Acadia Parish Overview
Acadia Parish is located in the southwestern region of Louisiana and is part of the state’s famed Acadiana region, known for its vibrant Cajun culture. Established in 1886, Acadia Parish is bordered by Evangeline Parish to the north, Lafayette Parish to the east, and Vermilion Parish to the south. With a total population of around 61,000 people, Acadia Parish is a rural area known for rice farming and crawfish production, with a history deeply rooted in French-Acadian traditions.
The parish is home to a variety of cities and towns that reflect its rich cultural heritage and agricultural economy. The parish seat is Crowley, which serves as the cultural and administrative center of the region.
- Parish Seat: Crowley
- Number of Cities and Towns: 8
- Major School Districts: Acadia Parish School Board
Crowley
Crowley Overview
Crowley, the parish seat of Acadia Parish, is centrally located and is known as the “Rice Capital of the World.” The city was founded in 1887 and grew rapidly due to the thriving rice industry and the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Crowley is bordered by the communities of Rayne to the east and Jennings to the west, and it serves as the cultural and economic hub of the region. The city is famous for its annual International Rice Festival, which celebrates its rich agricultural history.
The climate in Crowley is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Grand Opera House of the South and the Crowley Motor Co. Building, which reflects its early 20th-century charm.
- Population: 13,265
- Population Density: 1,680 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70526, 70527
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 90, Interstate 10, Louisiana Highway 13
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport (25 miles), Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (85 miles)
- Libraries: Acadia Parish Library – Crowley Branch
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital
Schools in Crowley
Crowley is served by the Acadia Parish School District. North Crowley Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 450 students and provides a strong foundation in early education. Crowley Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 500 students and focuses on a curriculum that balances academic and personal development. Crowley High School (grades 9-12) has around 900 students and offers various extracurricular programs, including athletics, arts, and advanced placement courses. The schools in Crowley are well-regarded for their community involvement and support for student success.
Rayne
Rayne Overview
Rayne, located just east of Crowley, is known as the “Frog Capital of the World” due to its unique history of frog farming and exportation. Founded in the late 1800s, Rayne is a vibrant community that embraces its French-Acadian heritage. The town hosts the annual Rayne Frog Festival, which attracts visitors from across the state. Rayne is bordered by Duson to the east and Crowley to the west, and it is located along the major transportation route of Interstate 10.
Rayne has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. The town boasts several notable landmarks, including murals celebrating its frog history and the Rayne Depot Square, which serves as a gathering place for local events.
- Population: 7,226
- Population Density: 1,540 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70578
- Road Network: Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 90, Louisiana Highway 35
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport (20 miles), Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
- Libraries: Acadia Parish Library – Rayne Branch
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital (in nearby Crowley)
Schools in Rayne
Rayne is part of the Acadia Parish School District. Martin Petitjean Elementary School (PreK-3) serves around 500 students and focuses on early childhood education. Rayne Junior High School (grades 6-8) has approximately 400 students, offering academic programs alongside extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Rayne High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 800 students and provides a well-rounded education with an emphasis on both academics and extracurriculars like athletics, band, and theater. The schools in Rayne are known for their community engagement and tradition of academic excellence.
Church Point
Church Point Overview
Church Point is a small town located in the northeastern part of Acadia Parish. It was established in the early 19th century and is known for its strong ties to Cajun culture, reflected in its annual Church Point Mardi Gras celebration. The town is bordered by Eunice to the north and Lafayette to the southeast. Church Point is a quiet community with a deep sense of tradition, featuring historic churches and a strong agricultural base.
The weather in Church Point is typical of southern Louisiana, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is home to landmarks such as the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a key part of the town’s history and culture.
- Population: 4,559
- Population Density: 1,032 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70525
- Road Network: Louisiana Highway 35, Louisiana Highway 365
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport (22 miles), Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
- Libraries: Acadia Parish Library – Church Point Branch
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital (in nearby Crowley)
Schools in Church Point
Church Point schools are part of the Acadia Parish School District. Church Point Elementary School (PreK-4) serves around 400 students and focuses on building strong academic foundations. Church Point Middle School (grades 5-8) enrolls approximately 350 students, offering a curriculum that encourages both academic achievement and personal growth. Church Point High School (grades 9-12) has around 500 students and provides a comprehensive education with a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and clubs. The schools in Church Point are known for their commitment to academic excellence and community participation.
Iota
Iota Overview
Iota is a small town located in the western part of Acadia Parish, near the border with Evangeline Parish. Established in the late 1800s, Iota is a charming, rural community known for its strong Cajun roots. The town hosts the annual Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras celebration, a traditional Cajun Mardi Gras event that reflects the town’s vibrant cultural heritage.
The climate in Iota is similar to the rest of southern Louisiana, with hot summers and mild winters. The town’s landmarks include St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the historic Iota Mercantile, which hark back to the town’s early days.
- Population: 1,508
- Population Density: 1,038 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70543
- Road Network: Louisiana Highway 91, U.S. Highway 190
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport (40 miles)
- Libraries: Acadia Parish Library – Iota Branch
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital (in Crowley)
Schools in Iota
Iota’s schools are part of the Acadia Parish School District. Iota Elementary School (PreK-4) enrolls approximately 400 students and offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on early childhood development. Iota Middle School (grades 5-8) serves around 300 students, providing a solid academic program with a focus on preparing students for high school. Iota High School (grades 9-12) has about 400 students and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and student organizations. The schools in Iota are noted for their strong academic performance and active involvement in the community.
Estherwood
Estherwood Overview
Estherwood is a small rural village located in the southwestern part of Acadia Parish. Founded in the 1890s as a railroad town, Estherwood has retained its small-town charm while remaining closely tied to the agricultural industry, particularly rice farming. The town is bordered by Morse to the west and Crowley to the east, offering a peaceful lifestyle for its residents.
Estherwood experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Key landmarks in the town include the historic Estherwood Depot and various sites that reflect the town’s early railroad history.
- Population: 889
- Population Density: 450 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70534
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 90, Interstate 10, Louisiana Highway 91
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Crowley
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital (in Crowley)
Schools in Estherwood
Estherwood is served by the Acadia Parish School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Crowley or Iota. Iota Elementary School, Iota Middle School, and Iota High School serve students from Estherwood. These schools offer a full range of academic and extracurricular programs, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and educational achievement. The schools have a reputation for providing a well-rounded education in a supportive, small-town environment.
Morse
Morse Overview
Morse is a small town located in the southwestern part of Acadia Parish, near the border with Vermilion Parish. The town was established in the early 20th century and has remained a small, agricultural community focused on rice farming. Morse is known for its quiet, rural setting and strong ties to the local farming economy.
The climate in Morse is typical of southern Louisiana, with hot summers and mild winters. The town’s rural charm and proximity to larger towns like Crowley and Jennings make it an appealing place for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
- Population: 812
- Population Density: 420 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 70559
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 90, Louisiana Highway 92
- Nearest Airports: Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Crowley
- Hospitals: Acadia General Hospital (in Crowley)
Schools in Morse
Morse is part of the Acadia Parish School District, and students attend schools in nearby towns. Iota Elementary School, Iota Middle School, and Iota High School serve the children of Morse, offering quality education with a focus on both academics and extracurricular activities. The schools have small class sizes and strong community involvement, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and a supportive educational environment.