Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, had a population of approximately 32,250. About 51% were female and 49% male. The median age was 38.5 years. Racially, 74% identified as White, 22% as Black or African American, 2% as Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% as Asian, and roughly 2% as two or more races. Children under 18 made up about 24% of the population, while seniors 65 and older composed around 17%.
County Crime & Safety
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 4.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes stood at 22.5 per 1,000. The parish saw 6 reported violent crimes and 29 property crimes per month. Law enforcement agencies actively report incidents to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, aiding transparency. Safety initiatives focus on patrols and community outreach, contributing to a steady decline in overall crime since 2020. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, further enhancing neighborhood security throughout Jefferson Davis Parish.
Education, Employment and Housing
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, hosts approximately 14 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 77% of adults have at least a high school diploma, while around 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School performance scores average 63.4 (2022 Louisiana Department of Education), indicating a "C" grade. The district emphasizes career and technical education, with adult learning centers supporting GED attainment. School safety initiatives include campus officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational enrichment opportunities range from dual enrollment to special education services, aiming to meet diverse student needs.
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, had an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of March 2024. Key industries include healthcare (17%), retail trade (13%), and education (12%). Major occupation types are office/administrative support (14%) and sales (10%). About 84% of workers drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Most residents work within the parish or commute to nearby cities such as Lake Charles and Lafayette for employment opportunities.
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values near $120,000 and median gross rents around $700 per month. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes. Popular neighborhoods include Jennings, Welsh, and Elton. The area has seen modest property value growth of 3–5% annually in recent years. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.51% of home value, translating to roughly $610 yearly on a median-priced home. Rental vacancy rates hover near 10%.
Elections
Jefferson Davis County is actually located in Mississippi, not Louisiana; however, Jefferson Davis Parish in Louisiana had about 19,000 registered voters in 2023, split mainly between Democrats (44%) and Republicans (39%). Elections include local, state, and federal races, with turnout averaging 50-60% in major cycles. Recent results show Republicans gaining ground in parishwide offices. Key issues include agriculture, education, and flooding. Polling locations are set in towns like Jennings and Welsh, administered by the Parish Registrar of Voters. The main parties are Democrat and Republican, with a small independent presence.
Popular names
- Kimberly Landry
- Robert Fontenot
- David Reed
- George Roberts
- Mary Hebert
- Brenda Trahan
- Gary Roberts
- James Johnson
- Joshua Trahan
- Megan Benoit
- Michael Benoit
- Amanda Fontenot
- Amber Fontenot
- Ashley Cormier
- Charles Benoit
- David Trahan
- James Benoit
- Jessica Wilson
- John Miller
- Joshua Guidry
- Mary Broussard
- Matthew Fontenot
- Michael Cormier
- Michael Gary
- Allen Guidry
- Amanda Trahan
- Anthony Guidry
- Ashley Ardoin
- Brandon Fontenot
- Brittany Fontenot
- Chase Ardoin
- Christopher Guidry
- Daniel Hebert
- David Fontenot
- David Hebert
- Donna Fontenot
- Dylan Landry
- Elizabeth Fontenot
- George Fontenot
- James Miller
- Jennifer Fontenot
- Jeremy Legros
- Jessica Landry
- Jessica Wilcox
- Joseph Miller
- Joshua Richard
- Justin Trahan
- Kevin Trahan
- Mary Boudreaux
- Mary Sonnier
- Mary Thibodeaux
- Michael Fontenot
- Michael Guillory
- Paula Lejeune
- Scott Cormier
- Terry Landry
- Tina Dartez
- Tina Trahan
- William Trahan
- Allison Miller
Other Counties in Louisiana
- Acadia
- Allen
- Ascension
- Assumption
- Avoyelles
- Beauregard
- Bienville
- Bossier
- Caddo
- Calcasieu
- Caldwell
- Cameron
- Catahoula
- Claiborne
- Concordia
- De Soto
- East Baton Rouge
- East Carroll
- East Feliciana
- Evangeline
- Franklin
- Grant
- Iberia
- Iberville
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- La Salle
- Lafayette
- Lafourche
- Lincoln
- Livingston
- Madison
- Morehouse
- Natchitoches
- Orleans
- Ouachita
- Plaquemines
- Pointe Coupee
- Rapides
- Red River
- Richland
- Sabine
- Saint Bernard
- Saint Charles
- Saint Helena
- Saint James
- Saint Landry
- Saint Martin
- Saint Mary
- Saint Tammany