Ouachita Parish, LA

Ouachita Parish
Parish
Location of Ouachita Parish in Louisiana
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Founded	March 31, 1807
Parish seat	Monroe
Area
• Total	631 sq mi (1,634 km2)
• Land	600 sq mi (1,600 km2)
• Water	13 sq mi (34 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	160,368
• Density	250/sq mi (98/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)

Ouachita Parish is a parish located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 160,368. The parish seat is Monroe. The parish was founded on March 31, 1807, and is named after the Ouachita people.

History

Ouachita Parish was one of the original parishes created by the Louisiana Territory legislature in 1807. The area was originally inhabited by the Ouachita Native American tribe, from whom the parish takes its name. The region has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its development during the Reconstruction era.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 1634 square kilometers, of which 1600 square kilometers is land and 34 square kilometers is water. The parish is part of the Monroe, Louisiana metropolitan area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 160,368 people residing in the parish. The population density was approximately 100 people per square kilometer. The racial makeup of the parish was diverse, with a significant percentage of African American and Caucasian residents.

Government and Politics

Ouachita Parish is governed by an elected police jury, which is the legislative and executive body of the parish. The parish is part of Louisiana's 5th congressional district.

Education

The parish is served by the Ouachita Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area. Higher education institutions include University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Transportation

Major highways in the parish include Interstate 20, U.S. Route 165, and Louisiana Highway 15. The Monroe Regional Airport provides air service to the region.

Communities

Cities

• Monroe
• West Monroe

Towns

• Richwood
• Sterlington

Unincorporated communities

• Calhoun
• Swartz

Notable People

• Delta Burke, actress
• Bill Russell, NBA player and coach

See also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• Louisiana
• Monroe, Louisiana
• Ouachita River