St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, is a suburban area situated on the northern shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain, directly across from New Orleans. It stands out as one of the state’s fastest-growing and wealthiest parishes, boasting a median household income of $70,986 and a population of 273,263 as of 2022.
Yet, not all residents within St. Tammany Parish share the same level of prosperity and well-being. There exist pockets of poverty and disadvantage that starkly contrast with the overall affluence of the parish.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s records, the poverty rate in St. Tammany Parish stood at 14% in 2021, surpassing the national average of 12.8%. This indicates that approximately 37,285 individuals in the parish were living below the poverty line, which was defined as $26,246 for a family of four in 2021.
The prevalence of poverty showed significant disparities based on factors such as race, age, educational attainment, and geographic location within the parish. Below are some of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in St. Tammany Parish:
Slidell
This town holds the highest poverty rate in the parish, where 20% of its residents fall below the poverty line. Situated in the southeastern corner of the parish, it rests along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Its population stands at 28,097, with a median household income of $54,909.
Slidell is also recognized for its yearly celebrations, including the Camellia City Festival, the Arts Evening, the Olde Towne Fall Festival, and the Christmas Under the Stars event.
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Mandeville
This city, located in the western part of the parish along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, holds the second-highest poverty rate in the area, with 11% of its population living below the poverty level. It has a population of 13,163 and a median household income of $75,579.
Furthermore, Mandeville offers several noteworthy attractions. These include the Mandeville Trailhead, a central point for the Tammany Trace bike trail and host to a weekly community market; the Dew Drop Jazz Hall, one of the oldest jazz venues in the country; the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, showcasing artifacts and models from maritime history and culture; and Fontainebleau State Park, featuring a beach, campground, fishing pier, and a historic sugar mill.
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Covington
This city, situated in the central part of the parish near the Bogue Falaya River, holds the third-highest poverty rate in the area, with 10% of its population living below the poverty line. It has a population of 10,925 and a median household income of $51,750.
Covington, a city steeped in history, takes pride in maintaining its cultural legacy and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Positioned at the junction of the Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte rivers, it boasts a downtown area adorned with numerous historic structures, notable landmarks, and monuments.
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Abita Springs
This town, situated in the northeastern part of the parish near the Abita River, holds the fourth-highest poverty rate in the area, with 9% of its residents living below the poverty level. It has a population of 2,584 and a median household income of $60,625.
Abita Springs is a charming community that takes pride in its natural beauty and creative energy. It is renowned for its artesian springs, which yield pristine water used for both drinking and brewing purposes.
Additionally, Abita Springs is the proud home of the Abita Brewing Company, a major player in Louisiana’s craft beer scene, offering tours and tastings of their diverse beer selections.
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Lacombe
Lacombe, a designated census area (CDP), is home to 8,679 residents. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, it lies between Mandeville and Slidell.
With a median household income of $46,250, Lacombe exhibits figures below both the parish and national averages. The poverty rate stands at 22%, surpassing the averages of both the parish and the nation.
Additionally, Lacombe experiences a notably elevated unemployment rate and possesses a lower median home value in comparison to surrounding areas within the parish.
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Conclusion
These figures highlight notable disparities and inequalities within St. Tammany Parish, despite its overall reputation as an affluent and sought-after area. The least affluent neighborhoods in the parish grapple with issues such as meager income, limited education, high joblessness, subpar health, and restricted access to resources and opportunities.
These difficulties can adversely affect the well-being and standard of living for the residents, as well as hinder the overall social and economic progress of the parish.
Hence, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental causes and repercussions of poverty in St. Tammany Parish and extend substantial support and aid to those in greatest need.
This can be achieved through the implementation of policies and initiatives that foster economic prospects, educational achievements, accessibility to healthcare, affordable housing, inclusive social participation, and active community involvement for every parish resident. By taking these steps, St. Tammany Parish can evolve into a more fair and thriving community for all.
