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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