Demographics

As of 2023, Orleans County, LA (New Orleans) has a population of approximately 376,000. The median age is about 38 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. Racially, the population is 59% Black or African American, 33% White, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 2% identifying as two or more races. The county exhibits vibrant diversity, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.

Elections

Orleans Parish, LA, with over 267,000 registered voters as of 2024, holds primary, general, and runoff elections for local, state, and federal offices. The parish has around 133 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% voted Democratic and 16% Republican. The Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters administers elections, and major concerns include election accessibility and hurricane preparedness. Democrats dominate registration, followed by Republicans and Independents. Voter turnout averages 62% in major contests. Key issues influencing elections are crime, education, and infrastructure.

County Crime & Safety

Orleans Parish, Louisiana, which includes New Orleans, consistently reports higher crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the parish recorded approximately 6,900 violent crimes and over 20,000 property crimes, giving a violent crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000. Despite recent initiatives improving safety, crime statistics remain a concern. Law enforcement encourages prompt reporting, and ongoing community efforts aim to further reduce crime rates across Orleans Parish.

Education, Employment and Housing

Orleans Parish (New Orleans), LA, has 86 public schools serving K-12, with high school graduation rates around 77%. Roughly 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school ratings are 5/10 on GreatSchools. School safety measures include resource officers and emergency protocols, though security challenges persist. The city offers multiple adult education programs, including GED and workforce training, at institutions like Delgado Community College. Educational offerings span STEM, arts, and career tech programs, supporting diverse learning needs.

Orleans Parish, Louisiana, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 61.2%, with an unemployment rate around 5.2% (2022 ACS). Major industries include healthcare/social assistance (19%), accommodation/food services (12%), and educational services (10%). Occupation types are led by management, business, science, and arts occupations (37%), followed by service occupations (24%). About 69% of workers commute alone by car, while 6% use public transportation; the average commute time is 25.4 minutes. Most residents work within the parish, though a significant portion commutes to neighboring Jefferson Parish.

Orleans Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of about 47%, with a median property value around $272,000 in 2023. Approximately 53% of residents rent, paying a median rent of $1,154 monthly. Housing types range from historic Creole cottages and shotgun homes in neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Marigny to modern condos in Uptown. Property values have risen modestly, about 3% year-over-year. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.8% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods for homeowners include Lakeview and Algiers Point, while rentals concentrate in Central City and Mid-City.