Washington Parish, LA

Washington Parish is a parish located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 45,463. The parish seat is Franklinton. The parish was founded in 1819 and is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Geography

Washington Parish is part of the Bogalusa, Louisiana micropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 676 square miles (1,750 km²), of which 670 square miles (1,700 km²) is land and 6.3 square miles (16 km²) (0.9%) is water.

Adjacent parishes

• Pike County, Mississippi (north)
• Walthall County, Mississippi (northeast)
• Marion County, Mississippi (east)
• Pearl River County, Mississippi (southeast)
• St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana (south)
• Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 45,463 people, 17,000 households, and 11,000 families residing in the parish. The population density was 68 people per square mile (26/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 70% White, 27% African American, and 3% from other races.

Economy

The economy of Washington Parish is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. The parish is known for its production of timber and poultry. The Bogalusa Paper Mill is one of the largest employers in the area.

Education

Washington Parish is served by the Washington Parish School System, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The parish is also home to the Northshore Technical Community College.

Transportation

Major highways in Washington Parish include Louisiana Highway 10, Louisiana Highway 21, and Louisiana Highway 25. The parish is also served by the Bogalusa Municipal Airport.

Communities

Cities

• Bogalusa

Towns

• Franklinton

Villages

• Angie
• Varnado

Unincorporated communities

• Mount Hermon
• Enon

Notable people

• Hank Williams Jr., country music singer, and songwriter, has a residence in Washington Parish.
• Jimmie Davis, former Governor of Louisiana, was born in Washington Parish.

See also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington Parish, Louisiana
• Washington Parish School System