Lincoln Parish is home to two major universities, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University. The intellectual capital provided by these universities fosters a culture of innovation. As part of its efforts to cultivate a knowledge economy and to nurture R&D, Louisiana Tech University launched a new research park called Enterprise Campus (pictured here).
Lincoln Parish: Positioned for Progress
Known as one of the most affluent and progressive areas in the state, Lincoln Parish capitalizes on its incredible mix of assets: two major universities including a nationally known research university; a strategic location along Interstate 20; and visionary leadership.
Lincoln Parish covers 472 sq. miles of land with an estimated 2019 population of 47,913 residents. The civilian labor force of 20,789 earns median household income of $38,546. Unemployment in Lincoln Parish stands at 5.8% (August 2019).
As the parish seat, Ruston boasts one of the strongest economies in Louisiana. Two major universities, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University, form the underpinnings of a well-rounded economy based on education, natural resources, retail and service, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture and banking and financial services. Striving to position itself for the next century, the City of Ruston led by Mayor Ronny Walker is implementing a re-envisioning plan called Ruston Re-Imagined. Mayor Walker has also committed to $120 million worth of projects over the next 20 years which will include infrastructure improvements, economic development, bike and running trails, and a sports complex.
Spearheaded by Louisiana Tech University, a top tier research institution, Lincoln Parish is cultivating a knowledge economy driven by innovation and technology. Tech's newest Enterprise Campus combines R&D with economic development.
Lincoln Communities
Lincoln Demographics
Lincoln Workplace Statistics
Lincoln Transportation Infrastructure
Tax Structure: Cost of Business
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• Ruston |
• Choudrant |
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• Grambling |
• Simsboro |
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• Dubach |
• Vienna |
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• Downsville |
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Demographics |
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2010 Census |
2019 Estimate |
2024 Estimate |
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Population |
46,735 |
47,913 |
48,797 |
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Households |
17,599 |
18,351 |
18,810 |
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Median Age (2019) |
27.8 |
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5-Year Population Growth Projection (2024) |
1.84% |
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Race (2019 Estimate) |
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White |
54.26% |
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African American |
40.89% |
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American Indian or Alaska Native |
0.36% |
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Asian |
1.50% |
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Other |
2.99% |
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Income (2019 Estimate) |
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Median Household Income |
$38,546 |
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Average Household Income |
$65,776 |
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Educational Attainment (2019 Estimate) |
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Some High School, No Diploma |
8.77% |
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High School Graduate |
27.66% |
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Some College or Associate Degree |
24.64% |
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Bachelor's Degree |
20.32% |
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Master's, Professional or Doctorate |
15.05%
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Average Weekly Wage (Q1 2019) |
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Average Weekly Wage |
$695 |
Source: Nielsen Segementation & Market Solutions, Pop-Fact Demographics 2019; Louisiana Workforce Commission
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Major Interstates |
Interstate 20 |
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Major Highways |
US 80, US 167, LA 33 |
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Ports |
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Red River Port - 68.8 miles
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Port of Shreveport-Bossier - 82.9 miles
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Port of Natchitoches - 65 miles
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Greater Ouachita Port - 31.2 miles
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Class 1 Railroads |
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Kansas City Railroad (KCS)
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Airports |
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Ruston Regional Airport - 3.5 miles
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Monroe Regional Airport - 37.4 miles
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Shreveport Regional Airport - 74.6
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*Based on distance from parish seat
**All North Louisiana Ports are connected to deepwater ports.
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State Corporate Income Tax
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4% on the first $25,000 of net income
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5% on the next $25,000
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6% on the next $50,000
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7% on the next $100,000
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8% on the excess of $200,000
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Louisiana uses single sales factor
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State Corporate Franchise Tax
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$1.50 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof up to $300,000
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$3.00 per $1,000 or major fraction thereof in excess of $300,000
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The initial corporation franchise tax is $110
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Unemployment Insurance Tax
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The 2017 wage base is $7,700
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Standard rate range is .10% - 6.2%
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Rate for new employers is the average rate for the particular industry
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Maximum unemployment weekly benefit is 1/2 of the claimant's previous wage earning for 26 weeks
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2018 Parishwide Millage (Property Tax) Rate
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77.4 mills*
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Total Sales Taxes in Unincorporated Lincoln Parish
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7.70%**
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Total Sales Taxes in Choudrant |
8.70% |
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Total Sales Taxes in Dubach
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8.70%
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Total Sales Taxes in Grambling
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9.70%
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Total Sales Taxes in Grambling EDD
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10.20%
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Total Sales Taxes in Ruston
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9.95%
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* To calculate property tax, multiply the assessed value of the property by the appropriate millage rate. The assessed value is the fair market value of the property times 10% for real property or 15% for personal property.
** Sales taxes include a 5% state tax along with a local portion