Cities and Towns in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Founded in 1840, Calcasieu Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Calcasieu Parish was formed from part of St. Landry Parish. The city of Lake Charles is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 19, Calcasieu Parish has a population of 205,282 and area of 1,094 square miles (2,833 km²).

List of all cities in Calcasieu Parish, LA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bell City, LA 70630 337
Cal Marne Twr, LA 70629 337
Calcasieu Marine Tower, LA 70629 337
Dequincy, LA 70633 337
Drew, LA 70607 337
Hayes, LA 70646 337
Iowa, LA 70647 337
Lake Charles, LA 70601 337
70602 337
70605 337
70606 337
70607 337
70609 337
70611 337
70612 337
70615 337
70616 337
70629 337
McNeese State University, LA 70609 337
Moss Bluff, LA 70611 337
Starks, LA 70661 337
Sulphur, LA 70663 337
70664 337
70665 337
Sweet Lake, LA 70605 337
Vinton, LA 70668 337
Westlake, LA 70669 337

Major Cities and Towns in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Lake Charles

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 44.8 square miles
  • Population: 84,872 (as of 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70601-70609, 70611, 70615
  • Latitude: 30.2266° N
  • Longitude: 93.2174° W

Location and History

Lake Charles, the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish, is located in southwestern Louisiana, along the banks of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River. The city was founded in 1861 and originally named Charleston, but it was later renamed to avoid confusion with Charleston, South Carolina. Lake Charles grew as a major industrial and transportation hub due to its access to waterways, and by the early 20th century, it became a center for lumber and shipping. The discovery of oil in nearby fields also contributed to the city’s rapid growth, transforming it into a significant player in the petrochemical and oil refining industries. Today, Lake Charles is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the annual Mardi Gras celebrations, and as a gateway to the Creole Nature Trail.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lake Charles is home to McNeese State University, a major higher education institution in southwestern Louisiana, as well as Barbe High School and LaGrange High School. Key landmarks in the city include the Charpentier Historic District, featuring stunning Victorian-style homes, and the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, which showcases local history and art. Another notable site is the L’Auberge Casino Resort, one of several casinos in the area that fuel the city’s tourism industry. The Prien Lake Park and Millennium Park are popular recreational spots for residents and visitors alike, and the nearby Creole Nature Trail offers access to Louisiana’s natural beauty, including wildlife refuges and scenic drives.

Sulphur

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 10.2 square miles
  • Population: 20,413 (as of 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70663, 70664, 70665
  • Latitude: 30.2365° N
  • Longitude: 93.3774° W

Location and History

Sulphur, located just west of Lake Charles, derives its name from the sulfur mining industry that once dominated the area. The town was established in the late 19th century when the Frasch method of sulfur mining was developed, allowing sulfur deposits deep underground to be accessed. The industry attracted workers and settlers, and the town grew quickly. As the sulfur industry declined, Sulphur diversified its economy, with petrochemical plants and refineries becoming key employers in the area. Today, Sulphur retains its industrial roots while also serving as a residential community for those working in the nearby industrial corridor along the Gulf Coast.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sulphur is served by several schools, including Sulphur High School, W.W. Lewis Middle School, and Frasch Elementary School. The city is also home to the Brimstone Museum, which highlights the history of sulfur mining in the region, and the Henning Cultural Center, which showcases local art and hosts community events. A major landmark in Sulphur is the West Calcasieu Arena, a popular venue for rodeos, concerts, and sporting events. The city also hosts the annual Cal-Cam Fair, a long-standing tradition that features rides, food, and agricultural exhibits, reflecting Sulphur’s strong connection to both industry and community.

Westlake

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 3.6 square miles
  • Population: 4,781 (as of 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70669
  • Latitude: 30.2449° N
  • Longitude: 93.2648° W

Location and History

Westlake is located just north of Lake Charles, on the west bank of the Calcasieu River. The town developed in the early 20th century as industries such as lumber and oil brought jobs and economic growth to the area. Westlake became known for its proximity to major industrial facilities, including refineries and petrochemical plants, which continue to drive its economy today. The town offers a more suburban atmosphere while being closely connected to the larger city of Lake Charles, with many residents commuting to work in the nearby industrial sector.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Westlake is served by Westlake High School, S.P. Arnett Middle School, and Westwood Elementary School. A key landmark in the town is the National Golf Club of Louisiana, a championship golf course that attracts both locals and visitors for tournaments and recreation. The Westlake Recreation Center is another major asset, offering sports fields, pools, and community spaces for residents. Additionally, the Isle of Capri Casino, located nearby on the Calcasieu River, draws tourists to the area and provides entertainment and dining options. Westlake also benefits from its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Sam Houston Jones State Park, known for its hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife.

DeQuincy

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 3.2 square miles
  • Population: 3,048 (as of 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70633
  • Latitude: 30.4505° N
  • Longitude: 93.4396° W

Location and History

DeQuincy is located in the northern part of Calcasieu Parish, near the border with Beauregard Parish. Founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town, DeQuincy was named after the son of an executive with the Kansas City Southern Railway. The town grew as a key stop along the railroad lines, serving as a hub for trade and transport in the region. Today, DeQuincy retains much of its railroad heritage and serves as a small, close-knit community with a strong connection to its past.

Major Schools and Landmarks

DeQuincy is served by DeQuincy High School and DeQuincy Elementary School. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, housed in the historic Kansas City Southern Depot, which showcases the town’s rich railroad history. Another key feature is the DeQuincy Industrial Airpark, which supports local aviation and industrial activities. The annual Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, held each spring, celebrates the town’s railroad heritage with parades, rides, and live entertainment. The surrounding pine forests also offer outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, making DeQuincy a peaceful place to live.

Vinton

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 5.1 square miles
  • Population: 3,396 (as of 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70668
  • Latitude: 30.1913° N
  • Longitude: 93.5830° W

Location and History

Vinton is located in the western part of Calcasieu Parish, near the Texas border and just south of Interstate 10. The town was founded in the late 19th century by settlers from Vinton, Iowa, who named the town after their former home. Initially, Vinton grew as an agricultural community, with rice farming and cattle ranching being the primary industries. Over time, the town expanded as nearby oil and gas industries brought jobs and economic growth. Today, Vinton is a small but thriving community that blends its agricultural roots with modern industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vinton is served by Vinton High School, Vinton Middle School, and Vinton Elementary School. A major landmark in the area is Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a popular entertainment destination that offers horse racing, gaming, and live performances. The town is also known for its close proximity to natural attractions such as the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which provides opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring Louisiana’s wetlands. Vinton hosts the annual Louisiana Cajun Cowboy Festival, which celebrates the region’s cowboy culture with rodeos, music, and traditional Cajun food.