New Orleans is a major city in Louisiana and is located in Orleans Parish. The city is located in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered by Lake Pontchartrain to the north and by the Mississippi River to the south. Orleans Parish is the largest parish in Louisiana and is the most populous parish in the state.
New Orleans is a unique city in the United States, as it is one of the few major cities that is not located in a county. Instead, the city is located in Orleans Parish, which is equivalent to a county in other states. The city is home to a diverse range of cultures and has a rich history that stretches back to the French colonization of Louisiana in the 1700s.
History of Orleans Parish
Orleans Parish was established in 1807 and was named after Philippe d’Orléans, the Duke of Orléans and Regent of France. The city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, and the parish was established to provide a governmental structure for the city.
In the first half of the 19th century, the population of Orleans Parish, and of New Orleans specifically, grew rapidly. The city was a major port city and was a hub for trade from the Caribbean, Europe, and other parts of the United States. The population of Orleans Parish peaked in the late 19th century and has declined since then.
Demographics of Orleans Parish
In 2020, the population of Orleans Parish was estimated to be 451,000, making it the most populous parish in Louisiana. The population of the city of New Orleans is estimated to be 390,000, making it the most populous city in Louisiana. The population of the parish is made up of a diverse range of cultures, with the largest groups being African-American, White, and Hispanic.
The median household income in Orleans Parish is estimated to be $44,000, which is slightly below the median household income in the state of Louisiana. The poverty rate in Orleans Parish is estimated to be 22.7%, which is slightly higher than the poverty rate in the state of Louisiana.
Economy of Orleans Parish
Orleans Parish has a vibrant economy, with the largest industries being tourism, health care, education, and hospitality. The port of New Orleans is one of the largest ports in the United States and is a major hub for trade in the region.
The unemployment rate in Orleans Parish is estimated to be 5.4%, which is slightly below the unemployment rate in the state of Louisiana. The median home value in Orleans Parish is estimated to be $209,000, which is slightly above the median home value in the state of Louisiana.
Education in Orleans Parish
Orleans Parish is served by the Orleans Parish School Board, which is responsible for operating the public schools in the parish. The school district is the largest in the state of Louisiana and includes more than 80 schools. The school district has a total enrollment of more than 45,000 students.
In addition to the public school system, Orleans Parish is home to a number of private and parochial schools. The Tulane University and the University of New Orleans are both located in Orleans Parish.