Bossier Parish, located in northwestern Louisiana, is home to approximately 129,000 residents. It is a part of the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area and boasts a median household income of $59,041. Nonetheless, there are areas within the parish that do not share the same level of economic well-being.
Based on 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, certain neighborhoods within Bossier Parish exhibit high poverty rates and low income levels. Here, we list the five neighborhoods with the highest poverty rates in the parish.
Plain Dealing
This northern parish town has 1,015 residents, with a poverty rate of 40.7%. The typical household earns $25,833, and homes are valued at around $65,800.
Established in 1833, the town earned its name for its reputation for honesty and fair trade practices. Unfortunately, it has faced challenges like economic decline and a decrease in population in recent times.
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Red Chute
This area in the central part of the parish, known as a census-designated place (CDP), has around 6,436 residents. The poverty rate here is 28.9%. The typical household earns about $36,250, and the average home is valued at $117,100.
The CDP got its name from a stream that passes through it, which was reddish due to iron deposits. It’s close to Barksdale Air Force Base, which offers job options for locals.
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Benton
This northeastern town in the parish has about 2,092 residents. Around 26.8% of the population lives in poverty. The average household earns about $38,750 a year, and homes are typically valued at around $131,300.
This town, established in 1843, serves as the parish’s central administrative hub. It was named after U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri. Noteworthy attractions include the town’s historic courthouse and the yearly Christmas on the Square festival.
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Eastwood
In the southeast of this parish, there’s a CDP with a population of 4,093. The poverty rate here is 23.9%. The average household income is $41,667, and the typical home is valued at $95,900.
This CDP, created in 1960, was designed as a suburban area for those employed at Barksdale Air Force Base. It offers a public park and a golf course for leisure activities.
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Bossier City
This town in the south of the parish has around 69,584 people living in it. About 18% of the population face poverty. The average household earns about $49,207, and the typical home is valued at $156,900. This town is the biggest and most developed in the area and became an official city in 1907.
Initially, it was known for its railroads and as a hub for oil production. Nowadays, it’s a lively place for fun, shopping, and gambling, hosting many casinos and resorts along the Red River.
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Final Words
Here are the five poorest areas in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. While each has its own unique background and features, they all face similar difficulties such as low incomes, high poverty levels, and limited prospects.
Yet, these neighborhoods also possess potential advantages and resources that could be utilized for growth and progress. With a comprehensive understanding of their circumstances and requirements, policymakers and community leaders could create plans to tackle their challenges and improve their overall well-being.
