Cities and Towns in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1807, Avoyelles Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Avoyelles Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Marksville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 9, Avoyelles Parish has a population of 39,236 and area of 866 square miles (2,243 km²).
List of all cities in Avoyelles Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bodoc, LA | 71362 | 318 |
| Bordelonville, LA | 71320 | 318 |
| Borodino, LA | 71355 | 318 |
| Brouillette, LA | 71351 | 318 |
| Bunkie, LA | 71322 | 318 |
| Center Point, LA | 71323 | 318 |
| Choupique, LA | 71362 | 318 |
| Cocoville, LA | 71350 | 318 |
| Cottonport, LA | 71327 | 318 |
| Crackville, LA | 71327 | 318 |
| Dora Bend, LA | 71327 | 318 |
| Dupont, LA | 71329 | 318 |
| Effie, LA | 71331 | 318 |
| Eola, LA | 71322 | 318 |
| Evergreen, LA | 71333 | 318 |
| Fifth Ward, LA | 71351 | 318 |
| Fort de Russy, LA | 71351 | 318 |
| Goudeau, LA | 71333 | 318 |
| Hamburg, LA | 71339 | 318 |
| Hessmer, LA | 71341 | 318 |
| Hickory, LA | 71327 | 318 |
| Hyde, LA | 71369 | 318 |
| Hydropolis, LA | 71350 | 318 |
| Lemoine Town, LA | 71355 | 318 |
| Longbridge, LA | 71327 | 318 |
| Mansura, LA | 71350 | 318 |
| Mansura Junction, LA | 71350 | 318 |
| Marksville, LA | 71351 | 318 |
| Moncla, LA | 71351 | 318 |
| Moreauville, LA | 71355 | 318 |
| New Belledeau, LA | 71341 | 318 |
| Odenburg, LA | 71369 | 318 |
| Plaucheville, LA | 71362 | 318 |
| Red Fish, LA | 71369 | 318 |
| Rexmere, LA | 71355 | 318 |
| Rodoc, LA | 71329 | 318 |
| Simmesport, LA | 71369 | 318 |
| Vick, LA | 71331 | 318 |
| Voorhies, LA | 71355 | 318 |
| Whitehall, LA | 71322 | 318 |
| Whiteville, LA | 71322 | 318 |
| Zimmer, LA | 71355 | 318 |
Major Cities and Towns in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana
Marksville
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 4.0 square miles
- Population: 5,517 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71351
- Latitude: 31.1274° N
- Longitude: 92.0664° W
Location and History
Marksville, the parish seat of Avoyelles Parish, is located in central Louisiana, about 30 miles southeast of Alexandria. The city was named after Marc Eliche, a French trader who established a trading post in the area during the late 18th century. Marksville developed into a key cultural and commercial center over time, especially for the indigenous Tunica-Biloxi tribe, which remains a significant part of the area’s heritage. During the 19th century, Marksville became a hub for the cotton and sugarcane industries, contributing to its growth and development. The Civil War impacted the area, and the town later rebuilt, preserving much of its historic architecture. Today, Marksville continues to serve as a cultural and governmental hub, offering a mix of history and modern development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marksville is served by Marksville High School and several elementary and middle schools within the Avoyelles Parish School District. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Paragon Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. The casino is a major economic driver and attracts visitors from across the region. Another significant landmark is the Marksville Prehistoric Indian Site, a National Historic Landmark that preserves ancient Native American earthworks. The town also boasts historic buildings such as the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse and the Hypolite Bordelon House, a museum offering a glimpse into the region’s Creole history.
Bunkie
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: 3,486 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71322
- Latitude: 30.9532° N
- Longitude: 92.1829° W
Location and History
Bunkie is located in the southern part of Avoyelles Parish, near U.S. Highway 71, approximately 40 miles south of Alexandria. The town was founded in the late 19th century by pioneer settler William Edenborn, who was building a railway through the region. He named the town after his daughter, who had the nickname “Bunkie.” Bunkie quickly grew as a stop along the Texas and Pacific Railroad, becoming a significant center for agriculture, particularly cotton and later soybeans and corn. By the early 20th century, Bunkie was thriving as a small but prosperous agricultural community. Its historic downtown still reflects the architecture from that period, preserving the charm of a southern Louisiana town.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bunkie High School and Bunkie Elementary School are the primary educational institutions in the area, offering a comprehensive K-12 education. The town’s major landmark is the historic Bunkie Depot, which dates back to the town’s founding and now serves as a museum and community center. Bunkie hosts the annual Louisiana Corn Festival, celebrating its agricultural roots with food, music, and cultural events. The town is also known for its beautiful oak-lined streets and Victorian-era homes, particularly in the downtown area, where several buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mansura
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: 1,314 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71350
- Latitude: 31.0560° N
- Longitude: 92.0498° W
Location and History
Mansura is located in the heart of Avoyelles Parish, along Louisiana Highway 1, about 10 miles northeast of Marksville. The town was established by French settlers in the early 1800s and named after the French town of Mansura. It became a hub for the local cotton and sugarcane industries, serving as a center for trade and transportation in the region. Over the years, Mansura developed a strong cultural identity, heavily influenced by its French Creole and Cajun roots. The town played a role during the Civil War, particularly during the Red River Campaign, when Union and Confederate forces skirmished in the area. Mansura has since grown into a small but vibrant community with a deep connection to its history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mansura is served by Mansura Middle School, with older students attending nearby Marksville High School. A key landmark in the town is the Avoyelles Parish Veterans Memorial, which honors local soldiers who served in various conflicts. The town is also known for hosting the Cochon de Lait Festival, an annual celebration of French Cajun culture featuring roasted pigs, music, and traditional Cajun cuisine. Another important site is the St. Paul Catholic Church, a historic church that has been a focal point for the town’s Catholic community since its founding in the 19th century.
Simmesport
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: 1,516 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71369
- Latitude: 30.9838° N
- Longitude: 91.8059° W
Location and History
Simmesport is located in the northwestern part of Avoyelles Parish, where the Red River meets the Atchafalaya River. Founded in the 1840s, the town was named after Bennett Simmes, an early settler and businessman who established a ferry crossing at the site. Simmesport’s location at the junction of two major waterways made it an important trade and transportation center, particularly for cotton and lumber. During the Civil War, the town played a strategic role as Union forces used it to launch attacks during the Red River Campaign. Over time, Simmesport’s economy shifted to agriculture and commercial fishing, given its proximity to the Atchafalaya Basin.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Simmesport Elementary School serves the local community, while high school students attend Avoyelles High School in a neighboring town. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Fort DeRussy State Historic Site, a Confederate earthwork fortification that played a role in the Civil War. Simmesport is also known for its scenic waterfront, where residents and visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities along the rivers. The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is located nearby, providing additional opportunities for outdoor exploration and wildlife observation. The town also celebrates its heritage with the annual Simmesport Harvest Festival.
Cottonport
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: 1,650 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71327
- Latitude: 30.9880° N
- Longitude: 92.0532° W
Location and History
Cottonport is located along the banks of Bayou Rouge, in the central part of Avoyelles Parish. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a shipping port for cotton, which was a major crop in the region. The fertile lands surrounding Cottonport made it a hub for agricultural trade, particularly cotton, giving the town its name. Throughout the early 20th century, Cottonport prospered as a small agricultural center, with the bayou providing an important route for transporting goods. Although the town remains small, it has retained much of its historic charm and rural character, with its economy still centered around farming and local commerce.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cottonport Elementary School serves younger students in the town, while older students attend Avoyelles High School. A key landmark in Cottonport is the historic Bayou Rouge Bridge, a picturesque structure that has become a symbol of the town’s connection to its waterways. Another notable landmark is St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community since the early 20th century. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage with events such as the annual Cottonport Christmas Festival, featuring parades, local food, and crafts that reflect the town’s unique culture.
