County Crime & Safety

Jefferson County, LA, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the overall crime rate was approximately 32.7 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime at 5.4 and property crime at 27.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively encourages public involvement in crime reporting, with over 70% of incidents reported via local hotlines and online portals. While property crimes are the most common, recent initiatives have led to a 6% reduction in violent crimes since 2022, reflecting improved community safety efforts and policing strategies.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson Parish, LA, had a population of 440,781. The median age was 39.7 years, with 51.7% female and 48.3% male residents. Racially, the parish was 55.6% White (non-Hispanic), 27.0% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 0.7% Native American; 4.7% identified as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 16.8% of the population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Jefferson County, LA, hosts over 80 public schools, including 16 high schools, and several private and charter options. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 28% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average statewide performance score is 78.6 (2022), close to the Louisiana average. School safety initiatives, including campus resource officers, have reduced incidents by 15% over five years. Adult education centers and robust programs such as STEM, dual enrollment, and career tech initiatives help bolster college and workforce readiness for Jefferson County’s diverse student body.

Jefferson Parish, LA, boasts an employment rate of approximately 59.4%. Major industries include healthcare (15%), retail trade (12%), and accommodation and food services (11%). Top occupation types are office and administrative support (14%), sales (11%), and management (10%). The average commute is about 26 minutes, with over 83% of workers driving alone. While many residents work locally, about 12% commute to nearby New Orleans. These figures highlight Jefferson Parish's diverse economy and its integration with the greater metropolitan area. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 ACS)

Jefferson Parish, LA, features a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $232,000 and median monthly rents at approximately $1,100. Housing options range from single-family homes to apartments, particularly in neighborhoods like Metairie, Kenner, and Old Jefferson. Recent market trends show moderate value appreciation of 3-5% annually. Property tax rates average 0.58%, notably lower than the national average, making homeownership relatively affordable. The housing market is diverse, with a strong mix of owner-occupied and rental units.

Elections

Jefferson County, Louisiana, with over 258,000 registered voters as of 2023, conducts primary, general, and run-off elections for local, state, and federal offices. Major parties include Democrats and Republicans; in the 2020 presidential election, 55% voted Republican and 43% Democrat. Over 90 polling locations serve the parish. Election issues commonly involve coastal restoration and flood management. The Jefferson Parish Registrar of Voters administers registrations, while the Clerk of Court oversees election logistics, ensuring compliance with state electoral laws and transparency in results.