Louisiana is a state with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. However, not all of its towns are thriving in the modern era. Some of them are facing economic, social, and environmental challenges that are driving people away. Here are seven Louisiana towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.

1. Alexandria

Alexandria is the ninth-largest city in Louisiana, but it is also one of the fastest-shrinking. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city lost 2.4% of its population from 2010 to 2020, dropping from 47,723 to 46,561 residents. The city has been struggling with poverty, crime, and unemployment for years. In 2020, the poverty rate was 28.9%, the violent crime rate was 1,049 per 100,000 people, and the unemployment rate was 8.6%.

2. Monroe

Monroe is another major city in Louisiana that is losing population. The city had 48,815 residents in 2010, but only 46,344 in 2020, a decline of 5.1%. Monroe faces similar problems as Alexandria, such as poverty, crime, and unemployment. The poverty rate was 36.9%, the violent crime rate was 1,211 per 100,000 people, and the unemployment rate was 9.2% in 2020. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding and hurricanes, which have caused significant damage and displacement in recent years.

3. Bastrop

Bastrop is a small town in Morehouse Parish that has seen a dramatic population decline in the past decade. The town had 11,365 residents in 2010, but only 9,075 in 2020, a drop of 20.1%. The main reason for the exodus was the closure of the International Paper mill in 2008, which was the largest employer in the area. The mill employed about 1,500 workers and supported another 2,000 jobs indirectly. Since then, the town has been unable to recover from the economic shock and has suffered from high poverty and low income levels.

4. Bogalusa

Bogalusa is another small town that was once a booming industrial center, but has fallen into decline. The town had 12,232 residents in 2010, but only 10,856 in 2020, a decrease of 11.2%. Bogalusa was founded as a company town by the Great Southern Lumber Company in 1906, and was the largest sawmill in the world at the time. However, the timber industry declined in the second half of the 20th century, and the town lost its main source of income and jobs. Today, Bogalusa has a poverty rate of 34.7%, a median household income of $25,462, and a median home value of $66,900 .

5. Abbeville

Abbeville is a small town in Vermilion Parish that is known for its Cajun culture and heritage. However, the town is also losing population and facing economic challenges. The town had 12,257 residents in 2010, but only 11,537 in 2020, a loss of 5.9%. Abbeville’s economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas industry, which has been hit hard by low prices and reduced demand in recent years. The town also suffers from coastal erosion and land loss, which threaten its future viability.

6. Morgan City

Morgan City is a small city in St. Mary Parish that is located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River. The city is famous for its annual Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, which celebrates its two main industries. However, both of these industries have been struggling in recent years, and the city has seen a population decline. The city had 12,404 residents in 2010, but only 10,917 in 2020, a drop of 12%. Morgan City also faces environmental risks from flooding, hurricanes, and sea level rise.

7. Natchitoches

Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana, founded in 1714 by French explorers. The city is known for its historic district, which features many buildings and landmarks from the colonial era. The city is also a popular tourist destination, especially during the Christmas season, when it hosts a festival of lights. However, despite its charm and history, the city is losing population. The city had 18,323 residents in 2010, but only 17,485 in 2020, a decrease of 4.6%. The city’s economy is largely based on education, health care, and tourism, which are not very lucrative or stable sectors.

Conclusion

These are some of the Louisiana towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible. They are mostly small to medium-sized towns that have been affected by the decline of traditional industries, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. They also face social and environmental challenges, such as poverty, crime, natural disasters, and climate change. These towns need more investment, innovation, and diversification to revitalize their economies and communities. Otherwise, they may continue to lose residents and resources in the coming years.