Lake Arthur
cityLake Arthur is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, situated on the north shore of Lake Arthur, the largest natural lake in the region. The town had a population of 2,595 in 2020. Known for its scenic waterfront and outdoor recreation, Lake Arthur serves as a gateway to nearby marshlands and wildlife habitats. Economically, Lake Arthur's key industries include retail trade, mining, and manufacturing. The town benefits from its location near the Mermentau River, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico, supporting local seafood processing and tourism. Lake Arthur also has a history in lumber and rice production. Lake Arthur is named after Arthur LeBlanc, an early Acadian settler. The town is known as the "Sportsman's Paradise of the South" due to its excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. Lake Arthur Park, with its beach, boardwalk, and picnic facilities, is a focal point for both residents and visitors.
Lake Arthur, Louisiana
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 22-41050
- Country
- United States
- County
- Jefferson Davis
- Region
- Southwestern Louisiana
- Elevation
- 7 ft
- Total Area
- 2.4 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.85 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.58 sq mi
- Latitude
- 30.11667
- Longitude
- -92.67694
- Climate
- Humid subtropical climate
- Notable Features
- Lake Arthur · Mermentau River · Marshlands
- Neighboring Areas
- Jennings · Hayes · Lake Charles
- Population (2020)
- 2,595
- Est. Population (2026)
- 2,550
- Median Age
- 37.3
- Median Income
- $53,920
- Poverty Rate
- 23.29%
- Owner-Occupied
- 66.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Lake Arthur includes 87.16% White, 8.47% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- Town Council
- School District
- Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Tourism-driven
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction · Manufacturing
- Schools
- 2
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Graduation Rate
- ≥90%
- School Districts
- Jefferson Davis Parish School District
- Transportation
- Louisiana Highway 14 · Louisiana Highway 26
- Utilities
- Municipal water
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Arthur Park · Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
- Parks & Trails
- Lake Arthur Park · Lake Arthur Boardwalk
- Founded
- 1887
- Incorporated
- 1904
- Named After
- Arthur LeBlanc
- Historical Significance
- Lake Arthur has evolved from a small settlement into a hub for agriculture, lumber, and later, oil and gas. It is now known for its Cajun heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Key Events
- Acadian families settled in the late 1700s. · Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1904. · Oil field discovered in 1938. · Hurricane Audrey in 1957 caused catastrophic damage. · Hurricane Rita in 2005 caused widespread flooding.