FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
CITY OF RAYNE, LOUISIANA

Frog Capital of the World
Louisiana City of Murals
Home of the Rayne Frog Festival

January, 2007

Prepared by the
RAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE
Using statistical information from the U.S. Census and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Population (2000 Census)

The City of Rayne, State of Louisiana (the city) is located in Ward 1 of the Parish (County) of Acadia which is located in southwestern Louisiana. The City is generally located between Crowley (the Parish seat) and the City of Lafayette, the major center of population in the area. The City has an area of approximately 3.3 square miles, according to 2000 Census data.

According to 2000 Census data, the population of the City included 3,932 females and 4,620 males. The median age of the Rayne population was 33.8 years/ Of those of one race, 5,606 were white, 2,867 were black or African American, 9 were American Indian, 14 were Asian, and 16 of some other race. A total of 40 were listed as being of two or more races. The census also reported that in Rayne the average household size was 2.64, and the average family size was 3.22 persons.

Sales Tax

The following sales and use taxes are currently levied and collected in the City of Rayne. Sales and use taxes levied within the parish are collected by the Acadia Parish School Board Sales Tax office.

Rayne’s 9% sales tax rate compares to the rest of the parish as follows:  Crowley, 9.5%; remainder of parish (municipalities and rural areas) 8.25%.

In Acadia Parish and throughout Louisiana, consumers are exempt from the state sales tax on food for home consumption and on electricity, natural gas and water sold for residential use. State sales tax on non-residential food and other products and services is 4%.

Property Tax Millages

•  Only local and parish governments levy property taxes in Louisiana. There is no state property tax.

•  Assessors are required by law to assess industrial property at 15% of fair market value (land at 10%).

•  Private residences are assessed at 10% of fair market value. Homestead exemption is applied to private residences, thus no property tax is levied on the first $75,000 of the assessed value.

Banking Facilities

Rayne is served by six financial institutions.

Quality of Life

Rayne offers a warm, friendly, small-town atmosphere in the heart of Cajun country that is perfect for everyone, from young families to senior citizens. The educational system is good, and the crime rate is extremely low.

Shopping in Rayne is pleasant and personal--you’ll be a name, not a number! The Rayne Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture supports the business community, sponsoring sales and promotional events throughout the year, including the annual Frog Festival every September. The Chamber’s modern office located at 107 Oak Street provides information on the community and its history for local citizens as well as the many tourists who visit the city.

The Bernard-Bertrand House in the Rayne Visitor’s Complex, adjacent to the Chamber, is home to city-sponsored cultural events for adults and children throughout the year. Rayne’s progressive city administration provides essential city services and works hard to keep the city clean and beautiful year round. As a result, Rayne has won the State Cleanest City Contest in four of the past five years.

Known as the Frog Capital of the World and Louisiana’s City of Murals, Rayne is proud of its unique history. Buildings throughout Rayne feature frog murals, some fanciful and some historical, that attract visitors from all over the world. The City’s RV Park adjacent to the Civic Center also hosts over 5,000 people for national RV rallies each year.

Many forms of recreation are available in Rayne and Acadia Parish, including tennis, golf, swimming, public parks, youth and adult sports leagues, fishing, boating, hunting, karate, gymnastics, fitness centers and dance. Nearby Lafayette (only 15 miles away) offers all types of shopping and entertainment, including popular and classical music concerts, theatre, museums and other cultural activities.

EMPLOYMENT PROFILE -- ACADIA PARISH

(Louisiana Department of Economic Development)

Civilian Labor Force

Acadia Parish                       24,200                      100%

Louisiana                        2,089,800                       100%

Total Employment

Acadia Parish                       22,500                      92.8%

Louisiana                        1,971,800                       94.4%

Unemployment

Acadia Parish                        1,700                       7.2%

Louisiana                          118,000                        5.6%

Average Employment by Major Industry

ECONOMIC BASE--ACADIA PARISH

Commercial and Industrial Property

The Acadia Parish-Rayne area offers land for commercial and industry both within the city limits and in the surrounding area. The Crowley-Rayne Industrial Park includes land with rail access available for development. It is located on Hwy. 90 just west of Rayne.

Major Employers in Acadia Parish

Health Care Industry

•  American Legion Hospital employs 459 workers and has 178 beds.

•  Acadia-St. Landry Hospital employs 90 and has 39 beds.

Oil/Pipe Production

•  Capital Manufacturing has 400 employees.

•  Francis Drilling has 160 employees.

Manufacturing of Bags

•  Intertape Polymer employs 325 workers.

•  Continental Bag Co./Langston Co. employs 100 workers.

Manufacturing of Fitness Equipment

•  Body Masters Sports, Inc. has 233 employees.

Retail Sales

•  Wal-Mart Super Center employs 412.

Grocery Wholesale Distributor

•  Church Point Wholesale has 120 employees.

Law Enforcement

•  Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department employs 105 workers.

Acadia Parish Educational Facilities

•  Acadia Parish School Board has 1,300 employees.

Economic Development Contacts

Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture
P. O. Box 383/107 Oak Street
Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-2332  Fax: 337-334-8341

City of Rayne
P. O. Box 69/801 The Boulevard
Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3121  Fax: 337-334-6607

Acadia Parish Police Jury

Economic Development Committee

P. O. Box A/500 NE Court Circle

Crowley, LA 70527-6001

Phone:  337-788-8800  FAX: 337-788-2421