Louisiana, with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, grapples with numerous challenges, including hurricanes, floods, poverty, crime, and environmental degradation. These factors have spurred a population decline in many of its towns and parishes, as residents seek better opportunities and living conditions elsewhere. Here are five Louisiana towns experiencing significant population exodus, according to recent census data and news reports.
St. John the Baptist Parish
Located in southeast Louisiana along the Mississippi River, St. John the Baptist Parish is home to approximately 42,000 people. However, it has seen a population decrease of 4.4% between 2021 and 2022, ranking second in the U.S. for population loss. The parish has endured severe natural disasters, such as Hurricane Ida in 2021, leading to extensive damage and power outages. Additionally, high poverty, crime, unemployment rates, and low educational attainment exacerbate its challenges.
Terrebonne Parish
Another southeast Louisiana parish, Terrebonne Parish, experienced a notable population decline of 3.9% between 2021 and 2022, ranking third in the nation. With a population of around 108,000, primarily centered in the city of Houma, the parish faces threats from coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and storm surges, endangering its economy and infrastructure. Social and economic issues like low median income, high poverty rates, and racial disparities further compound its challenges.
Plaquemines Parish
As Louisiana’s southernmost parish, Plaquemines Parish, home to roughly 22,000 people, witnessed a population decrease of 3.6% between 2021 and 2022, ranking fifth nationally. Positioned at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the parish confronts flooding, saltwater intrusion, and land loss. Additionally, it contends with high poverty rates, low median income, and inadequate access to healthcare and education.
Caddo Parish
Located in northwest Louisiana, Caddo Parish has a population of approximately 240,000 people. Experiencing a 1.8% population decline between 2021 and 2022, it ranks 20th in the U.S. The city of Shreveport, within Caddo Parish, has grappled with economic decline, crime, and blight. High poverty rates, low median income, and limited educational opportunities compound the challenges faced by the parish.
East Baton Rouge Parish
With a population of about 440,000, East Baton Rouge Parish is Louisiana’s most populous. However, it saw a 1.6% population decrease between 2021 and 2022, ranking 23rd nationally. Home to the state capital of Baton Rouge, the parish contends with political and social unrest, racial and economic inequality, and high crime rates. These issues, coupled with low median income and health rankings, contribute to its population decline.
Conclusion
These towns exemplify the challenges facing Louisiana, prompting residents to seek better prospects elsewhere. While some communities may rebound, others face continued decline. Louisiana requires increased attention and support from federal, state, private, and nonprofit sectors to address its pressing issues effectively.