Cities and Towns in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1807, Rapides Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Rapides Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Alexandria is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 79, Rapides Parish has a population of 128,654 and area of 1,362 square miles (3,528 km²).
List of all cities in Rapides Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alex, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| 71302 | 318 | |
| 71303 | 318 | |
| 71307 | 318 | |
| 71315 | 318 | |
| Alexandria, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| 71302 | 318 | |
| 71303 | 318 | |
| 71306 | 318 | |
| 71307 | 318 | |
| 71309 | 318 | |
| 71315 | 318 | |
| Alfalfa, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Anandale, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Ball, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Ball, LA | 71405 | 318 |
| Barron, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Bennetts Bay, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Big Island, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Blanche, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| Blue Lake, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Boyce, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Brookwood, LA | 71485 | 318 |
| Buckeye, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Bucks Landing, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Burns Town, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Calcasieu, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| Camp Beauregard, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Camp Claiborne, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Camp Stafford, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Castle Village, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Castor Lane, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Castor Plunge, LA | 71485 | 318 |
| Chambers, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Chandler Park, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Charles Park, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Cheneyville, LA | 71325 | 318 |
| Cherokee Village, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Chickama, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Chopin, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Clearwater, LA | 71325 | 318 |
| Clifton, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Cotile, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Deville, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Echo, LA | 71330 | 318 |
| Elmer, LA | 71424 | 318 |
| Esler, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Flatwoods, LA | 71427 | 318 |
| Forest Hill, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Galbraith, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Gardner, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| 71431 | 318 | |
| Glenmora, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| Gooberville, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Green Gables, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Hickory Grove, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Hineston, LA | 71438 | 318 |
| Holloway, LA | 71328 | 318 |
| Hotwells, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Indian Creek, LA | 71485 | 318 |
| Kingsville, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Kolin, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| La Camp, LA | 71438 | 318 |
| La College, LA | 71359 | 318 |
| Lacamp, LA | 71438 | 318 |
| Lakeside, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Lamourie, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Latanier, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Leander, LA | 71438 | 318 |
| Lecompte, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Lena, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Libuse, LA | 71348 | 318 |
| Longleaf, LA | 71448 | 318 |
| Louisiana College, LA | 71359 | 318 |
| Loyds Bridge, LA | 71325 | 318 |
| Magda, LA | 71303 | 318 |
| Marco, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Martin Park, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| McNary, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| McNutt, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Meeker, LA | 71346 | 318 |
| Melder, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| Midway, LA | 71430 | 318 |
| Monette Ferry, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Mora, LA | 71455 | 318 |
| Moreland, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Otis, LA | 71466 | 318 |
| Paradise, LA | 71360 | 318 |
| Pawnee, LA | 71433 | 318 |
| Pine Coupee, LA | 71427 | 318 |
| Pineville, LA | 71359 | 318 |
| 71360 | 318 | |
| 71361 | 318 | |
| 71405 | 318 | |
| Pollock, LA | 71405 | 318 |
| Rapides, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Rock Quarry, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Roxana, LA | 71303 | 318 |
| Ruby, LA | 71365 | 318 |
| Sharp, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Sieper, LA | 71472 | 318 |
| Tanglewood, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Taylor Hill, LA | 71447 | 318 |
| Timber Trails, LA | 71301 | 318 |
| Timberlake, LA | 71485 | 318 |
| Tioga, LA | 71477 | 318 |
| Weil, LA | 71303 | 318 |
| Wilda, LA | 71409 | 318 |
| Willow Glen, LA | 71302 | 318 |
| Wilshire Park, LA | 71303 | 318 |
| Woodworth, LA | 71485 | 318 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
1. Alexandria, Louisiana
Location and History
Alexandria is the largest city in Rapides Parish, located in the heart of Louisiana along the Red River. Founded in 1805, Alexandria grew rapidly due to its strategic location as a river port. During the Civil War, the city was heavily impacted, serving as a Confederate stronghold and later suffering destruction during the Union’s Red River Campaign. Following the war, Alexandria rebuilt itself and became a thriving commercial and cultural hub in central Louisiana. Over the years, it has developed into a major regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alexandria is home to numerous educational institutions, including Alexandria Senior High School, Peabody Magnet High School, and Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA). Major landmarks in the city include the Alexandria Zoological Park, Kent Plantation House (a preserved 18th-century Creole plantation), and the historic Alexandria Museum of Art. The downtown district also features the Red River Amphitheater, a site for local concerts and events. The nearby Kisatchie National Forest offers residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 28.8 square miles
- Population: 45,275 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71301, 71302, 71303
- Latitude: 31.3113° N
- Longitude: 92.4451° W
2. Pineville, Louisiana
Location and History
Pineville, located just across the Red River from Alexandria, is a major city in Rapides Parish. The city was incorporated in 1878 and initially developed as a residential and commercial area for people who worked in Alexandria. Historically, Pineville is known for its military and educational contributions, being home to Camp Beauregard, a major military installation, and Louisiana College, a private Christian institution established in 1906. Pineville’s location made it a strategic spot for both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War, with several nearby battles taking place in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pineville is home to Louisiana College, Pineville High School, and several elementary and middle schools that serve the local community. The city’s major landmarks include the Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, where visitors can explore Civil War-era forts. The Alexandria VA Medical Center, which has a rich history dating back to World War II, is another significant landmark in the area. Pineville’s proximity to the Kisatchie National Forest provides easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 12.1 square miles
- Population: 13,829 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71360, 71361
- Latitude: 31.3225° N
- Longitude: 92.4341° W
3. Ball, Louisiana
Location and History
Ball is a small town located in the northern part of Rapides Parish, approximately 10 miles north of Alexandria. Established in the late 19th century, Ball originally developed as a logging and agricultural community. With the rise of the timber industry, Ball became a key player in Louisiana’s forestry economy. Over time, the town has grown into a suburban community, serving as a residential area for those who work in nearby Alexandria and Pineville. The town’s quiet, rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle while still providing access to urban amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ball is served by Ball Elementary School and Tioga High School, which are part of the Rapides Parish School District. A major landmark in Ball is the nearby Kisatchie National Forest, where residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Additionally, Ball is close to the historic Kent Plantation House and the Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum, which documents the town’s involvement in military training exercises during World War II. The town also features several local parks and recreational facilities.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 8.0 square miles
- Population: 3,929 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71405
- Latitude: 31.4536° N
- Longitude: 92.4125° W
4. Lecompte, Louisiana
Location and History
Lecompte is a small town located in the southern part of Rapides Parish, about 16 miles south of Alexandria. Founded in the 1880s, the town was named after a famous racehorse owned by local planter Alexander Lecompte. The town quickly developed as an agricultural community, with cotton and sugar cane as its primary crops. Lecompte was also a railroad stop, which helped facilitate the transport of agricultural products. Today, Lecompte remains a quiet, rural community with a rich historical heritage and deep ties to Louisiana’s agricultural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lecompte is served by Rapides High School and Lecompte Elementary School, both of which provide education for local students. One of the most famous landmarks in Lecompte is Lea’s Lunchroom, a historic restaurant known for its pies, which has been a popular stop for travelers since 1928. Other notable landmarks include several historic homes and churches that date back to the town’s early years. The nearby Bayou Boeuf Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 937 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71346
- Latitude: 31.0977° N
- Longitude: 92.4012° W
5. Cheneyville, Louisiana
Location and History
Cheneyville is a historic town located in the southern part of Rapides Parish, about 25 miles south of Alexandria. Established in the early 19th century, Cheneyville grew rapidly as an agricultural center, with cotton plantations dominating the local economy. The town was named after settler William Cheney, who was one of its founding figures. During the Civil War, Cheneyville was the site of military skirmishes, and several historic buildings from that era still stand today. Despite its small size, Cheneyville is known for its historical significance and role in Louisiana’s agricultural history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cheneyville is served by schools in nearby Lecompte, including Rapides High School. Notable landmarks in the town include the historic Macland Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the region, and the Cheneyville Methodist Church, which dates back to the 19th century. Another important landmark is the Mount Hope Plantation, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to Cheneyville can also explore the nearby Bayou Boeuf Wildlife Management Area, which offers outdoor recreational activities like fishing and hiking.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 513 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71325
- Latitude: 31.0132° N
- Longitude: 92.3037° W