Iberia Parish, located in Louisiana, is home to approximately 68,327 residents. While it boasts a diverse history and vibrant culture, it grapples with issues like poverty, unemployment, and limited educational opportunities.
This piece delves into the five most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Iberia Parish, determined by statistics on median household income and poverty rates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Loreauville
Loreauville, located in the northern part of Iberia Parish, has a population of around 887 residents. The median household income here is $28,750, which is 42.1% lower than the parish average of $49,447.
The poverty rate in Loreauville is 32.4%, significantly higher than the parish average of 24.8%. The village has a relatively high percentage of families with children under 18 (38.9%), but a low percentage of residents with college degrees (7.9%).
Loreauville is recognized for its boat-building industry and hosts an annual Acadian Festival in October, which honors the culture and history of the Acadians who settled in the region. Additionally, the village is home to a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the local history and culture.
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Lydia
Lydia is a small, unincorporated community in the eastern part of Iberia Parish. It has around 1,079 residents. The average household income in Lydia is $29,375, which is significantly lower (40.6%) than the parish average of $49,447.
The poverty rate in Lydia is 31.8%, which is notably higher (28.3%) than the parish average of 24.8%. A large portion of Lydia’s population are renters (41.7%), and there is a relatively low percentage of college graduates (9.5%).
This community was named after Lydia Broussard, the daughter of one of its early settlers. Lydia has a strong agricultural foundation and is known for the Lydia Sugar Mill, which has been in operation since 1894.
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Jeanerette
Jeanerette, located in the southern part of Iberia Parish, is home to approximately 5,467 residents. The median household income here is $29,583, which is 40.2% lower than the parish average of $49,447.
In terms of poverty, Jeanerette has a rate of 36%, significantly higher than the parish average of 24.8%. This city also has a substantial African American population, making up 67% of its residents, while the percentage of college graduates is relatively low at 10.4%.
Established in 1830 and named after John W. Jeanerette, a native of Carolina who purchased land in the area, the city has a rich history and a diverse population.
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Delcambre
Delcambre, a town on the border of Iberia Parish and Vermilion Parish, has a population of around 1,866 people. The typical household income here is $31,250, which is 36.8% less than the average in the parish, set at $49,447.
The poverty rate in Delcambre stands at 27%, which is 8.9% higher than the parish’s average of 24.8%. The majority of residents in Delcambre are white (82%), and there’s a relatively low percentage of people with college degrees (7.7%).
Every August, Delcambre hosts the Delcambre Shrimp Festival, a lively event that celebrates the shrimping industry and features live music, food, crafts, and a shrimp cook-off.
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New Iberia
New Iberia, located in Iberia Parish, is the largest city with around 29,620 residents. The typical household income here is $37,500, which is about 24.1% lower than the parish’s average of $49,447.
The poverty rate in New Iberia is 25%, a bit higher than the parish’s average of 24.8%. The city has a notable Hispanic or Latino population of 10%, but a relatively low percentage of college graduates at 14.9%.
This area is famous for a few things, including the Tabasco sauce factory on Avery Island, its historic downtown area, old plantation houses from before the Civil War, and its literary heritage.
Throughout the year, New Iberia hosts various festivals like the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in September, the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in October, and the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival in April.
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Conclusion
Here are the five most dangerous in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These neighborhoods exhibit lower median household incomes and higher poverty rates compared to the broader parish and state.
Additionally, these areas show lower levels of educational achievement and higher dependency ratios. These circumstances might impact the quality of life and available opportunities for the residents in these neighborhoods.
