About St. Landry Parish
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (not a parish, as Louisiana is divided into parishes) is located in the south-central portion of the state and serves as one of the largest parishes by land area in Louisiana, including approximately 923 square miles. The parish seat is Opelousas, which is also one of the oldest cities in Louisiana, founded in 1720. St. Landry Parish has a population of approximately 82,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The parish is uniquely positioned at the cultural crossroads of Cajun and Creole heritage, making it a significant center for zydeco music, Creole cuisine, and francophone culture. Major landmarks include the historic downtown Opelousas district, the Opelousas area Parish Courthouse at 118 South Court Street in Opelousas, and numerous antebellum plantations. The parish was established in 1807 and named after Saint Landry, a Catholic bishop.
Key government offices include the Opelousas area Parish Clerk of Court located at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, which handles court records, vital records, and various public filings. The Opelousas area Parish Assessor's Office, responsible for property assessments, is located at 106 West Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. The parish is home to several municipalities including Opelousas, Eunice, Sunset, Port Barre, Arnaudville, Grand Coteau, Leonville, Melville, Palmetto, and Washington.
Agriculture, particularly sweet potato farming and cattle ranching, has historically defined the local economy, while oil and gas production also contributes significantly to the parish's economic base.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across the parish's unincorporated areas. This office oversees the local community Parish Detention Center, processes arrests, and manages criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also implements various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety, including neighborhood watch initiatives and educational outreach. The office is integral in coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents within the parish.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in St. Landry Parish is provided by both the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the parish. The Opelousas Police Department, Eunice Police Department, and other city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a unified response across the parish. Each department operates independently but collaborates with the Sheriff's Office for broader initiatives and investigations.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, located at 4756 I-49 South Service Road, Opelousas, LA 70570, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the parish. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and their website is www.slpso.org, which provides community resources and public information. The Opelousas area Parish Jail and Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, maintains an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's website, allowing the public to search for current inmates by name, booking number, or other identifiers.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting municipal police department, with reasonable fees for copying and processing.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in booking records and can be accessed through the online inmate search system or by requesting records directly from the detention center.
- Processing times for record requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
Municipal police departments serve incorporated areas: the Opelousas Police Department (337-948-2500) serves the parish seat, the Eunice Police Department (337-457-2626) serves Eunice, and smaller departments operate in Port Barre, Sunset, and other municipalities. Arrest records in the local community Parish are public records under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S.
44:1 et seq, which mandates that government records be available for inspection unless specifically exempted. The parish does not have tribal police jurisdiction, but does coordinate with Louisiana State Police Troop I, which covers St. Landry Parish for highway patrol and investigative support.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Landry Parish cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The state's background check system allows for access to public records, for public access in the criminal justice process.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in St. Landry Parish are maintained by the Opelousas area Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The St. Landry Parish Detention Center is the primary facility for incarcerating individuals arrested within the parish. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal details of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond process follows Louisiana's legal framework, where bail can be posted through the court system or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in St. Landry Parish are taken and retained by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Louisiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal or suppression under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. The availability of mugshots online is subject to the policies of the Sheriff's Office and applicable state laws.
Courts & Case Records
St. Landry Parish is served by the 27th Judicial District Court, located at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone. This district court has general jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $10,000, felony criminal cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, successions (probate), and appeals from lower courts. The court maintains a clerk's office that provides public access to court records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Opelousas area Parish also has City Courts in Opelousas and Eunice that handle misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic violations, and civil cases up to $50,000.
- Case searches conducted by clerk staff may incur research fees of $25.00 per hour for extensive searches.
The Opelousas City Court is located at 124 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, and the Eunice City Court operates at 336 West Magnolia Avenue, Eunice, LA 70535. Justice of the Peace courts handle small claims, evictions, and minor civil matters. Court records in Louisiana are governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253 and Louisiana Supreme Court rules, which generally provide for public access to court records unless sealed by court order.
The 27th Judicial District does not currently offer full online case search capabilities, though some docket information may be available through the Louisiana Supreme Court's e-filing portal. Certified copies of judgments, pleadings, and other court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Court's office for fees ranging from $2.00 for the first page to $0.50 for additional pages, plus certification fees of $5.00 per document.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for St. Landry Parish are maintained by the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, which is the ex-officio Recorder of Conveyances and Mortgages. The office is located at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone. The Clerk of Court maintains all recorded instruments affecting immovable property including acts of sale (deeds), mortgages, liens, privileges, judgments, easements, mineral leases, plat maps, and other conveyances dating back to the early 1800s. St.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with an additional $5.00 certification fee.
Landry Parish provides online access to conveyance records through a subscription-based system accessible via the Clerk of Court's website at www.stlandrycoc.org, where users can search by name, instrument number, or property description. Free basic property searches may be limited, but subscription services provide full document imaging. the local community Parish Assessor's Office, located at 106 West Grolee Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics.
The Assessor's website at www.stlandryassessor.com provides a free online parcel search tool where users can look up property by owner name, parcel number, or address, accessing information including assessed values, property descriptions, and tax assessment history. The parish also maintains a GIS mapping system that integrates parcel data with aerial imagery, zoning information, and floodplain maps, accessible through the parish government website.
Vital Records
Vital records for St. Landry Parish are maintained by the Opelousas area Parish Clerk of Court's Office at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone. Birth certificates for births occurring in the local community Parish can be requested from the Clerk of Court's office, with certified copies costing $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Louisiana Revised Statute 40:32.
- Death certificates are also available through the Clerk of Court's office for deaths that occurred in the parish, with the same fee structure as birth certificates.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $5.00.
- Landry Parish court records and can be accessed through the court records system.
- Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160) maintains vital records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- Processing times for in-person requests at the parish level are typically same-day or within 24 hours, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
Marriage licenses are issued by the local community Parish Clerk of Court, with couples required to appear in person with valid identification, proof of age (birth certificate or valid ID), and payment of the license fee, currently $27.50. There is a 72-hour waiting period between issuance and the ceremony, though this can be waived by a judge. Divorce records, being court records, are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of St.
For vital records statewide or for those who cannot access parish records, the Louisiana State Registrar's Office in New Orleans (Vital Records Registry, P.O. Online orders through the state system typically process within 5-10 business days.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in St. Landry Parish are handled through multiple agencies depending on the type of record or license. The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, located at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone, maintains filings for certain business-related documents and can provide information on local business registrations.
- This free online portal allows users to search by business name, charter number, or registered agent, providing information on business status, formation date, registered office, officers, and annual report compliance.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trade names, the Louisiana Secretary of State's Commercial Division maintains the statewide database accessible online at www.sos.la.gov/businessservices. The St. Landry Parish Government, located at 948 Kennerson Road, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone, handles occupational licenses for businesses operating within unincorporated areas of the parish.
Municipal business licenses are issued by individual municipalities: the City of Opelousas issues licenses through City Hall at 128 North Main Street, while Eunice handles licensing at 336 West Magnolia Avenue. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and many professional licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, etc.) are issued by state licensing boards. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by the St.
Landry Parish Planning and Zoning Department at 948 Kennerson Road, phone. The South Louisiana Economic Council serves as St. Landry Countyal economic development organization and can provide business assistance, while the St.
Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce, located at 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, website www.stlandrychamber.org, offers networking and business development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in St. Landry Parish are administered by the St. Landry Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 118 South Court Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, phone. The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, providing polling place information, and administering elections in coordination with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Louisiana offers online voter registration through the GeauxVote system at www.geauxvote.com, where eligible citizens can register to vote, update their registration, check registration status, find polling locations, and view sample ballots.
- To register to vote in the local community Parish, applicants must be U.S.
- Citizens, at least 17 years old (16 to pre-register), residents of Louisiana and the parish, and not currently under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction.
- Landry Parish reported approximately 52% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting moderate engagement in a presidential election year, slightly below the statewide Louisiana average.
- Early voting is available for all registered voters during a period typically beginning 14 days before Election Day and ending 7 days before, with early voting locations and hours announced by the Registrar of Voters.
The voter registration deadline is 30 days before an election, with online registration closing at midnight and in-person registration accepted until close of business. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the GeauxVote website and entering their address, or by contacting the Registrar of Voters office directly. St.
Landry Parish operates numerous polling locations across its municipalities and rural areas, with specific locations varying based on precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Louisiana include voter registration lists (with some information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics, candidate qualifying information through the Secretary of State, and official election results by precinct published after certification. In the November 2024 general election, St.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections as well as Louisiana state legislative races and possible statewide offices. Absentee voting by mail is available to Louisiana voters who meet specific criteria including being away from the parish on Election Day, having a disability, being 65 years or older, or being hospitalized.
Applications for absentee ballots must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters office, with specific deadlines depending on the reason for absentee voting. Louisiana election transparency is governed by Louisiana Revised Statute 18:1461 et seq, which provides for public access to election records, voting machine testing, and observation of early voting and Election Day procedures by designated watchers and the general public.
Economy & Demographics
St. Landry Parish has a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, energy production, manufacturing, and healthcare services. The parish is Louisiana's leading producer of sweet potatoes and yams, with agriculture representing a significant portion of the economic base including cattle ranching, rice farming, and crawfish aquaculture. Major employers include Opelousas General Health System, which operates multiple healthcare facilities and employs over 1,500 people, making it one of the largest employers in the parish.
- Manufacturing facilities include food processing plants, metal fabrication shops, and specialized manufacturing operations.
- Landry Parish Parish is approximately $38,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the parish's rural character and economic challenges.
- The parish benefits from its location along Interstate 49, which provides connectivity to Lafayette to the south and Alexandria to the north.
The energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction and servicing, contributes substantially to the local economy with numerous service companies operating in St. Landry Parish. According to U.S.
Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in St. The unemployment rate has historically tracked slightly above Louisiana's state average, typically ranging between 5-7% depending on economic conditions and seasonal agricultural employment. Tourism contributes to the economy through the parish's rich cultural heritage, with attractions including the Zydeco Music Festival, the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, and numerous cultural events celebrating Creole and Cajun traditions.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on downtown revitalization in Opelousas, expansion of healthcare services, and promotion of agribusiness value-added production. Retail trade and hospitality services concentrated in Opelousas and Eunice provide additional employment, while small business ownership remains an important component of the local economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10 — St. Landry Parish provides good access to property, arrest, and election records online, though court records require in-person or phone contact for searches.