Alexandria, LA (12/3/2025) – New numbers from the LSUA College of Business show Central Louisiana gaining strength in several major areas, including jobs, tourism, and housing. But within Rapides Parish, not every city shares the same momentum. A closer Rapides Parish sales tax comparison shows Alexandria falling behind Pineville, Ball, and Woodworth in local consumer activity.
These numbers reflect the everyday choices residents make about where they shop, eat, and do business. They also show which communities are growing and which ones need to make changes.
Pineville, Ball, and Woodworth Show Stronger Local Activity
Pineville continues to rise. Its spending totals are well above last year, and residents continue to support local businesses. Ball and Woodworth also show steady upward movement, with charts that rise more than they fall. People in these communities spend close to home, and the data confirms consistent local confidence.
Alexandria Continues To Slide
Alexandria’s numbers moved down again this quarter. The decline is not dramatic, but it adds to a pattern of slow movement. When a city shows repeated dips, it often signals reduced consumer confidence. That affects city revenue, which supports roads, drainage, parks, police, and other services residents rely on.
The gap between Alexandria and the surrounding cities is now more visible. Alexandria remains the largest city in the region, but the smaller cities are gaining ground quickly.
A Region Moving Forward
Central Louisiana as a whole is growing. Housing sales increased sharply, tourism numbers improved, and the unemployment rate in the Alexandria area dropped below the state average. The region is moving forward, but Alexandria risks missing out on that momentum if the current trends continue.
Local spending shapes local progress. When residents shift their dollars to other cities, those cities grow. Alexandria must rebuild community confidence to stay competitive.
What These Numbers Mean for Alexandria
Alexandria remains the largest city in Rapides Parish, but the gap is closing. The smaller cities now show more energy and more growth. Alexandria’s decline sends a clear signal. The city must rebuild trust with residents and give them reasons to spend money at home again.
Local spending shapes city services. When spending goes down, the city has fewer tools to tackle crime, blight, drainage, and infrastructure needs. Strong numbers help a city grow. Weak numbers keep it stuck.
A Call for Community Confidence
This Rapides Parish sales tax comparison shows a shift in the local economy. People choose where they feel welcome, valued, and served. When they lose confidence, they take their dollars somewhere else.
Alexandria can turn this around. It starts with better communication, stronger service, and a renewed focus on the needs of everyday residents. The other cities show what is possible when a community supports local business and expects strong leadership.
The numbers tell the story. Now the city must respond.
Source and Dashboard Access
You can read the full LSUA Dashboard here: https://www.lsua.edu/dashboard
This article uses economic data from the LSUA College of Business Q3 2025 Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard, written by Randall Dupont, Ph.D.:
Central Louisiana Demonstrates Economic Resilience, Fueled by Strong Annual Gains in Consumer Activity and Housing Market Strength in Q3
ALEXANDRIA, La. (December 1, 2025) - Central Louisiana successfully navigated the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating economic resilience and sustained growth across critical sectors. Key annual and year-to-date indicators showed strength, particularly in consumer spending, labor market tightening, and housing activity.
Labor market conditions have shown substantial improvement, signaling a healthier employment environment, although data for September is still not available. The unemployment rate in the Alexandria MSA declined to 4.0% in August, falling below the statewide rate of 4.3%. This decline suggests improving labor market conditions supported by continued job growth. Initial unemployment claims across Louisiana also declined in Q3 compared to Q2, reflecting a steady and resilient regional employment environment.
"The third quarter data confirms central Louisiana’s underlying strength," said Randall Dupont, author of the economic dashboard. "Although visibility is somewhat limited because of the government shutdown, we saw an improved labor market in July and August and critical year-over-year growth in consumer activity that underscores the region’s economic stability and long-term potential.”
Consumer spending exhibited notable annual momentum throughout the region. Pineville showed robust consumer strength, with receipts 8% higher year-over-year and 5% above 2024 year-to-date totals. Rapides Parish maintained strong overall stability, with revenue 4% above 2024 year-to-date. Natchitoches collections were also 6% higher than Q3 2024 and 7% higher year-to-date, confirming local spending remains well above prior-year levels.
Online retail activity demonstrated consistent consumer demand, with Remote Sellers Tax collections increasing 2% in Q3 and rising 18% year-to-date. Consumer demand for durable goods also remains solid, highlighted by vehicle sales tax activity.
In the housing market, activity surged in key areas. A significant increase of nearly 20% in home sales from Q2 to Q3 was seen in the Alexandria MSA. Market strength was also evident in Natchitoches, where the average Days on the Market dropped sharply from 69 days to 47 days, and in Fort Polk South (Leesville area), where home sales were up 13% from Q2 to Q3.
Tourism also posted impressive year-over-year results. Natchitoches Parish led the region, showing continued strength with a 36% year-over-year gain in hotel occupancy tax collections, bringing its year-to-date collections up 18%. Rapides Parish posted strong annual growth as well, achieving 19% year-over-year growth and 19% year-to-date gains.
New business formation is also contributing to the positive outlook. Quarterly business applications across Louisiana were up 4% year-over-year for Q3. New businesses established in Rapides Parish were up 6.2% from a year ago, with year-to-date new business growth up 1.5% over 2024.
"Central Louisiana’s ability to generate significant annual and year-to-date growth in retail sales, housing, and tourism shows that the region is capitalizing on long-term opportunities," Dupont added.
The Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard, a service of the LSUA College of Business, helps leaders monitor regional economic trends. View the full 3rd Quarter 2025 issue at www.lsua.edu/dashboard.
Written by Randall Dupont, Ph.D. | LSUA College of Business
Image credit - LSUA Strategic Comm
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