Richland Parish, LA

Richland Parish is a parish located in the northeastern part of the state of Louisiana, United States. The parish seat is Rayville, and the largest town is also Rayville. Richland Parish was established in 1868, and it is part of the Monroe, Louisiana metropolitan area.

History

Richland Parish was created on September 29, 1868, from portions of Morehouse Parish, Ouachita Parish, Franklin Parish, and Carroll Parish. The parish was named for the rich and fertile soil found in the region.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 564 square miles (1,460 km²), of which 559 square miles (1,450 km²) is land and 5.1 square miles (13 km²) (0.9%) is water. The parish is characterized by its flat terrain and fertile soil, which is ideal for agriculture.

Adjacent Parishes

• Morehouse Parish (north)
• West Carroll Parish (northeast)
• East Carroll Parish (east)
• Madison Parish (southeast)
• Franklin Parish (south)
• Ouachita Parish (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Richland Parish was 20,122. The population density was approximately 36 people per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was predominantly White and African American, with small percentages of other races.

Economy

The economy of Richland Parish is largely based on agriculture, with major crops including cotton, corn, soybeans, and rice. The parish also has a significant presence of livestock farming. Additionally, the parish benefits from its proximity to the Monroe metropolitan area, which provides additional economic opportunities.

Education

Richland Parish is served by the Richland Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area. The parish is also home to a number of private and parochial schools.

Communities

Towns

• Delhi
• Mangham
• Rayville (parish seat)

Villages

• Start
• Holly Ridge

Unincorporated Communities

• Archibald
• Alto
• Girard

Notable People

• John H. Overton, U.S. Senator from Louisiana
• Buddy Caldwell, former Attorney General of Louisiana

See Also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Richland Parish, Louisiana
• Louisiana