District 1
RANK #565 / 996 NAT · #14 / 21 LA · POP 436,171
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
Grand Isle, Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, offers miles of beaches and is known for world-class fishing and birding. Jefferson Parish, which includes Grand Isle, stretches from the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico, encompassing diverse landscapes of natural ridges, bayous, swamps, lakes, bays, and islands. It sits adjacent to New Orleans, with commute times often under 30 minutes due to well-connected roadways and public transit options, including bus services and a ferry. The parish also features extensive outdoor recreation, including Lafreniere Park on the Eastbank and Bayou Segnette State Park, offering hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
Life in Jefferson Parish appeals to families and individuals seeking a balance between suburban living and access to urban amenities. The parish is home to the largest public school system in Louisiana. Recent economic development efforts focus on strengthening sectors such as energy, food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing. The redevelopment of the former Avondale Shipyard into a global logistics hub is a notable project, attracting investment and aiming for value-added manufacturing. These initiatives, alongside investments in infrastructure, contribute to the parish's economic landscape.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
UBE C1 Chemicals America Manufacturing Facility
UBE Corporation
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Sewerage Capital Improvement Program (SCIP)
Jefferson Parish
|
$300M | Under Construction |
|
Road Bond Program - East Bank
Jefferson Parish
|
$250M | Under Construction |
|
Road Bond Program - West Bank
Jefferson Parish
|
$147M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jefferson Parish scores 43/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#565). Median household income is $63,257 and job growth is running at +1.0%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Jefferson Parish is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $231,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,121/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Jefferson Parish is losing population (-0.7% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (+1.0% employment change). Home values are +6.3% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.08% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Jefferson Parish has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Jefferson Parish is now valued at $231,700. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.