Business & Industry

Lafayette Parish is a dynamic business center for influential leaders

Industries in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette Parish serves as a diverse business base for prominent leaders in many industries.


Construction

New concepts in residential development, combined with improvements made by local government, the university and private business has propelled the construction industry forward in commercial activity. Last fiscal year, construction activity reached more than $246 million.

Finance

The financial industry within the Lafayette market is comprised of 36 locally-owned and nationally-operated banking institutions, with an estimated $12 billion in deposits as of December 2019. They provide services ranging from simple savings and checking accounts to complex commercial investments. Sixteen credit unions have also been established within the Parish, with estimated total assets more than $4 billion in December 2019.

Manufacturing

The innovation of local manufacturers has resulted in the transformation of traditionally low-technology industries into modern high-tech environments through state-of-the-art computers, intelligent manufacturing systems, robots and automation. Thriving manufacturing businesses in Lafayette can be found across sectors including jewelry, oil and gas, marine, food production, and specialty metals. 

Medical/Healthcare

At the heart of Lafayette’s medical industry, is cutting edge communication and data transfer thanks to the area’s high speed fiber optic network. Acadiana’s evolving medical workforce of more than 28,000 employees continues to expand. As the “Hub City” of the region, Lafayette is further cementing its role as a regional health center, attracting specialized treatment centers and a preeminent physicians, researchers and scientists.

Oil and Gas

With hundreds oil-and-gas-related businesses in Lafayette, the region is the hub for energy production and services in the southeastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. Our community provides an industry-savvy environment and a workforce that is highly skilled, making Lafayette very attractive— not only to energy companies, but to companies across industries.

Retail Trade/Leisure & Hospitality/Entertainment

More than 20% of retail spending in Lafayette Parish is made by shoppers who live outside of the Parish’s borders. People from all over the Acadiana region travel here for shopping, entertainment, recreation, dining, professional services and business. The population in Lafayette’s trade market is more than 600,000 people; and more than one million tourists visit this area every year.

Transportation/Distribution

Located at the crossroads of Interstates 10 and 49, Lafayette’s strategic location has contributed to the viability of the transportation/distribution industry. Cargo can be delivered via the Intracoastal Waterway; and the proximity of Lafayette to the Gulf of Mexico makes deliveries and exports by sea feasible.

For more information, contact

Image for Hoyt Strain

Hoyt Strain

Director of Business Attraction
(337) 593-1415
hoyts@lafayette.org