A Map of Culture, Commerce & Community

Welcome to Louisiana Living and Business, your go-to destination for exploring the vibrant heartbeat of Louisiana—one parish at a time. With 64 unique parishes, Louisiana is unlike any other state in the U.S. Our beautifully illustrated map highlights the largest and most influential parishes, along with notable smaller parishes that bring charm, history, and opportunity to every corner of the Bayou State.

The Largest Parishes in Louisiana (By Population & Impact)

Each of these major parishes plays a key role in shaping Louisiana’s culture, economy, and lifestyle:

• East Baton Rouge Parish
  Location: Southeast Louisiana
  Highlights: State capital, home to LSU, government and healthcare hub, with strong commercial and residential development.
  Icon: State Capitol, Mississippi River

• Jefferson Parish
  Location: Adjacent to New Orleans
  Highlights: Vibrant suburban lifestyle, bustling business centers, and family-friendly communities.
  Icon: Lake Pontchartrain, seafood markets

• Orleans Parish
  Location: Southeastern Louisiana
  Highlights: World-renowned for its culture, music, festivals, tourism, and port access via New Orleans.
  Icon: French Quarter, jazz notes

• Caddo Parish
  Location: Northwest Louisiana
  Highlights: Home to Shreveport, major hub for oil, gas, transportation, and entertainment.
  Icon: Red River, oil rigs

• St. Tammany Parish
  Location: Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain
  Highlights: One of the fastest-growing parishes; scenic, suburban, and full of nature-based attractions.
  Icon: Oak trees, Northshore wildlife

• Lafayette Parish
  Location: South Central Louisiana
  Highlights: Deep Cajun roots, booming tech and healthcare industries, and rich culinary heritage.
  Icon: Crawfish, accordions

• Calcasieu Parish
  Location: Southwest Louisiana
  Highlights: Industrial powerhouse, especially in petrochemical and shipping; home to Lake Charles.
  Icon: Refineries, lakefronts

• Bossier Parish
  Location: Just east of Shreveport
  Highlights: Military base (Barksdale AFB), booming real estate, and a tech corridor in development.
  Icon: Military aircraft, riverbanks

• Ouachita Parish
  Location: Northeast Louisiana
  Highlights: Monroe-West Monroe metro, key in healthcare, education, and regional commerce.
  Icon: Bayous, cypress trees

• Tangipahoa Parish
  Location: Southeast Louisiana
  Highlights: Strong academic presence (SLU), strategic I-12 location for logistics, growing communities.
  Icon: Farmland, pine trees

Hidden Gems: Smaller Parishes with Big Charm

Though smaller in size or population, these parishes are filled with history, nature, and community spirit:

• Avoyelles Parish – Rolling farmland, Native American roots, and Creole heritage.

• Iberia Parish – Home to Avery Island, sugarcane fields, and the iconic Tabasco factory.

• St. Mary Parish – Serene coastal views and deep maritime heritage.

• Washington Parish – Outdoor paradise for hunters, fishers, and nature lovers.

• Vermilion Parish – Famous for rice, crawfish, and wide open skies.

• Evangeline Parish – Rich in folklore, music, and prairie landscapes.

• Assumption Parish – Along Bayou Lafourche, it’s a quiet gem rooted in agriculture.