Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Orleans Parish: New Orleans consolidated city-parish in Louisiana, United States

About

Orleans Parish is a county located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2010 census, the population was 343,829 and a population density of 379 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 389,476 inhabitants. Its county seat is New Orleans. The county was created 218 years ago in 1805.

Orleans Parish is centered around the city of New Orleans and located in southeastern Louisiana. The parish was formed in 1807 not long after the Louisiana Purchase and was named in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. New Orleans was founded in 1718 by French colonists along the Mississippi River and quickly grew into a major port city.

Over the centuries, New Orleans and Orleans Parish became a cultural melting pot influenced by French, Spanish, African, and American cultures. The parish played a pivotal role in the Civil War when the city was captured by Union forces in 1862. Much of New Orleans later burned in a massive fire in 1888 that destroyed much of the French Quarter.

Key Areas and Neighborhoods

Some of the main areas of Orleans Parish include:

  • French Quarter - The historic heart of the city with wrought-iron balconies, beignets at Cafe du Monde, and lively nightlife on Bourbon Street.
  • Garden District - Leafy neighborhood known for antebellum mansions, St. Charles Avenue streetcar, and upscale shopping.
  • Central Business District - Bustling downtown area and port along the Mississippi River. Home to the Superdome and other modern skyscrapers.
  • Marigny/Bywater - Hip area with a Bohemian vibe, colorful houses, and trendy restaurants.

Things to See and Do

New Orleans offers iconic sights, food, and entertainment:

  • Listen to jazz, zydeco, and other local music flowing through the streets of the French Quarter.
  • Indulge in Creole and Cajun cuisine like gumbo, jambalaya, and po' boys.
  • Tour the historic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and view street artists.
  • Visit the National WWII Museum to learn about the military history of New Orleans.
  • Take a relaxing stroll through City Park and enjoy the beauty of the live oak trees.

From Mardi Gras celebrations to wetlands airboat tours, Orleans Parish provides one-of-a-kind experiences found nowhere else but New Orleans. Its rich cultural heritage continues to influence America through food, music, and traditions.

Orleans Parish locator map
Location of Orleans Parish on Louisiana map.

Quick Facts about Orleans Parish

Population : 389,476 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Louisiana (United States)
Different from : Orleans County, Orleans County
Area : 907 km2
Altitude : -7 feet / -2 meters
Capital : New Orleans
Establishment : April 04, 1805
Time Zone : America/Chicago
Local time : 01:17:38 (29th March 2024)
Density : 429 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 11.72% (2010-2020)
Orleans.bourbon.arp.750pix image
Orleans.bourbon.arp.750pix
Orleans.bourbon.arp.750pix image

Geography

Orleans Parish is located at 30°4'7"N 89°55'41"W (30.0686400, -89.9281300).

Orleans Parish map

The largest city of Orleans Parish is New Orleans with a population of 389,476. . See all Orleans Parish cities & populated places.

Orleans Parish Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Orleans Parish.

City Name Population Title
New Orleans 389,476 The most populous city in Louisiana and the center of the New Orleans metropolitan area.

  • New Orleans

Demographics

The population of Orleans Parish increased by 11.72% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 343,829 - census
2011 360,735 4.69% estimation process
2012 369,787 2.45% estimation process
2013 378,637 2.34% estimation process
2014 383,940 1.38% estimation process
2015 389,742 1.49% estimation process
2016 391,843 0.54% estimation process
2017 391,493 -0.09% estimation process
2018 391,004 -0.13% estimation process
2019 390,144 -0.22% estimation process
2020 389,476 -0.17% estimation process

Orleans, Paroisse d'Orleans

People born in Orleans Parish (2)

People born in Orleans Parish, including musician Blanche Thomas, journalist William H. Fitzpatrick, .

List

Louisiana Other Counties (more counties)

County Name Population Title
East Baton Rouge Parish 439,729 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Jefferson Parish 432,346 Parish in Louisiana, United States
New Orleans 389,476 The most populous city in Louisiana and the center of the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Saint Tammany Parish 263,446 Parish in Louisiana, United States of America
Lafayette Parish 246,518 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Caddo Parish 237,479 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Baton Rouge 219,052 The capital of Louisiana.
Calcasieu Parish 203,310 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Shreveport 184,786 The second most populous city in Louisiana.
Ouachita Parish 152,439 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Livingston Parish 143,737 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Metairie Terrace 142,489 A census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Metairie 138,481 The most populous suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tangipahoa Parish 136,765 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Ascension Parish 128,665 Parish in Louisiana, United States
Rapides Parish 128,567 Parish in Louisiana, United States