Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Geography Ponchatoula is located at 30°26'21" North, 90°26'33" West (30.439162, -90.442507)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.9 km² (4.2 mi²). 10.9 km² (4.2 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

History Pontchatoula was established as a logging camp in 1820, and incorporated as a town on February 12, 1861

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 5,180 people, 1,984 households, and 1,372 families residing in the city. The population density is 473.9/km² (1,226.7/mi²). There are 2,175 housing units at an average density of 199.0/km² (515.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 62.20% White, 36.83% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,984 households out of which 34.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% are married couples living together, 23.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% are non-families. 27.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.60 and the average family size is 3.16.

In the city the population is spread out with 29.8% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 79.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $22,244, and the median income for a family is $29,583. Males have a median income of $30,285 versus $18,952 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,157. 31.7% of the population and 27.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 46.9% are under the age of 18 and 15.1% are 65 or older.

Events Pontchtoula hosts the annual Strawberry Festival each April.

External Link

• Ponchatoula Louisiana (http://www.ponchatoula.com/)