Major highways

• U.S. Highway 84
• U.S. Highway 165
• Louisiana Highway 8
• Louisiana Highway 28

Adjacent parishes

• Caldwell Parish (north)
• Catahoula Parish (east)
• Avoyelles Parish (south)
• Rapides Parish (southwest)
• Grant Parish (west)
• Winn Parish (northwest)

National protected area

• Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge (part)

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,791 people, 4,814 households, and 3,643 families residing in the parish.

2000 census

As of the census^[14] of 2000, there were 14,282 people, 5,291 households, and 3,798 families residing in the parish. The population density was 23 people per square mile (8.9 people/km²). There were 6,273 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (3.9/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 86.13% White, 12.20% Black or African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. 0.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,291 households, out of which 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the parish the population was spread out, with 26.10% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 100.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.20 males.

The median income for a household in the parish was $28,189, and the median income for a family was $36,197. Males had a median income of $27,431 versus $19,697 for females. The per capita income for the parish was $14,033. About 14.90% of families and 18.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.70% of those under age 18 and 18.90% of those age 65 or over.

Towns

• Jena
• Olla
• Tullos
• Urania

Unincorporated areas