Saint James County Public RecordsLouisiana

Saint James Parish, Louisiana, reports moderate crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 2,350 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (such as burglary and theft) accounting for around 65% of reported cases. Violent crime rates were lower, with about 320 incidents per 100,000 people. The sheriff’s office encourages community reporting, contributing to a 90% clearance rate for violent offenses. Although safer than many neighboring parishes, residents are advised to practice general safety measures and remain vigilant in their communities.

Saint James Parish, Louisiana, has around 11 public schools, including two high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 83%, and approximately 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school performance score is 67.6 (out of 150), placing the district below the state average. Adult education is supported by nearby community colleges. School safety measures include security personnel and emergency drills. Educational programs feature dual-enrollment and vocational training, aiming to improve college and career readiness for students in the parish.

As of 2022, St. James Parish, LA, had an employment rate of approximately 55%. Key industries include manufacturing (28%), health care (13%), and construction (10%). The predominant occupations are production (24%), office/administrative (14%), and transportation (10%). About 77% of workers commute outside their place of residence, with an average commute time of 27 minutes, mostly by car. Major employment locations include chemical plants along the Mississippi River and nearby Baton Rouge and New Orleans metropolitan areas.

Saint James Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, above the national average, while renter-occupied housing is around 26%. The median home value is approximately $169,000, with median gross rents near $820 monthly. Housing types include mostly single-family homes, with a mix of historic and newer construction, concentrated in neighborhoods like Lutcher, Gramercy, and Convent. Property values have shown modest growth, with prices up roughly 6% year-over-year. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.3% of home value, making the area affordable compared to other regions in Louisiana.

As of 2022, St. James Parish, Louisiana has a population of about 20,265. The median age is 40.2 years. Approximately 48.9% are male and 51.1% female. Racially, around 49.6% identify as Black or African American, 47.7% as White, 1.7% as Hispanic or Latino, and 0.7% as Asian. The community is predominantly non-Hispanic, reflecting the region’s historic demographics.

Saint James Parish, Louisiana, had approximately 15,400 registered voters in 2023, with registration split among Democrats (about 62%), Republicans (28%), and Others (10%). The parish holds federal, state, and local elections, with recent turnout in the 2020 presidential election at 64%. Voting typically takes place at 15 polling locations across towns like Lutcher and Vacherie. Key issues include flood control and education. Election administration is handled by the St. James Parish Clerk of Court. Democratic candidates have historically dominated local results, though Republican votes have increased in federal races.