Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana

Jefferson Davis Parish (: Paroisse de Jefferson Davis) is a located in the  of. The is. As of 2000, its population was 31,435. Jefferson Davis Parish is named after the president of the during the,. It is located in southwestern Louisiana and forms a part of the region. In 2005, the parish was damaged significantly by, 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.

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

Major Highways

 * [[Image:I-10.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:US 90.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:US 165.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:LA 14.PNG|20px]]
 * [[Image:LA 26.PNG|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 97.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 99.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 101.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 102.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 380.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 382.svg|20px]]
 * [[Image:Louisiana 395.svg|20px]]

Airports

 * Jennings, (3R7)

Adjacent parishes

 * (north)
 * (northeast)
 * (east)
 * (southeast)
 * (south)
 * (west)
 * (northwest)

Demographics
As of the of 2000, there were 31,435 people, 11,480 households, and 8,529 families residing in the parish. The was 19/km² (48/sq mi). There were 12,824 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (20/sq mi). The racial makeup of the parish was 80.60%, 17.79% or , 0.38% , 0.19% , 0.01% , 0.20% from , and 0.82% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were or  of any race. 16.15% of the population reported speaking or  at home.

There were 11,480 households out of which 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were 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 for the parish was $13,398. About 18.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the, 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.