Cities and Towns in Acadia Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1886, Acadia Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Acadia Parish was formed from part of St. Landry Parish. The city of Crowley is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 1, Acadia Parish has a population of 57,288 and area of 658 square miles (1,704 km²).
List of all cities in Acadia Parish, LA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Branch, LA | 70516 | 337 |
Church Point, LA | 70525 | 337 |
Crowley, LA | 70526 | 337 |
70527 | 337 | |
Egan, LA | 70531 | 337 |
Estherwood, LA | 70534 | 337 |
Evangeline, LA | 70537 | 337 |
Iota, LA | 70543 | 337 |
Mermentau, LA | 70556 | 337 |
Midland, LA | 70559 | 337 |
Morse, LA | 70559 | 337 |
Rayne, LA | 70578 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Acadia Parish, Louisiana
Crowley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70526, 70527
- Latitude: 30.2141° N
- Longitude: 92.3743° W
Location and History
Crowley, the parish seat of Acadia Parish, is known as the “Rice Capital of America” due to its prominent role in the rice industry. Founded in 1887 by C.C. Duson and W.W. Duson, the town grew rapidly as a key stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad. Its location, combined with the fertile soil of southwestern Louisiana, made Crowley a major agricultural center, particularly for rice farming. Over the years, Crowley developed into a cultural and economic hub for the region, blending its agricultural heritage with a rich Cajun culture. The town is known for its historic downtown, which features stunning Victorian architecture, and the annual International Rice Festival, one of the oldest and largest agricultural festivals in the state.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crowley is served by the Acadia Parish School District, with Crowley High School being one of the main educational institutions in the area. The city is home to several important landmarks, including the Grand Opera House of the South, which was built in 1901 and restored to its former glory in the early 2000s. The Rice Interpretive Center, located downtown, offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of rice farming in the region. The city’s historic district, with its preserved buildings and murals, showcases Crowley’s rich architectural and cultural history. Crowley’s unique blend of Cajun culture, agricultural heritage, and historical preservation makes it a charming and important city in Acadia Parish.
Rayne
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70578
- Latitude: 30.2363° N
- Longitude: 92.2687° W
Location and History
Rayne, also known as the “Frog Capital of the World,” is located in the eastern part of Acadia Parish. The town was founded in the late 19th century and grew as a result of the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Originally named Pouppeville, it was later renamed Rayne in honor of a railroad engineer. Rayne became famous for its frog farming and processing industry, which began in the early 20th century. The town celebrates this unique heritage with the annual Rayne Frog Festival, which features frog races, live music, and Cajun cuisine. Rayne’s downtown area is adorned with frog murals and statues, reflecting its amphibious identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rayne is served by the Acadia Parish School District, with Rayne High School being one of the town’s main schools. Key landmarks in Rayne include the Rayne Depot Square, which features the restored Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and serves as a community hub. The town is also home to the Gossen Memorial Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities and local events. Rayne’s frog-themed murals and statues can be found throughout the town, adding to its unique charm. The annual Rayne Frog Festival attracts visitors from across the region and highlights the town’s proud cultural heritage, making Rayne a vibrant part of Acadia Parish.
Church Point
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70525
- Latitude: 30.4027° N
- Longitude: 92.2196° W
Location and History
Church Point, located in northern Acadia Parish, is known for its deep roots in Cajun and Creole culture. The town was established in the mid-19th century, and its name comes from the local St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which was built in 1857 and remains a central part of the community. Church Point grew as an agricultural community, with cotton and sugarcane farming being major industries. Over the years, the town has maintained its traditional Cajun lifestyle, with a strong focus on family, faith, and community. Church Point is also known for its annual Buggy Festival, which celebrates the town’s historical connection to horse-drawn buggies and agricultural life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Church Point is served by the Acadia Parish School District, with Church Point High School being the main educational institution. One of the town’s key landmarks is the historic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which stands as a testament to the town’s religious and cultural heritage. The Church Point Buggy Festival is a major annual event that draws visitors from across Louisiana, celebrating the town’s history with parades, live music, and traditional Cajun food. Church Point’s quaint downtown, with its old-fashioned storefronts and friendly atmosphere, reflects the town’s close-knit community and its pride in its Cajun roots.
Iota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70543
- Latitude: 30.3303° N
- Longitude: 92.4954° W
Location and History
Iota is a small town located in the southwestern part of Acadia Parish. Established in the late 19th century, Iota grew as an agricultural community, with rice farming playing a central role in its economy. The town’s name is believed to have been inspired by the Greek letter “iota,” meaning “small,” reflecting its modest size. Despite its small population, Iota has a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole traditions. The town is best known for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, known as the Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival, which is one of the most authentic rural Mardi Gras events in Louisiana, preserving the customs of the Cajun courirs de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras runs).
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iota is part of the Acadia Parish School District, with Iota High School being the town’s primary educational institution. The town’s key landmark is its downtown area, which includes historic buildings that reflect Iota’s agricultural heritage. The Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival is the town’s most famous event, featuring traditional Cajun music, dance, and the lively courir de Mardi Gras, where costumed participants on horseback ride through the countryside, collecting ingredients for a communal gumbo. The town’s close-knit community and dedication to preserving its Cajun heritage make Iota a unique cultural hub in Acadia Parish.
Estherwood
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70534
- Latitude: 30.1855° N
- Longitude: 92.4701° W
Location and History
Estherwood is a small town located in southwestern Acadia Parish, along the Mermentau River. Founded in the late 19th century as a railroad town, Estherwood grew with the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad, serving as a shipping point for local rice farmers. The town was named after Esther, the wife of one of the town’s founders. Estherwood has retained its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere, with agriculture—particularly rice farming—remaining a key part of its economy. The town’s scenic location near the Mermentau River adds to its appeal, offering residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Estherwood is served by the Acadia Parish School District, with Estherwood Elementary School being one of the town’s primary schools. The town’s main landmark is the historic Estherwood Depot, which played a significant role in the town’s development and now serves as a reminder of its railroad heritage. The Mermentau River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Estherwood’s rural setting and community-focused lifestyle make it a peaceful town that values its agricultural roots and natural surroundings.
Mermentau
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 70556
- Latitude: 30.1903° N
- Longitude: 92.5848° W
Location and History
Mermentau is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Acadia Parish, named after the Mermentau River, which runs through the area. The town was established in the late 19th century as a riverport and agricultural hub, benefiting from its access to the river, which was used to transport goods, particularly rice, to other parts of the state. Mermentau’s economy has long been tied to agriculture and fishing, with the river playing a central role in both industries. Over the years, Mermentau has remained a small, rural community, with a strong connection to the river and the natural environment surrounding it.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mermentau is part of the Acadia Parish School District, with local students attending schools in nearby towns such as Jennings or Crowley. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Mermentau River, which provides residents with opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The town’s historic downtown area, though small, features several buildings that reflect Mermentau’s history as a riverport. The town hosts local festivals and events that celebrate its connection to the river and its agricultural heritage, making Mermentau a quiet but vibrant community within Acadia Parish.