Louisiana is more than just its big and bustling cities such as New Orleans. This state also boasts of several rural areas with small towns, some of which have populations of less than 100 residents. Despite their size, these small towns offer a rich history, a sense of community, and a peaceful way of life. In fact, there is a town in Louisiana that is so small, its entire population can fit into a 15-passenger van! Join us as we discover Louisiana’s smallest town and everything it has to offer.
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What is the Smallest Town in Louisiana?
Mound, located near the border of Mississippi and Louisiana, is considered to be the smallest town in Louisiana. It is situated along the Mississippi River, and according to some estimates, the population of Mound is only 15 residents. However, other sources suggest that the population may be as low as 12 residents. It is interesting to note that the entire population of Mound could fit into a 15-passenger van!
Mound, a small village with a population of only a few households, is named after its unique history. The town was originally built on a Native American mound, which adds to its charm and intrigue. Despite its interesting background, Mound’s total area spans just over half a square mile. Over the years, the town has experienced a significant decline in population. In 1940, Mound had a population of 145 residents. However, by 1980, this number had dwindled to a mere 40 residents. Recently, between 2010 and 2020, Mound saw a staggering 36.8% decrease in population.
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Other Small Towns to Explore in Louisiana
Louisiana may be famous for its vibrant cities, but it also boasts some of the smallest towns in the country. Despite being the smallest town in the state, Mound is not the only one that deserves attention. There are other tiny villages scattered throughout Louisiana that are worth exploring. Below is a list of the top five smallest towns in Louisiana, excluding Mound, based on their population.
#2 Mount Lebanon
As of 2021, Mount Lebanon, Louisiana has a population of only 67 residents, making it the second-smallest town in the state. Sadly, the town has experienced a decline in population, with around 16 residents leaving between 2010 and 2020. Currently, the population growth rate measures at -4.41% since 2020. Despite its small size, Mount Lebanon has an interesting history. It was established by Baptists who migrated from South Carolina.
#3 Bryceland:
Bryceland, Louisiana, may be small with a population of just 87 residents as of 2021, but it still manages to hold its own as the state’s third-smallest town. While there were once around 48 households in Bryceland, a recent population decline suggests that there may be even fewer than that now. Despite this, what’s truly intriguing about Bryceland is that its population has remained unchanged since 2020, with a steady 87 residents calling it home.
#4 Jamestown:
Jamestown, a town located in Louisiana, has a population of 93 residents as of 2021, making it the fourth-smallest town in the state. However, some estimates suggest that the population of Jamestown may be as low as 89 residents. It is worth noting that the town has experienced a population decline of -6.32% since 2020. Interestingly, Jamestown has a unique demographic makeup, with 100% of its population identifying as white.
#5 Palmetto:
With a population of only 94 residents in 2021, Palmetto, Louisiana is considered the fifth-smallest town in the state. However, despite experiencing a significant decrease in population between 2010 and 2020, the town’s population has recently been on the rise. In fact, Palmetto boasts a positive population growth rate of 3.23% since 2020, which is a rare occurrence among small towns in Louisiana.
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What is the biggest city in Louisiana?
As of 2023, New Orleans boasts a population of 376,971 residents, making it the largest city in Louisiana. The metropolitan area of New Orleans, which includes parishes such as Jefferson and St. Bernard, is home to approximately 1.26 million residents.
Regrettably, New Orleans has been experiencing a declining population growth rate since 2020, with a staggering -4.86%. There are various factors that have contributed to the population losses in New Orleans. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant deaths, leading to a decrease in the population. Furthermore, hurricane activities, like the recent Hurricane Ida, have forced people to evacuate their homes, resulting in population losses. Lastly, the economic conditions, such as the high cost of living and home insurance prices, have made it impossible for some residents and families to afford living in New Orleans.
