Cottonport is a town located in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,316.
Cottonport was founded in the early 1800s and incorporated in 1888 along the banks of Bayou Rouge (French for Red Bayou). In the 1800s, large boats made their way through Cottonport with goods destined for the port of New Orleans. The bayou was deep enough to support the large boats and formed a perfect horseshoe, which allowed them to turn around. The boats would deliver cargo into the area and would load crops on board to take to larger ports along the route. The main crop available for exporting at that time was cotton. In fact, because so much cotton was being shipped from the port, early settlers named the village Cottonport.
Today, over 100 years after its incorporation, Cottonport retains many of its picturesque qualities. Although Bayou Rouge is no longer navigable, it continues to be used as a fishing and boating outlet. It also serves as the backdrop to the annual Cottonport Christmas Festival, held the second weekend in December, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2005.
Cottonport is located at 30°59'18" North, 92°3'11" West (30.988465, -92.053049).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.1 km2 (2.0 mi2). 5.1 km2 (2.0 mi2) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 2,316 people, 770 households, and 549 families residing in the town. The population density is 453.9/km2 (1,174.5/mi2). There are 840 housing units at an average density of 164.6/km2 (426.0/mi2). The racial makeup of the town is 48.32% White, 49.65% African American, 0.73% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 770 households out of which 40.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% are married couples living together, 27.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% are non-families. 26.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.73 and the average family size is 3.26.
In the town the population is spread out with 32.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 71.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 64.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $18,973, and the median income for a family is $21,888. Males have a median income of $21,597 versus $18,542 for females. The per capita income for the town is $9,507. 40.2% of the population and 34.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 54.7% of those under the age of 18 and 27.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Source:
CottonportLouisiana.com
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