What to know when moving to Pelican, LA
TL;DR: Pelican at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A low-income community with a median household income of $41,652 and a renter percentage of just 9.3.
- The Major Draw:
- Nearby attractions like Mansfield State Historic Site, rated 4.7 stars with 135 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 45.7% may be a concern for some.
- Commute:
- 0% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for 79 rainy days a year, so keep an umbrella handy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pelican is a small community with a population of 698, where 9.3% of residents are renters. The median household income is $41,652, but a significant 45.7% of the population lives below the poverty line. Education levels indicate that only 9.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which may shape the community's character.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area with a strong educational background, as the poverty rate is notably high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median home value is $73,200, making it relatively affordable for potential homeowners.
- Only 9.3% of the population rents, indicating a community where most people own their homes.
- Poverty rate is 45.7%, reflecting economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime statistics for Louisiana show notable trends that may affect perceptions of safety.
- Violent crime rate: 466 per 100k residents, which is 43.3% higher than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 1,879 per 100k residents, which is 21.5% higher than the national average.
- Homicide rate has decreased by 53.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Weather & Getting Outside
De Soto Parish experiences about 45.3 inches of precipitation annually, with 79 rainy days a year. Spring has the most rainfall, totaling 17.7 inches across 24 days.
- Mansfield State Historic Site - 4.7 stars, 135 reviews
- Glorey RV Park - 4.6 stars, 23 reviews
- Rebel State Historic Site - 4.3 stars, 15 reviews
- Mansfield Female College Museum - 4.7 stars, 13 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In De Soto Parish, the unemployment rate stands at 4.4% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 11,050 people.
- Employment: 10,566 individuals are currently employed.
- 484 people are unemployed, contributing to the overall economic landscape.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.