-owned businesses create jobs and strengthen communities throughout the parish.
These businesses sponsor ball teams, support school programs, donate to local causes, volunteer at community events, and help make Beauregard Parish a better place to live. Economic development is not just about recruiting new businesses. It is also about supporting the businesses that are already here and helping them succeed.
Looking Ahead:
The numbers tell a positive story.
Population remains stable. Household income continues to grow. Homeownership remains strong. Housing is affordable. Young people make up a significant portion of our population. Businesses continue investing in the parish.
But perhaps the most important story cannot be measured by statistics.
It is the story of neighbors helping neighbors.
It is the story of families building lives here generation after generation.
It is the story of teachers, healthcare workers, business owners, farmers, mill workers, tradesmen, first responders, and community working together to create opportunities for the next generation.
Economic development is not about one industry or one project. It is about the continued success of an entire parish.
And Beauregard Parish has every reason to be confident about the future.
*Sources: Population, income, poverty, and housing data were compiled from USAFacts, the U.S. Census Bureau, and publicly available economic development resources.
