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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. Nearby 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, the good news is that Louisiana is poised for an economic rebuilding boom in the years ahead.

• 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
  
  
• Crime : see Louisiana Crime Rates 1960 - 2005
  
  
• 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
  
  
• Schools : 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 devasation caused by Katrina - are a constant threat.
  

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:

• New Orleans : Times-Picayune
• Shreveport : Times
• Baton Rouge : Advocate

also see -> Louisiana Beaches | Louisiana Eviction Laws

Louisiana Taxes | Louisiana Tourist Attractions

Louisiana Wine Tours | Christmas in Louisiana

also see in House & Home -> Apartment Renting | Buying Foreclosures

Home Buying | Home Energy Savings | Home Insurance | Remodeling