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PARISH PLANNING BASELINE |
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Jefferson Davis Parish
Jefferson Davis Parish is in the southwest portion of the state, inland from the coastal parish of Cameron. The parish is moderately populated and the economy relies on support of the Gulf oil and gas industry - a fitting role since the first land oil rig in the state gushed here in 1901. Agriculture and fishing also support the parish economy.
The parish is a travel destination for tourists seeking to experience the unique Cajun culture of the state. From listening to a zydeco band at a local festival to enjoying world-famous Cajun and Creole dishes of crawfish and rice, Jefferson Davis has much to offer visitors and residents alike.
When Jefferson Davis residents were asked what they valued most about their parish, many mentioned the parish's rural lifestyle:
“We treasure our small town atmosphere while being close to major cities. We like our locally owned utilities and good community leadership. We value our fishing industry, our agriculture, and our reputation as a sportsman’s paradise.”
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- The parish was named for the first and only President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis.
- Jefferson Davis Parish leads the state in rice production. The parish also produces soybeans, corn, beef cattle, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetable crops. Forestry, especially timber, remains a viable industry as well.
- Jefferson Davis Parish has 652 sq. miles in land area and a population density of 47.9 per square mile. In the last three decades of the 1900s, its population grew by 6.4%.
- The average household size is 2.70 persons compared to an average family size of 3.18 persons.
- In 2004 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average wage per job of $16,188. Per capita income grew by 18.3% between 1993 and 2003 (adjusted for inflation).
- The parish seat is Jennings.
- Larger communities are Elton, Fenton, Jennings, Lacassine, Lake Arthur and Welsh.
- Pre-storm, the population was 32,000.
- Significant economic interests are Public Administration (local government and schools), support services for mining of oil and gas, light manufacturing, chemical firms, Louisiana Technical College, aquaculture (crawfish), retail and warehousing.
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