
These Are the 5 Fastest Growing Cities in Louisiana 2026
LOUISIANA - Louisiana is a hot bed of conversation right now, not just around Acadiana but around the entire United States. As a matter of fact, in a recent report, Louisiana's economy has outpaced the Nation for the first quarter of 2026.
Obviously, it seems like this trend will only continue moving forward with the construction of the new data centers and the massive SpaceX development in Vermilion Parish.
Just yesterday we talked about how some experts are predicting that in the next 10 to 15 years, or possibly even sooner, the Lafayette area could be the most populated in all of Louisiana because of SpaceX.
When you take a look at the Acadiana, it looks like some cities already have a jump on all of this predicted growth.
A new report from worldatlas.com has highlighted the 5 fastest growing cities in Louisiana, and 4 of the 5 are right here in Acadiana.
The Fastest Growing Cities In Louisiana 2026
When you take a look at the latest population data from worldatlas.com, Acadiana has a lot to be proud of. Out of the 5 fastest growing cites in Louisiana right now, 4 of them are in Acadiana.
READ MORE: Experts Predict SpaceX Will Make Lafayette Area the Most Populated in Louisiana
While some parts of Louisiana continue to lose residents, several cities are experiencing significant growth right now. And if you live in Acadiana, you probably won't be surprised to learn that the Lafayette area is leading the way.
1. Carencro, Louisiana
Carencro has experienced the biggest population boom in Louisiana.
According to the latest Census estimates cited in the report, Carencro grew from approximately 9,235 residents in 2020 to more than 13,200 residents in 2025.
That represents a population increase of more than 43%.
For people who want to live close to Lafayette without living directly inside the city, Carencro has clearly become the place to be.
2. Hammond, Louisiana
Outside of Acadiana, Hammond has become another Louisiana city attracting new residents.
Hammond reportedly grew from approximately 19,541 residents in 2020 to more than 24,000 residents in 2025. That represents a population increase of roughly 23%.
Much like Carencro's proximity to Lafayette, for people looking to live between Baton Rouge and the New Orleans area, Hammond offers plenty of advantages.
READ MORE: Six Louisiana Laws Cleared the Path for SpaceX
3. Youngsville, Louisiana
Youngsville being on this list definitely doesn't come as a surprise.
New neighborhoods, businesses, restaurants and construction projects seem to be popping up everywhere.
Population estimates show Youngsville grew from approximately 15,920 residents in 2020 to nearly 20,000 residents in 2025. That's an increase of over 25%. And based on the amount of construction happening there, the growth probably isn't slowing down anytime soon.
4. Broussard, Louisiana
Broussard has also become one of the fastest-growing communities in the Lafayette area.
The city's population increased from approximately 13,447 residents in 2020 to nearly 15,800 residents in 2025. That's a growth rate of more than 17%.
The combination of jobs, housing and commercial development continues to make Broussard a great place for people moving to Acadiana.
5. Scott, Louisiana
For years now, Scott has been growing pretty rapidly. In fact, Scott grew from approximately 8,173 residents in 2020 to more than 9,600 residents in 2025. That's nearly an 18% increase.
Scott also offers something that many people are looking for...a smaller-town atmosphere without being too far away from everything.
Of course, having some of Louisiana's most famous boudin stops absolutely doesn't hurt either.
You can read more over at worldatlas.com.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Scott



