Summary Background

EQUITY

Equity Data Analysis

The Capital Region has a population slightly over 1 million residents. The 11 parishes exhibit significant variations in population. The region has a dispersed development pattern, with most current population growth and development occurring in suburban parishes. Ascension and Livingston Parishes especially have experienced the highest rates of population growth and have also become significant centers of job growth. Urban population, in Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge parish, has remained steady, though the city continues to be the region’s main job center.

In public hearings for the MOVE 2042 metropolitan transportation plan, many participants expressed preference for dispersed, suburban, development. The expanding development footprint lengthens worker commutes and increases the cost of providing public services and infrastructure. The Capital Region exhibits a definite Urban-Rural divide, with rural parishes losing both population and jobs. This divide is also reflected in significant Median Household Income disparities across the various parishes.

HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME ASSISTANCE 

The line graph tracks the percentage of households receiving income assistance across the CRPC region, illustrating trends in economic hardship.

The following insights were gathered from the graph:

      • St. Helena Parish and Washington Parish have the highest percentage of households receiving income assistance, with figures above the regional average.
      • Iberville Parish and East Feliciana Parish also show relatively high rates of income assistance, indicating widespread economic difficulties in these areas.
      • Ascension Parish and Livingston Parish have lower percentages of households receiving income assistance, reflecting stronger economic stability compared to other parishes.
The line graph underscores the deep economic need in rural and high-poverty parishes like St. Helena and Washington, where a significant portion of the population relies on income support to meet basic needs.

ECONOMIC DISTRESS CRITERIA

Economic distress is a key indicator of equity and helps to identify regions that are economically struggling. The table below shows the 24-month average unemployment rate, 2022 per capita personal income (PCPI), and 2022 per capita money income (PCMI) across various parishes in the CRPC region, according to the table to the left.

This table reveals significant economic distress in parishes like St. Helena, which has the highest unemployment rate of 5.45%, coupled with the lowest per capita income. Washington Parish also faces economic challenges, with an unemployment rate of 4.43% and low per capita income, further underscoring the need for targeted economic interventions in these areas.

RURAL VS. URBAN AREA BREAKDOWN

A breakdown of rural versus urban development shows that most parishes in the CRPC region are predominantly rural, leading to potential disparities in access to resources and infrastructure. The table to the right highlights these differences.

The map provided further visualizes the high percentage of rural areas in parishes like East Feliciana, West Feliciana, and St. Helena. These fully rural parishes may struggle with access to essential services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, placing them at a disadvantage compared to more urbanized areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Economic Development Programs: Implement targeted economic development programs in high-poverty, high-unemployment areas like St. Helena, Washington, and East Feliciana. These programs should focus on job creation, workforce training, and infrastructure investment.
  • Rural Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize infrastructure investments in fully rural parishes like East Feliciana, West Feliciana, and St. Helena to improve access to services, transportation, and economic opportunities.
  • Poverty Reduction Initiatives: Focus on poverty reduction programs in St. Helena, Washington, and Iberville parishes, where poverty rates exceed 20%. These programs could include financial literacy education, healthcare access, and affordable housing solutions.
  • Support for Households with Income Assistance: Increase support for households receiving income assistance in St. Helena, Washington, and East Feliciana by providing job training, employment services, and social safety net programs aimed at reducing dependency on income assistance.

The CRPC region faces significant equity challenges, particularly in rural areas and parishes with high poverty, unemployment, and reliance on income assistance. By addressing these issues through focused economic development, poverty reduction, and infrastructure investments, the CRPC can work towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents.