KEY TAKEAWAYS: Louisiana saw a slight population increase of 3,300 residents from 2024 to 2025 after years of decline Vernon Parish recorded one of the largest losses, dropping 2.1% in one year Livingston Parish is the fastest-growing parish, driven by suburban growth and job opportunities Sev eral rural parishes continue to lose residents due to economic, environmental and infrastructure challenges   Population growth slowed in a majority of U.S. counties between July 2024 and July 2025, with metro areas experiencing slower growth and declining areas seeing accelerated losses. These shifts were largely because of lower levels of international migration and domestic migration patterns redistributing the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Louisiana experienced its own population shifts, with some parishes losing more residents at a rapid pace while others experience growth and positive migration. Is Louisiana’s population shrinking or growing? With a total population of 4.6 billion, Louisiana experienced a significant population decline between 2020 and 2024 that made the state one of the fastest-shrinking states in the U.S. However, between 2024 and 2025, Louisiana 0.07% population increase, growing by 3,300. This increase was primarily driven by people moving into the state, with birth rates exceeding deaths by 2,800 also contributing to a population increase. Despite these positive factors, Louisiana has a negative domestic migration rate, with about 14,400 more residents leaving for another state, according to USAFacts. What parish are people leaving the most in Louisiana? Among the top 10 counties with populations of 20,000 or more that saw the highest population decline, Vernon Parish had the second-highest population decrease in the span of one year. Vernon Parish’s population declined by 988 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, going from 46,079 residents to 45,091, which equates to a 2.1% population decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Between 2023 and 2024, Vernon Parish’s population decrease was primarily driven by residents moving to other states, according to USAFacts. Factors driving residents out of Vernon Parish could be environmental and local issues, as well as infrastructure and overall quality of life. While Vernon Parish saw one of the highest population losses last year, other parishes are experiencing stagnation or consistent decline over a long period of time. These are the five parishes experiencing the least amount of population growth, according to World Population Review: Cameron Parish Madison Parish Catahoula Parish Red River Parish Morehouse Parish These parishes also experience high volumes of residents moving to other states, with issues such as economic decline, environmental concerns, infrastructure and insurance costs likely influencing out-migration. What parish are people moving to the most in Louisiana? Livingston Parish is the fastest growing parish in Louisiana, with a population growth rate of 8.04%. The parish is located east of Baton Rouge and contains the cities and towns of Denham Springs, Walker, Livingston, Albany and Springfield. The parish’s suburban convenience, combined with residential and commercial growth, attracts residents to this area, says Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. Here are the five fastest growing parishes in Louisiana, according to World Population Review: Livingston Parish Lafayette Parish Ascension Parish Tangipahoa Tammany Parish Like Livingston Parish, these parishes are experiencing population growth, as strategic location, residential expansion, well-performing school districts and job opportunities draw in residents. What are the most and least populated parishes in Louisiana? These are the five most populated parishes in Louisiana: East Baton Rouge Parish: 457,180 Jefferson Parish: 430,445 Orleans Parish: 357,769 Tammany Parish: 281,243 Lafayette Parish: 261,751 These are the five least populated parishes in Louisiana: Tensas Parish: 3,836 Cameron Parish: 4,488 East Carroll Parish: 6,918 Red River Parish: 6,924 Catahoula Parish: 7,964 Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected] This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is Louisiana declining in population? These 5 parishes are actually growing Reporting by Presley Bo Tyler, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less