Parishes
Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish is located in northeast Louisiana.
| Land area | 611.0 square miles (391,035 acres) |
| Water area | 21.8 square miles (13,930 acres) |
| Estimated population (2007) | 149,259 |
| In 2007 health care and social assistance was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average wage per job of $31,181. | |
| Per capita income grew by 13.9%. | |
Located on the Ouachita River, the parish, Monroe and West Monroe offer a taste of Louisiana history, art, entertainment, food and family fun. The Parish is bordered by Union Parish (north); Morehouse Parish (northeast); Richland Parish (east); Caldwell Parish (south), Jackson Parish (southeast) and Lincoln Parish (west).
Begin your adventures at the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Foundation, consisting of a Bible Museum and Research Center, the family home, and Elsong Gardens. Browse through the Masur Museum of Art, a gothic home of permanent collections as well as special exhibits. Discover West Monroe’s Antique Alley, a three-block array of interesting shops in 1880s buildings. Enjoy a family outing at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Experience unforgettable food: stewed vegetables, smoked meats, steaming biscuits, a cool slice of pie...the southern blue-plate feast.
With a medley of attractions and quality hotels, Monroe and West Monroe have a menu sure to satisfy your vacation cravings.
| People and Income Overview (by place of residence) |
|
| Population (2006) | 149,259 |
| Growth (since 1990) | 5.0% |
| Households (2000) | 55,216 |
| Labor Force (persons in 2006) | 71,950 |
| Unemployment Rate (2006) | 3.7% |
| Per Capita Personal Income (2005) | $27,397 |
| Median Household Income (2004) | $32,969 |
| Poverty Rate (2004) | 21.2% |
| High School Diploma or more - Adults 25+ (2000) | 78.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree or more - Adults 25+ (2000) | 22.7% |
| Industry Overview (2006) (by place of work) |
|
| Covered Employment | 71,134 |
| Average wage per job | $31,102 |
| Manufacturing - all jobs in Parish | 10.0% |
| Average wage per job | $46,181 |
| Transportation and Warehousing - all jobs in Parish | 2.6% |
| Average wage per job | $36,362 |
| Healthcare, Social Assistance - all jobs in Parish | 16.2% |
| Average wage per job | $31,181 |
| Finance and Insurance - all jobs in Parish | 4.9% |
| Average wage per job | $37,138 |
Parish Seat
Cities
City of Monroe - Mayor James E. Mayo
Town of Sterlington - Mayor Vern Breland
Town of West Monroe - Mayor Dave Norris
Town of Richwood - Mayor Steve B. Hunter
Parish Government
Ouachita Parish Police Jury
P.O. Box 3007
Monroe, LA 71210
Telephone: (318) 327-1340
Fax: (318) 327-1339
Email: bcammack@oppj.org
President - Shane Smiley
Vice President - Ruby Blade
Acting Recording Secretary - Deborah Sewell
Police Jury Members
District A - Charles Jackson, III
District B - Mack Calhoun
District C - Walter M. Caldwell, IV
District D - Dorth Blade
District E - Shane Smiley
District G - Pat Moore
More information about the Louisiana Police Jury
Contact this Parish
Monroe / West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau
601 Constitution Drive
P.O. Box 1436
West Monroe, LA 71292
1-800-843-1872
318-387-5691, Phone
318-324-1752, Fax
For more information, contact the following partners listed in the partners section
- Monroe Chamber of Commerce
- City of Monroe Economic Development
- I-20 Economic Development District Renewal, INC
- Sterlington Chamber of Commerce
- African American Chamber of Commerce
- West Monroe Chamber of Commerce
- City of West Monroe Economic Development
- Southside Economic Development District
- Greater Ouachita Port Commission
- Calhoun Chamber of Commerce
Community Economic Development Website Connections
West Monroe, LA Website
Richwood, LA Website
Sterlington, LA Website
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