Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish is one of the most populous parishes in Louisiana and has the largest population and the greatest job opportunity of the four southern parishes served by United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Jefferson Parish is home to 21 incorporated cities and towns, including Metairie, Grand Isle, Gretna, Harahan, Jean Lafitte, Kenner, and Westwego. In 2000, the population of Jefferson Parish was 455,466 but has declined somewhat since Hurricane Katrina.
PRISON RELEASES
Incarceration disproportionately impacts poor and minority communities. Individuals with a criminal record often experience reduced earnings and employment after incarceration.[i] Many have difficulty successfully reintegrating into society — accessing housing and health care treatment, for example.[ii] Of those released from incarceration between 2004-2012 in Louisiana, 45 percent returned to custody within five years for a new crime or parole violation.[iii] When released detainees recidivate, all costs associated with an arrest and incarceration will be incurred again, along with the cost of additional victimizations. Community coalitions that work to overcome the multi-pronged challenges returning residents face are essential for reducing the costs associated with recidivism.[iv]
SEVERE HOUSING PROBLEMS
The ability to afford stable and adequate housing can significantly impact a family’s well-being. In 2018, more than half of all households in Louisiana fell below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they did not earn enough money to meet their basic needs, such as adequate housing. Good reliable housing protects families from harmful exposures and provides them with a sense of privacy, security, and stability. Poor-quality housing contributes to health problems such as infectious and chronic diseases, as well as mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Moreover, inadequate housing can reduce children’s ability to do homework, can lead to conflict among family members, and can inhibit overall childhood development.[i] This indicator is the percent of households with at least one of four housing problems: overcrowding, high housing costs, and/or lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities. Data reported here is prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, though it will likely exacerbate existing rates of severe housing problems.
Households by occupant type facing severe housing problems, Jefferson Parish, 2016-2020
Notes: The percent of households with severe housing problems was calculated by dividing the total number of households by the number of households with at least one of the following housing problems: 1) Incomplete kitchen facilities, defined as a unit which lacks a sink with running water, a stove or range, or a refrigerator. 2) Incomplete plumbing facilities, defined as lacking hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet, or a bathtub/shower. 3) Overcrowding, defined as more than one person per room and 4) Severe cost burden, defined as monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 50 percent of monthly income.
Households facing severe housing problems, 2016-2020
Notes: The percent of households with severe housing problems was calculated by dividing the total number of households by the number of households with at least one of the following housing problems: 1) Incomplete kitchen facilities, defined as a unit which lacks a sink with running water, a stove or range, or a refrigerator. 2) Incomplete plumbing facilities, defined as lacking hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet, or a bathtub/shower. 3) Overcrowding, defined as more than one person per room and 4) Severe cost burden, defined as monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 50 percent of monthly income.
VOTER TURNOUT
Voting is a key form of civic engagement and contributes to the shaping of public policy and more vibrant communities. In general, voter participation is higher in years with presidential elections than other years. Historically, women and people of color did not have the right to vote. Increases in voter participation among historically disenfranchised voters can be an important step towards more equitable policies.
In the 2020 presidential election, St. Tammany Parish experienced the highest voter turnout at 75 percent, followed by Plaquemines Parish and Tangipahoa Parish at 73 percent and 70 percent, respectively. Jefferson and Washington parishes both had voter participation rates of 69 percent. Voter participation was only 66 percent in both Orleans Parish and St. Bernard Parish.
Percent of registered voters casting a vote in the 2020 presidential election by race/ethnicity, Jefferson Parish
Notes: Voter turnout rate is calculated by dividing the number of qualified voters who are registered to vote, as defined by the Louisiana Secretary of State, by the number of people who voted in the 2020 presidential election.
Percent of registered voters casting a vote in the 2020 presidential election
Notes: Voter turnout rate is calculated by dividing the number of qualified voters who are registered to vote, as defined by the Louisiana Secretary of State, by the number of people who voted in the 2020 presidential election.
