Jefferson Parish is a parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of 2000, the population is 455,466.

Geography

The parish has a total area of 1,664 km² (642 mi²). 794 km² (307 mi²) of it is land and 870 km² (336 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 52.29% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 455,466 people, 176,234 households, and 120,191 families residing in the parish. The population density is 574/km² (1,486/mi²). There are 187,907 housing units at an average density of 237/km² (613/mi²). The racial makeup of the parish is 69.82% White, 22.86% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 3.09% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.03% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. 7.12% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Households

There are 176,234 households out of which 31.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.20% are married couples living together, 15.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.80% are non-families. 26.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.13.

Ages

In the parish the population is spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.60 males.

Income

The median income for a household in the parish is $38,435, and the median income for a family is $45,834. Males have a median income of $35,081 versus $24,921 for females. The per capita income for the parish is $19,953. 13.70% of the population and 10.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.00% of those under the age of 18 and 9.80% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.