Cankton

Discover Cankton: The Heart of Cajun Culture

Nestled at the southern end of St. Landry Parish, Cankton offers the quintessential Cajun experience in a charming, small-town setting. Surrounded by scenic countryside, Cankton invites visitors to enjoy a variety of refreshing outdoor activities and provides easy access to nearby cities rich in Cajun history and culture.

Explore the Outdoors

Cankton is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From camping in secluded forests and fishing in abundant lakes to relaxing walks along easily accessible trails, there's something for everyone. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, scenic Highway 93 offers a picturesque route through the region, showcasing the natural beauty and historical culture of Cajun Country.

Connect to Cajun Culture

Cankton’s vibrant culture is a feast for the senses. The aroma of mouthwatering local BBQ, the sights of historical landmarks, and the sounds of lively music all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the Cankton Courier de Mardi Gras, a celebration featuring a gumbo cook-off, live music, trail rides, and more. Each April, the town also hosts Cycle Zydeco, a four-day bike ride that combines cycling with a cultural festival, passing directly through Cankton.

A visit to Cankton wouldn’t be complete without dining at a local eatery to savor delectable Cajun dishes and learn about the town’s unique heritage. The town’s name originates from Dr. Louis Aristide Guidry, affectionately called "Cank" by his family. This endearing nickname, coupled with his status as a respected community advocate, gave birth to the name Cankton.

Scenic Adventures Await

Travel along Scenic Highway 93 from Cankton to fully immerse yourself in local Cajun culture. Head south to Lafayette, the unofficial capital of Cajun Country, or stop by Scott, known as the Boudin Capital of the World. Heading north, you’ll find Grand Coteau, renowned for its historic homes and charming streets.

Economic Development in Cankton

Cankton is not just a place of cultural richness but also a community poised for economic growth. The town’s strategic location near major cities provides excellent opportunities for business development and investment. Local initiatives are focused on supporting small businesses, attracting new industries, and promoting sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurs and investors will find a welcoming environment in Cankton, with access to resources and support from local government and business organizations. The town's proximity to Lafayette and other economic hubs ensures that businesses in Cankton can thrive while enjoying the benefits of a close-knit, supportive community.

Experience Cankton

Whether you're drawn to the outdoor adventures, the rich history, or the promising economic opportunities, Cankton offers a warm welcome and an authentic Cajun experience. Come discover why this small town is a hidden gem in the heart of Cajun Country, and see how it’s growing into a vibrant center for culture and commerce.
 

Population

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Population

Population 2000 2010 2025 2030
Cankton 389 484 616 617

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Age

Population 2025
0-4 41
5-9 36
10-14 57
15-19 34
20-24 36
25-29 32
30-34 24
35-39 47
40-44 47
45-49 29
50-54 44
55-59 49
60-64 48
65-69 22
70-74 37
75-79 11
80-84 11
85+ 11
18+ 460
Median Age 40

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Race

Cankton 2025
Total 616.00
White Alone 80.84%
Black Alone 12.18%
American Indian Alone 0.16%
Asian Alone 0.16%
Pacific Islander Alone 0%
Some Other Race 2.11%
Two or More Races 4.55%
Hispanic Origin 6.17%
Diversity Index 40.70

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Growth Rate

Cankton 2025 - 2030
Population 0.03%
Households 0.51%
Families -2.17%
Median Household Income 1%
Per Capita Income 2%

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Housing

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Households

Population 2000 2010 2025 2030
Households 164 190 232 238
Housing Units 172 199 255 260
Owner Occupied Units 181 194
Renter Occupied Units 51 44
Vacant Units 23 22

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Home Value

Cankton 2025 2030
Median Home Value $150,694 $204,545
Average Home Value $182,873 $237,397
<$50,000 35 26
$50,000 - $99,999 23 14
$100,000 - $149,999 32 36
$150,000 - $199,999 30 19
$200,000 - $249,999 23 22
$250,000 - $299,999 10 22
$300,000 - $399,999 12 30
$400,000 - $499,999 11 16
$500,000 - $749,999 2 2
$1,000,000 + 0 0

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Housing Year Built

Year Range Houses Built
2010 or Later 47
2000-2009 32
1990-1999 41
1980-1989 66
1970-1979 35
1960-1969 33
1950-1959 4
1940-1949 2
1939 or Before 3

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Income

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Income

Cankton 2025 2030
Median Household $65,132 $66,961
Average Household $80,441 $86,190
Per Capita $30,296 $33,247

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Household Income

Cankton 2025
<$15,000 24
$15,000 - $24,999 29
$25,000 - $34,999 10
$35,000 - $49,999 22
$50,000 - $74,999 62
$75,000 - $99,999 22
$100,000 - $149,999 32
$150,000 - $199,999 12
$200,000+ 19

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Employees

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Commute

Category Commuters
Workers 16+ 315
In-County Residents 135
Out-of-County Residents 180
Drive Alone 251
Carpooled 12
Public Transport 0
Work at Home 13
Motorcycle 0
Bicycle 0
Walked 17
Other 22
Less than 5 minutes 12
5-9 minutes 0
10-14 minutes 97
15-19 minutes 20
20-24 minutes 18
25-29 minutes 15
30-34 minutes 93
35-39 minutes 6
40-44 minutes 0
45-59 minutes 16
60-89 minutes 18
90+ minutes 7
Average Travel Time 0

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Employees by NAICS

Category Number
Total Employees 58
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt 0
Mining 0
Utilities 0
Construction 15
Manufacturing 0
Wholesale Trade 0
   
Retail Trade 4
   
Transportation/Warehouse 0
Information 0
   
Finance & Insurance 5
   
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing 0
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv 0
Legal Services 0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises 0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt 3
Educational Services 0
HealthCare/Social Assist 15
Arts/Entertainment/Rec 0
   
Accommodation/Food Srvcs 3
   
Other Srv excl Pub Admin 5
Auto Repair/Maintenance 0
Public Administration Emp 8

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Educational Attainment (25+)

Cankton 2025
<9th Grade 6
Some High School 21
GED 24
Graduated High School 164
Some College/No Degree 84
Associates Degree 56
Bachelor's Degree 38
Graduate Degree 19

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

Category Number
Total Businesses 12
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus 0
Mining Bus 0
Utilities Bus 0
Construction Bus 2
Manufacturing Bus 0
Wholesale Trade Bus 0
   
Retail Trade Bus 1
   
Transportation/Warehouse Bus 0
Information Bus 0
   
Finance & Insurance Bus 1
   
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus 0
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus 0
Legal Services Bus 0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus 0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus 1
Educational Services Bus 0
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus 1
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus 0
   
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus 1
   
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus 2
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus 0
Public Administration Bus 3

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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