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Moving to Gueydan, Louisiana

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Gueydan is a small town in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. It is located on the banks of the Mermentau River, about 20 miles south of Lafayette. The population was 1,567 at the 2010 census.

The town was founded in 1912 and named after French settler Pierre Gueydan who had been granted land in the area from the French government in 1803. Gueydan has long been known for its duck hunting and rice production. The town has a history of being an agricultural center for the region, with many farms and businesses related to farming and ranching in the area.

Gueydan is also home to one of only two remaining duck-calling contests in Louisiana, which takes place every year on Labor Day weekend. The contest draws visitors from all over the country who come to listen to talented duck callers compete for prizes.

The town’s main street is lined with historic buildings that have been preserved since its founding including a bank building that dates back to 1914 and an old hotel built in 1920 which now houses a museum dedicated to preserving Gueydan’s history and artifacts related to its agricultural heritage.

In addition to its agricultural roots, Gueydan is home to several small businesses including restaurants, cafes, boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and other shops offering unique items for sale. There are also two annual festivals held each year – one celebrating Cajun culture called “Cajun Jam” which takes place during Mardi Gras season and another called “Rice Festival” which celebrates Gueydan’s rice-growing history with music, food and entertainment.

Gueydan is also home to several parks where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing or bird watching on the banks of the Mermentau River or take part in local sports leagues such as softball or basketball at one of Gueydan’s sports complexes located within city limits.

Gueydan may be small but it offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike – whether it’s enjoying some outdoor recreation or learning about local history or culture – there’s something for everyone here.

Population: 1,598. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,603 (+0.3% change)
Males: 723 (45.2%), Females: 875 (54.8%)

Zip code: 70542

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.2 years
Median household income: $22,165
Median house value: $47,300

Population by Race

Races in Gueydan:

  • White Non-Hispanic (85.7%)
  • Black (12.8%)
  • Hispanic (1.3%)

Ancestries: United States (20.3%), French (14.7%), French Canadian (13.5%), English (4.4%), German (3.4%), Irish (1.8%).

Elevation: 9 feet

Land area: 0.9 square miles

Map of Gueydan, LA

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Gueydan

  • High school or higher: 61.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.8%
  • Unemployed: 6.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 38.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Gueydan town

  • Never married: 20.5%
  • Now married: 54.3%
  • Separated: 1.8%
  • Widowed: 10.9%
  • Divorced: 12.5%

0.3% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -239 (-13.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Gueydan:

  • ABRAM KAPLAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; KAPLAN, LA)
  • KAPLAN REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; KAPLAN, LA)
  • AMERICAN LEGION HOSPITAL (about 16 miles; CROWLEY, LA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Gueydan:

  • LAFAYETTE REGIONAL (about 39 miles; LAFAYETTE, LA; Abbreviation: LFT)
  • ACADIANA REGIONAL (about 44 miles; NEW IBERIA, LA; Abbreviation: ARA)
  • CHENNAULT INTL (about 45 miles; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Abbreviation: CWF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Gueydan:

  • LE GROS MEMORIAL (about 9 miles; CROWLEY, LA; Abbreviation: 3R2)
  • JENNINGS (about 18 miles; JENNINGS, LA; Abbreviation: 3R7)
  • LYON (about 22 miles; THORNWELL, LA; Abbreviation: 3L0)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Gueydan:

  • UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE (about 34 miles; LAFAYETTE, LA; Full-time enrollment: 13,673)
  • MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 59 miles; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Full-time enrollment: 6,460)
  • LOUISIANA STATE UNIV & AG & MECH & HEBERT LAWS CTR (about 95 miles; BATON ROUGE, LA; Full-time enrollment: 28,696)
  • SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A & M COLLEGE (about 97 miles; BATON ROUGE, LA; Full-time enrollment: 8,399)
  • LAMAR UNIVERSITY-BEAUMONT (about 112 miles; BEAUMONT, TX; Full-time enrollment: 8,888)
  • NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 118 miles; THIBODAUX, LA; Full-time enrollment: 6,244)
  • NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (about 125 miles; NATCHITOCHES, LA; Full-time enrollment: 7,710)

Public primary/middle schools in Gueydan:

  • GUEYDAN HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 255; Location: 901 MAIN STREET; Grades: 06 – 12)
  • JESSE OWENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 196; Location: 203 THIRTEENTH STREET; Grades: PK – 05)

Private primary/middle school in Gueydan:

  • ST PETER SCHOOL (Students: 146; Location: 513 SIXTH ST; Grades: PK – 8)

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