Ouachita Parish

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

PO Box 1862
Monroe, LA 71210
Phone: (318) 327-1444
Fax: (318) 327-1462

In north-central LA; organized 1807 (prior to statehood). Name Origin: For the Ouachita River, which runs through the parish; named for an Indian tribe of the Natchitoches Confederacy; meaning of the name is unclear

Area (sq mi):: 632.70 (land 610.53; water 22.17) Population per square mile: 242.80
Population 2005: 148,237 State rank: 8 Population change: 2000-20005 0.70%; 1990-2000 3.60% Population 2000: 147,250 (White 63.80%; Black or African American 33.60%; Hispanic or Latino 1.20%; Asian 0.60%; Other 1.20%). Foreign born: 1.00%. Median age: 32.30
Income 2000: per capita $17,084; median household $32,047; Population below poverty level: 20.70% Personal per capita income (2000-2003): $23,107-$26,237
Unemployment (2004): 5.60% Unemployment change (from 2000): 0.10% Median travel time to work: 20.40 minutes Working outside county of residence: 7.50% Cities with population over 10,000:
  • Monroe County seat (52,141)
  • West Monroe (12,990)
    • See other counties in Louisiana.