Ascension Parish is a region in Louisiana, USA. In 2020, it had a population of 126,500. The area is recognized for its festivals, culture, and food, but it also contains neighborhoods facing financial difficulties and poverty.
This article will delve into the five most poorest neighborhoods in Ascension Parish, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau regarding median household income and poverty rates.
Donaldsonville
Ascension Parish’s oldest and most important city is Donaldsonville, which also holds the distinction of being the parish seat. It has roughly 7,000 people and a diversified population, and it has a long and illustrious past.
On the other hand, with a median household income of only $29,000, it has the lowest income of any parish in the area. The rate of poverty in Donaldsonville is 34.6%, which is over three times greater than the average rate of 12% found throughout the parish.
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Sorrento
Sorrento is a small town with approximately 1,500 residents situated close to the Amite River. It was established in 1909 by Italian immigrants who named it after their hometown in Italy.
The typical household income in Sorrento is $36,000, which is lower than the state average of $51,000. The poverty rate in Sorrento stands at 23.9%, which is nearly double the parish average of 12%.
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Gonzales
Gonzales, in Ascension Parish, is the most populous city with around 11,000 residents. It’s famous for being the “Jambalaya Capital of the World” and holds a yearly Jambalaya Festival.
The typical household income here is $46,000, just under the parish average of $48,000. Unfortunately, the poverty rate in Gonzales is 18.8%, which is higher than the parish average of 12%.
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Lemannville
Along the banks of the Mississippi River is where you’ll find the census-designated place (CDP) of Lemannville, home to approximately one thousand inhabitants. The area was given its current name in honor of George Lemann, a German immigrant who settled there in the 19th century and established a sugar plantation.
The average income for a household in Lemannville is $48,000, which is not far off from the median income of $47,000 in Lemannville. The rate of poverty in Lemannville is 17%, which is significantly higher than the average rate of poverty in the parish, which is 12%.
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Prairieville
Prairieville is a growing community with around 32,000 residents situated to the south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It’s known for its rapid development, drawing in numerous families and businesses.
The typical household income in Prairieville stands at $87,000, surpassing the parish average of $48,000. Nevertheless, the poverty rate in Prairieville is slightly elevated at 13%, compared to the parish average of 12%.
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Final Words
Here are the five most poorest neighborhoods in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. While each has its unique background, culture, and population makeup, they face similar issues like poverty, joblessness, and a lower standard of living.
Yet, they also possess valuable qualities like diversity, resilience, and a strong sense of community. By tackling their problems and bolstering their positive attributes, these neighborhoods can uplift their economic and social circumstances. This, in turn, will benefit both Ascension Parish and Louisiana as a whole.
