Regional Overview

The original Carroll Parish, before it was divided into “East” and “West”, was named in honor of Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Carroll Parish was split by the state legislature in 1877, following the Reconstruction era. Today, East Carroll has a total land area of 421 square miles and a population of 7,459 (Census 2020). To view more East Carroll Parish demographics and data, click here.

Founded in 1843 and named for Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Parish is well-known for its annual Catfish Festival with music, attractions, and hundreds of vendors. Today, Franklin has a total land area of 624 square miles and a population of 19,774 (Census 2020). To view more Franklin Parish demographics and data, click here.

In 1845, Jackson Parish was formed from parts of Claiborne, Ouachita, and Union Parishes and named in honor of President Andrew Jackson. Today, Franklin has a total land area of 569 square miles and a population of 15,031 (Census 2020). To view more Jackson Parish demographics and data, click here.

Named for former President James Madison, Madison Parish was formed in 1839. With a history of cotton plantations and pecan farms, the parish economy continues to be primarily agricultural. Today, Madison has a total land area of 624 square miles and a population of 10,017 (Census 2020). To view more Madison Parish demographics and data, click here.

Morehouse Parish was formed in 1844 due to population increases and included parts of what is now Richland Parish. River traffic and the steamboat era had a big impact on the population of Morehouse Parish, as well as the railroad. Today, Morehouse has a total land area of 795 square miles and a population of 25,629 (Census 2020). To view more Morehouse Parish demographics and data, click here.

Founded March 31, 1807, Ouachita is one of 19 parishes created by the division of the Territory of New Orleans. The parish was named after the Ouachita Native people who inhabited the area when it was first discovered and explored by the French. Today, Ouachita has a total land area of 610 square miles and a population of 160,368 (Census 2020). To view more Ouachita Parish demographics and data, click here.

Named its rich production from farming, Richland Parish was created in 1868. Richland is also home to the first public parish library in the State of Louisiana, the Rhymes Memorial Library, built in 1925. Today, Richland has a total land area of 556 square miles and a population of 20,043 (Census 2020). To view more Richland Parish demographics and data, click here.

Created in 1843, Tensas Parish derives its name from the Taensa Native people. The primary crops produced in Tensas are cotton, corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, and rice. Today, Tensas has a total land area of 603 square miles and a population of 4,147 (Census 2020). To view more Tensas Parish demographics and data, click here.

Union Parish, created in 1839, is home to Lake D’arbonne State Park and the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. Union is also known for its annual Watermelon and Mayhaw festivals. Today, Union has a total land area of 877 square miles and a population of 21,107 (Census 2020). To view more Union Parish demographics and data, click here.

In 1877, Carroll Parish was divided into “East” and “West” Carroll Parish. West Carroll is home to Louisiana’s only World Heritage Site, Poverty Point National Monument. Today, West Carroll has a total land area of 360 square miles and a population of 9,751 (Census 2020). To view more West Carroll Parish demographics and data, click here.