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Trying the top The Largest Cities In Louisiana cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. New Orleans, LA (Population: 364,136)
New Orleans is one of America’s most culturally distinct cities, known worldwide for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations. Located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, blending French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The French Quarter, with its iconic Bourbon Street, vibrant nightlife, and historic architecture, remains the city’s beating heart. Beyond tourism, New Orleans is a hub for shipping, energy, and higher education.
Interesting Fact:
New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz, with legends like Louis Armstrong starting their careers here.
2. Baton Rouge, LA (Population: 219,573)
Baton Rouge, the state capital, lies on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. It is home to Louisiana State University (LSU), whose athletics and research drive much of the city’s energy. Baton Rouge is also a hub for the petrochemical industry and river commerce, making it an economic powerhouse for the state. The city features a blend of Southern tradition, Cajun culture, and modern development.
Interesting Fact:
The Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge is the tallest capitol building in the United States at 450 feet.
3. Shreveport, LA (Population: 177,959)
Shreveport, located in northwest Louisiana, has historically been a center for the oil industry and later for riverboat gambling. The city boasts cultural attractions such as the Shreveport Aquarium, Sci-Port Discovery Center, and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Shreveport’s music scene has deep ties to blues and country, with Louisiana Hayride radio program once hosting Elvis Presley and Hank Williams.
Interesting Fact:
Elvis Presley made one of his earliest national radio appearances on Shreveport’s Louisiana Hayride show in 1954.
4. Lafayette, LA (Population: 121,467)
Lafayette is often referred to as the “Heart of Acadiana” and serves as the center of Cajun and Creole culture. Known for its zydeco music, crawfish boils, and festivals, Lafayette blends French heritage with Southern hospitality. The city also serves as a hub for the oil and gas industry and is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Interesting Fact:
Lafayette hosts Festival International de Louisiane, one of the largest international music and arts festivals in the United States.
5. Lake Charles, LA (Population: 79,633)
Lake Charles is located in southwestern Louisiana and is a center for petrochemical refining and gaming. It is known for its lakefront, casino resorts, and strong Cajun and Creole food culture. The city is also famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, second only to New Orleans in scale within the state.
Interesting Fact:
Lake Charles is nicknamed the “Festival Capital of Louisiana,” hosting more than 75 festivals annually.
6. Kenner, LA (Population: 63,333)
Kenner is part of the New Orleans metropolitan area and is home to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The city has a strong suburban character but also boasts cultural attractions such as Rivertown, which highlights the city’s historic Mississippi River roots. Kenner serves as an important commercial and residential hub for the region.
Interesting Fact:
Kenner was the site of the first World Championship heavyweight boxing match in 1870, where Joe Coburn defeated Mike McCoole.
7. Bossier City, LA (Population: 62,738)
Bossier City, just across the Red River from Shreveport, forms part of the Shreveport-Bossier metro area. Known for its casinos, Barksdale Air Force Base, and outdoor recreation, it has grown rapidly in recent decades. The Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets is a major shopping and entertainment draw for the region.
Interesting Fact:
Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City houses part of the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 bomber fleet.
8. Monroe, LA (Population: 46,616)
Monroe, in northern Louisiana, is known for its cultural institutions and as the birthplace of Delta Air Lines, originally founded as a crop-dusting service. The city is home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe and attractions such as the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Interesting Fact:
Delta Air Lines traces its roots to Monroe, where it was founded in 1924 as Huff Daland Dusters.
9. Alexandria, LA (Population: 43,466)
Alexandria, located near the geographic center of Louisiana, serves as a regional hub for health care, commerce, and culture. The city is known for its zoo, art museum, and proximity to Kisatchie National Forest. Alexandria also has a strong military presence due to nearby Fort Johnson.
Interesting Fact:
During the Civil War, Alexandria was almost completely destroyed by Union troops, but the city rebuilt and became a thriving center again.
10. Houma, LA (Population: 31,733)
Houma lies in the heart of Louisiana’s bayou country and is a major center for the offshore oil industry. The city is steeped in Cajun culture, with lively music, food, and festivals. Houma also provides access to swamp tours and fishing excursions, making it a destination for eco-tourism.
Interesting Fact:
Houma has one of the highest concentrations of Cajun French speakers in Louisiana.
