LaPlace is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States, along the east bank of the Mississippi River in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The population was 27,684 at the 2000 census.
LaPlace is the southern terminus of Interstate 55, where it joins with Interstate 10, and of US 51, where it terminates at the junction with US 61. LaPlace is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of New Orleans.
The nickname is "Andouille Capital of the World" (for the food).[1]
History
LaPlace was settled as a farming village in the 18th century during Louisiana's French colonial era. It was named after early settler Basile LaPlace.[2]
The city's railroad station was established in 1883.
LaPlace was the birthplace of early jazz musicians Kid Ory and Wellman Braud.
LaPlace has been designated "Andouille Capital of the World." An Andouille Festival is held every year in October.
Geography
LaPlace is located at 30°4′30″N 90°29′6″W / 30.075°N 90.485°W / 30.075; -90.485 (30.075025, -90.484896)[3] and has an elevation of 10 feet (3.0 m)[4].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.7 square miles (58.8 km²), of which, 21.5 square miles (55.7 km²) of it is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) of it (5.29%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 27,684 people, 9,171 households, and 7,336 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,287.8 people per square mile (497.2/km²). There were 9,888 housing units at an average density of 460.0/sq mi (177.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 61.06% White, 35.62% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.11% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. The cultural groups for Hispanic or Latino, of any race, were 3.69% of the population.
There were 9,171 households out of which 44.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.34.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 31.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $45,103, and the median income for a family was $50,024. Males had a median income of $39,304 versus $23,277 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,090. About 9.9% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.
LaPlace Today
The Port of South Louisiana maintains its headquarters in LaPlace.
Education
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in the community. Some of the schools in LaPlace include LaPlace Elementary, Lake Ponchatrain, and John L. Ory. Three K-8 schools serve separate areas that have LaPlace addresses:[6]
East St. John High School [1] serves the community.
Appearance
Laplace can be seen the Oscar award winning movie "Monster's Ball" starring Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton.
References
