Louisiana a Coastal Attraction
Population Highlights from 1950 to 2018
Total Population Trends
1950
The state of Louisiana consist of 64 parishes. In the past, territory boundaries coincided with church parishes, but today they serve as county equivalents. In 1950, there was a total of 39 parishes with a population count below 30,000. Caddo and East Baton Rouge have the second highest population count falling between 65-140,000. Orleans being the parish with the highest population count in 1950 slightly below 570,500.
1980
30 years later in 1980, a steady population increase can be observed in parishes like LaFourche, and Jefferson which are in close proximity to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana as well as parishes along the southern half of Louisiana. Caddo, Quachita, and Orleans on the other hand maintain a somewhat constant population count between 140,000 and 250,000. Out of these 39 counties with a population count below 30,000 in 1950, 9 parishes gained a population increase, like Vernon Parish which increased by around 35,000, and Iberville which increased by roughly 5,000.
2018
8 years following 2010, Ouachita experienced a rise in population count while Morehouse, a neighboring Parish experienced a decrease in population. Ouachita is located to the north, just south of Moreouse.
Aside from these parishes, Iberia also experienced a notable increase in population count by 10,000. Iberia is located on the south along the Gulf of Mexico. Marsh Island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Vermillion Bay. This island mostly inhabited by wildlife and is also considered a part of Iberia Parish. East Baton Rouge, Orleans, and Jefferson also maintains a constant population count following their increase in 1980.
Population Change
2010-2018
In the late 1990s, the US Army established Camp Polk, a joint training readiness center in Vernon Parish. Following its establishment, the area experienced an increase in surrounding business and development. In recent years however, Vernon Parish has experienced a negative change in population.
St. Bernard Parish, located on the south-eastern tip, is reported to be among the fastest growing parishes in Louisiana. While its population count does not exceed parishes like Orleans and Baton Rouge, it experiences the greatest changes in population. Similar parishes that experience positive population changes include Bossier, Lafayette, and notably St. Tammany. With the construction of the expressway connecting St. Tammany to Orleans in the late 1900s, St. Tammany parish experienced a boost in urban sprawl in the years to follow.
In Light of Katrina
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused devastating effects on Louisiana. More specifically the coastal parishes like St. Bernard, Jefferson, and Orleans that already had a high population count. The effects ranged from damages to coastal areas to destruction of homes and displacement of citizens. From 1950 up to the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina, St. Tammany experienced a change from "sparsely populated" urban areas to suburban growth. Following Katrina, St. Tammany still observes a positive population change. Similarly, Orleans maintains a relative population increase prior and following hurricane Katrina.
1950 to 2018
While the changes in population that occur in Louisiana appeared random, growth patterns can be identified. The parishes with high concentrations of population typically occur in the southern part of Louisiana and spill over to adjacent parishes. Another trend that can be identified is the depopulation trend that begins around 1960. Though it is not as evident as the increase in population count for counties in the North West like Bossier and Caddo , dispersion can be noticed between 1950 to 2018 from less populated parishes like Tensas and Concordia.
Louisiana's Capital: East Baton Rouge
New Orleans 10 years after Hurricane Katrina
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. Similar to New Orleans, it is the home of a contemporary culture of art and theater. The capital is a diverse mix of cultural traditions and musical attractions. The old capital state building and historical locations like the Old Arsenal Powder Magazine Museum, and the USS KIDD Veterans Museum are just a few examples locations that can be visited to get a deeper insight into Louisiana's history and culture.
Baton Rouge Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
