JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH, LOUISIANA

'Jefferson Davis Parish' (French: ''Paroisse de Jefferson Davis'') is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Jennings. As of 2000, its population was 31,435. Jefferson Davis Parish is named after the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, Jefferson Davis. It is located in southwestern Louisiana and forms a part of the Acadiana region. In 2005, the parish was damaged significantly by Hurricane Rita, which caused much wind damage and flooding in the western part of the parish. The storm also caused Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge to be affected by saltwater intrusion.

Contents

Geography

Major Highways

Airports

Adjacent parishes

Demographics

History

Cities and towns

Geography

The parish has a total area of 1,706 km² (659 mi²). 1,689 km² (652 mi²) of it is land and 16 km² (6 mi²) of it (0.95%) is water.

Major Highways

★ Interstate 10

★ U.S. Highway 90

★ U.S. Highway 165

★ Louisiana Highway 14

★ Louisiana Highway 26

★ Louisiana Highway 97

★ Louisiana Highway 99

★ Louisiana Highway 101

★ Louisiana Highway 102

★ Louisiana Highway 380

★ Louisiana Highway 382

★ Louisiana Highway 395

Airports

★ Jennings, (3R7)

Adjacent parishes

★ Allen Parish (north)

★ Evangeline Parish (northeast)

★ Acadia Parish (east)

★ Vermilion Parish (southeast)

★ Cameron Parish (south)

★ Calcasieu Parish (west)

★ Beauregard Parish (northwest)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 31,435 people, 11,480 households, and 8,529 families residing in the parish. The population density was 19/km² (48/mi²). There were 12,824 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (20/mi²). The racial makeup of the parish was 80.60% White, 17.79% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.15% of the population reported speaking French or Cajun French at home.&ea=&order=r
There were 11,480 households out of which 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 13.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 22.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the parish the population was spread out with 29.30% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the parish was $27,736, and the median income for a family was $33,129. Males had a median income of $28,279 versus $18,668 for females. The per capita income for the parish was $13,398. About 18.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 19.90% of those age 65 or over.

History

Jefferson Davis Parish was one of the last incorporated Parishes in the state of Louisiana. Originally a part of Imperial Calcasieu Parish, it became a separate entity in the year 1912. Jefferson Davis Parish is also a part of the Acadiana Region of Louisiana. It is named after the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis.
It is comprised of five incorporated towns including Elton, Fenton, Jennings, Lake Arthur, and Welsh. There are also many unincorporated areas that add to the interest and economic structure of the parish including Barnsdall, Buller, China, Coverdale, Edna, Foremans Hall, Hathaway, Illinois Plant, Lacassine, Lauderdale, Panchoville, Pine Island, Raymond, Roanoke, Silverwood, Thornwell, Topsy, Verret, and Woodlawn. With a population of approximately 31,435 and a total land area of 652 square miles, Jeff Davis Parish is a quaint, rural community that is strategically positioned for success. Centered between New Orleans and Houston, each less than 200 miles away, Jeff Davis Parish can be easily accessed for business ventures. Interstate 10 runs east and west through the center of the parish, providing quick, easy access to our markets. Additionally, Union Pacific Railroad is centrally located within the parish and the Mermentau River, which connects to the Intracoastal Waterway and has a channel depth of nine feet, provides access to the Port of Mermentau. The Jennings Airport, with a runway length of 5000 feet, is capable of landing a small jet and is conveniently located next to Interstate 10. Thanks to these and many other attributes within our community, the overall economic outlook for our parish is promising.
Jeff Davis is heralded as a prime hunting and fishing playground, luring sportsmen from all over to enjoy the beauty of wildlife. The beautiful Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is right in the Jeff Davis backyard and provides an escape that is beyond compare.
The parish is steeped in diversity, combining a variety of cultures and rich heritage. An eclectic blend of the Native American Indians, Cajuns and Creole French flavors much of the cuisine, music, art, and architecture of Jeff Davis Parish.

Cities and towns

★ Elton ★ Fenton

★ Jennings ★ Lake Arthur

★ Welsh ★ Lacassine

★ Roanoke