Opelousas
| Opelousas, Louisiana | |
| City | |
 Old Federal Courthouse in Opelousas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | St. Landry |
| Elevation | 69 ft (21.0 m) |
| Coordinates | 30°31′41″N 92°05′04″W / 30.52806°N 92.08444°WCoordinates: 30°31′41″N 92°05′04″W / 30.52806°N 92.08444°W |
| Area | 7.1 sq mi (18.4 km2) |
| - land | 7.1 sq mi (18 km2) |
| - water | 0.0 sq mi (0 km2), 0% |
| Population | 23,222 (2006) |
| Density | 3,240.0/sq mi (1,251.0/km2) |
| Incorporated | 1720 |
| Mayor | Reggie Tatum |
| Timezone | CST (UTC-6) |
| - summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 70570 |
| Area code | 337 |
  Location of Opelousas in Louisiana
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 Location of Louisiana in the United States
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| Website: http://www.cityofopelousas.com | |
Opelousas (French: les Opelousas) is a small city in and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies at the junction of Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190. The population was 22,860 at the 2000 census. Although the 2006 population estimate was 23,222, a 2004 annexation should have put the city's population above 25,000. In the 2010 census, however, the population shrunk to 16,634. Opelousas is the principal city for the Opelousas-Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 92,178 in 2008. Opelousas is also the 3rd largest city in the Lafayette-Acadiana Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 537,947.
At only 7.5 square miles, Opelousas is the most densely populated incorporated city in Louisiana. Founded in 1720, Opelousas is Louisiana's 3rd oldest city. The city served as a major trading post between New Orleans and in the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditionally an area of settlement by French Creoles and Acadians, Opelousas is the center of zydeco music. It celebrates its heritage at the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, one of the destinations on the new Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. It is also the location of the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.
The city calls itself the spice capital of the world, with production and sale of seasonings such as Tony Chachere's products, Targil Seasonings, Savoie's cajun meats and products, and LouAna Cooking Oil. Opelousas was also home to one of the nation's two Yoohoo Factories until their closing.
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