Find a Job You Really Want In
Success can be defined in many ways. Is it the balance in your bank account, the thrill of a successful presentation, or perhaps the joy of sharing a good laugh? Ultimately, success is a complex, subjective concept that varies from person to person.
At Zippia, we prefer to quantify success through measurable metrics. Leveraging data and analytics, we’ve compiled an objective list of the 10 most successful cities in Louisiana for 2026. Here’s our updated ranking:
Disagree with our rankings? We understand. Let’s dive into the methodology behind our selection.
For further exploration of Louisiana’s job market, check out:
How We Determined the Most Successful Cities in Louisiana
When we think of success, financial metrics often come to mind. However, true success encompasses a broader range of factors. Our analysis is based on data from the most recent American Community Survey (2017-2021), which provides insights into income levels, poverty rates, and employment statistics.
1. Youngsville
Population: 9,358
Median Income: $96,415
Poverty Rate: 4.2%
Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
2. Zachary
Population: 15,579
Median Income: $72,012
Poverty Rate: 7.9%
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
3. Harahan
Population: 9,324
Median Income: $62,582
Poverty Rate: 8.9%
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
4. Central
Population: 27,505
Median Income: $66,778
Poverty Rate: 7.0%
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
5. Mandeville
Population: 12,102
Median Income: $69,451
Poverty Rate: 5.7%
Unemployment Rate: 6.9%
6. Broussard
Population: 9,041
Median Income: $60,750
Poverty Rate: 13.5%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
7. Scott
Population: 8,775
Median Income: $53,917
Poverty Rate: 6.3%
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
8. Plaquemine
Population: 7,055
Median Income: $46,002
Poverty Rate: 16.1%
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
9. Bossier City
Population: 64,895
Median Income: $47,103
Poverty Rate: 13.8%
Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
10. Covington
Population: 9,151
Median Income: $46,980
Poverty Rate: 16.7%
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
Measuring Success
If you’re questioning the efficacy of our chosen metrics to gauge a city’s success, you’re not alone. While these figures may seem superficial, they provide a framework for understanding economic well-being in these communities. Congratulations to Youngsville and our other top cities! For those who didn’t make the list, there’s always next year.
Detailed List of the Most Successful Cities in Louisiana
| Rank | City | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youngsville | $96,415 |
| 2 | Zachary | $72,012 |
| 3 | Harahan | $62,582 |
| 4 | Central | $66,778 |
| 5 | Mandeville | $69,451 |
| 6 | Broussard | $60,750 |
| 7 | Scott | $53,917 |
| 8 | Plaquemine | $46,002 |
| 9 | Bossier City | $47,103 |
| 10 | Covington | $46,980 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
