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First
settled by 17th century French and Spanish explorers, Louisiana is well known today for its multicultural heritage with a
flavorful mix of Cajun French, Louisiana Creole, African American and French Canadian influences.
Louisiana is divided into parishes (equivalent to state counties), with Jefferson Parish the largest by population. New Orleans is the state's largest metropolitan area.
Still
suffering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the loss of thousands of homes and jobs, Louisiana suffered another devastating blow to its fishing industry following the 2010 Gulf oil disaster.
That said, the good news is that Louisiana is poised for an economic rebuilding boom
in the years ahead with jobs in healthcare and tourism leading the way, coupled with construction jobs on the increase as the Gulf coast remains optimistic for the future.
Louisiana quality-of-life statistics
Demographics
: (Louisiana
Census Data)
Major cities: Baton Rouge (capital), New Orleans
Population : 4,287,768
White : 64.1%
Black, African American : 33.1%
Hispanic : 2.8%
High school graduates : 74.8%
Bachelor's degree or higher : 18.7%
Average household income: $35,216
Cost
of Living: Louisiana's cost of living is 16.67% lower
than the U.S. average.
Property
Taxes : Louisiana
Tax Climate - Combined
per capita FY 2002 equaled $502 making Louisiana 5th lowest
nationally in property tax collections.
Housing
& Real Estate Overview :
Home ownership rate : 67.9%
Average home price: $136,600
Average travel time to work : 25 minutes
Personal Income Taxes: Louisiana collects income taxes in three tax brackets - 2 percent, 4 percent and 6 percent - depending upon the amount of income earned and filing status. Retiree-friendly, Louisiana makes exempt Social Security, military, and government pensions from state income taxes. In addition, all
residents 65 or older may exclude up to $6,000 of annual retirement income from their taxable income.
Schools
: As is generally the case nationwide, and especially in the south generally, education ratings rise with the local tax base. To offset the disadvantages in poverty stricken urban and rural areas, the state has initiated the High Performing/High Poverty School Initative. For more information see Louisiana
Department of Education
Weather
: Although Louisiana winters are mild, during the summer
the general climate ranks among the hottest and most humid
locations in the U.S. Temperatures are somewhat cooler along
the Gulf Coast where thunderstorms are frequent, and hurricanes
- like the devastation caused by Katrina - are a constant
threat.
Crime
: see Louisiana
Crime Rates
also
see -> Louisiana
Taxes | Louisiana
Eviction Laws | Louisiana
Tourism
Louisiana
Wineries | Christmas
in Louisiana
Louisiana
Kids Party Locations
More
about relocating to Louisiana around the Web:
About
Louisiana - The official state site offering demographic and census
data, links to education & government services, major
tourist attractions, chambers of commerce, history & culture,
weather facts.
Official
Baton Rouge Government Website - Facts & information
for residents, newcomers & visitors including government
services, taxes, maps & property information.
Louisiana
population & demographics data - Sperling's Best Places - Detailed overview with data on cost of living, housing &
real estate, economy & education. Also searchable by city
or town.
Louisiana
City-Data Forums - Active discussions on pros and
cons of moving, housing & real estate, apartment renting,
and cost of living in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport,
Lafayette and other towns & cities throughout the state.
Louisiana real estate, apartments & job classifieds:
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