According to Countryaah, Ascension Parish is located in southeastern Louisiana and is bordered by East Baton Rouge Parish to the north, Iberville Parish to the south, Livingston Parish to the east, and St. James Parish to the west. The parish covers an area of approximately 612 square miles and is home to a population of over 126,000 people. The parish seat is Gonzales.
The terrain of Ascension Parish consists mostly of rolling hills with some flat areas near rivers and creeks. It is drained by several major rivers including the Amite River, Blind River, Tickfaw River, Bayou Manchac, and Bayou Lafourche. The climate in Ascension Parish is typically humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
The economy of Ascension Parish relies heavily on agriculture with crops such as sugarcane, corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, sweet potatoes being grown in abundance throughout the area. There are also several large industrial companies located in the parish such as BASF Corporation and Dow Chemical Company which employ many local residents. In addition to this there are numerous small businesses throughout the parish providing goods and services for local residents as well as tourists who visit for attractions such as golf courses or fishing spots on nearby rivers or lakes.
In terms of education Ascension Parish has several public school districts with high schools located in Gonzales (East Ascension High School), Donaldsonville (Donaldsonville High School), Sorrento (Sorrento High School), Prairieville (Dutchtown High School), Geismar (St Amant High School) and Galvez (Central Private High School). There are also two private high schools located in Gonzales (Ascension Catholic High School) and Donaldsonville (St Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School).
Overall, Ascension Parish offers its residents a great quality of life with plenty of opportunities for employment or recreation thanks to its diverse economy and natural beauty that surround it making it an ideal place to live or visit.
Demographics of Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Ascension Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana, is home to a diverse population of over 126,000 people. The parish is largely rural with a population density of only 204 people per square mile compared to the state average of 110 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the parish is 59.2% white, 37.1% African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% Native American and 0.3% Pacific Islander or other race according to the 2010 census data.
The median age in Ascension Parish is 35 years old which is slightly lower than the national average of 37 years old and higher than the state average of 34 years old indicating that it has a relatively young population compared to other areas in Louisiana and across the United States. Additionally, approximately 20 percent of the population is under 18 years old which further highlights its youthfulness as well as its potential for growth in the future.
In terms of education Ascension Parish has an Overall, graduation rate that is slightly higher than both state and national averages at 83 percent indicating that it has a relatively educated population with many residents having some type of post-secondary education or training beyond high school graduation rates which are also above state averages at 91 percent for males and 92 percent for females according to 2018 data from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics).
In terms of religion Ascension Parish has an overwhelmingly Christian population with 78 percent identifying as such compared to 13 percent who identify as nonreligious and 5 percent who identify as another faith such as Islam, Judaism or Buddhism according to 2019 data from Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study.
Finally, when it comes to income levels Ascension Parish’s median household income stands at $58,868 according to data from 2019 which puts it slightly above both state and national averages indicating that it has a relatively affluent population compared to other areas in Louisiana and across the United States Overall, making it an ideal place for families looking for quality living and economic stability within their community.
Places of Interest in Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Ascension Parish, Louisiana is a vibrant and diverse community with plenty of interesting sights and attractions to explore. From its rich history and culture to its amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, there is something for everyone in this unique parish.
One of the most popular places of interest in Ascension Parish is the River Road African American Museum. Located in Donaldsonville, this museum features interactive exhibits that tell the story of African Americans who lived and worked on Louisiana’s River Road plantations from the 1840s to the 1940s. Visitors can also learn about other aspects of life on these plantations such as religion, education, music and more.
Another popular attraction in Ascension Parish is the Houmas House Plantation & Gardens. This historic estate dates back to 1803 when it was first established by John Burnside as a sugar cane plantation. Today, visitors can explore the stunning grounds and gardens which feature a variety of native plants and trees as well as an impressive antebellum mansion filled with antiques and artifacts from its days as a working plantation.
For those looking for more outdoor recreation opportunities, Ascension Parish offers plenty. The parish is home to several parks including Lamar-Dixon Expo Center which features walking trails, picnic areas, fishing ponds and playgrounds; Dutchtown Park which includes a dog park; Galvez Park which features basketball courts; and Lamar Park featuring baseball fields, tennis courts and a skate park.
The parish also boasts some great shopping options including two outlet malls located in Gonzales offering discounts on top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Michael Kors and more. There are also several quaint antique shops located throughout town where visitors can find rare treasures from days gone by.
Finally, no visit to Ascension Parish would be complete without sampling some delicious local cuisine such as fresh seafood dishes or classic Southern favorites like fried chicken or gumbo. With so much to do in Ascension Parish it’s easy to see why it’s one of Louisiana’s most beloved destinations.
Notable People of Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Ascension Parish is home to some of the most notable people in Louisiana. From famous musicians to renowned politicians, this parish has produced a number of influential figures.
One of the most famous people from Ascension Parish is musician Fats Domino. He was born in 1928 and grew up in New Orleans. He became one of the most successful rock and roll artists of all time, selling over 65 million records worldwide. His hit songs such as “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame” have become classics and have been covered by many other artists over the years.
Another famous person from Ascension Parish is former United States Senator John Breaux. A Democrat, he served Louisiana from 1987 until 2005 and was one of the state’s longest-serving senators. During his tenure, he focused on healthcare reform, economic development, civil rights issues, and other important topics. He was also instrumental in getting the Medicare prescription drug program passed in 2003.
The parish has also produced several prominent athletes including NFL quarterback Peyton Manning who was born in New Orleans but grew up in nearby Donaldsonville. Manning won two Super Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts before retiring after 18 seasons with the team. He is now considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL.
Other notable people from Ascension Parish include former Major League Baseball pitcher Bob Gibson who played for 18 seasons with the St Louis Cardinals; NBA player Chauncey Billups who spent 14 years in the league; and actor Wendell Pierce who starred as Detective Bunk Moreland on “The Wire” television series.
Ascension Parish has also been home to a number of famous entrepreneurs including entrepreneur Gary Comerford who founded Comerford Construction Company; businesswoman Nellie Kabela-Caine who founded Kabela Consulting Group; and investor Wilbert Jones Jr., founder of WJ Capital Group LLC which provides financing for small businesses throughout Louisiana.
These are just a few of the many notable people who have come from or lived in Ascension Parish over its long history. With such an impressive list it’s no wonder why this parish continues to be an important part of Louisiana culture today.