Webster County

As of the 2020 Census, Webster County, LA, had a population of approximately 36,967. The racial composition was about 61.2% White, 35.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. The county had roughly 15,886 households with 28.4% having children under 18. Median household income was around $35,843, with 24.6% of the population below the poverty line. The median age was 39.2 years. The gender ratio was nearly balanced, with 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

As of the latest data, Webster County, LA has a median home value of approximately $90,000. The county's homeownership rate is around 70.1%. In terms of rental housing, the median gross rent is about $670 per month. The vacancy rate for housing units is approximately 13.2%. The area has seen a gradual increase in housing values over recent years, reflecting a growing demand in the region.

As of the most recent elections in Webster County, Louisiana, key positions included Sheriff, Assessor, Clerk of Court, and members of the Police Jury.

In the 2019 Sheriff’s election, Jason Parker secured the position with 6,814 votes (56.34%), defeating Gary Sexton, who garnered 5,280 votes (43.66%).

For the Assessor position, incumbent Morris Guin received 8,019 votes (66.89%), winning against Karen Hennessee with 3,976 votes (33.11%).

In the Clerk of Court race, Holli Vining ran unopposed, receiving 100% of the vote.

Police Jury elections saw competitive races across several districts, with notable outcomes like District 1's Nick Cox earning 652 votes (58.61%), and District 3’s Jim Bonsall obtaining 1,287 votes (62.94%).

These figures provide a snapshot of Webster County's electoral landscape, reflecting diverse participation and keen interest in local governance.

Webster County, LA, has educational attainment levels that are generally lower than both the state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2015-2019), approximately 85% of residents aged 25 and older possess at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of about 88%. Furthermore, around 14% of Webster County's residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while the state of Louisiana averages around 23%, and the national average is approximately 33%. The disparity highlights the county's educational challenges relative to larger benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Webster County, LA, has an employment rate significantly shaped by its key industries. The leading industries in Webster County include Manufacturing, Education and Health Services, and Retail Trade.

1. Manufacturing: Employs approximately 21% of the workforce, markedly higher than the national average of around 8%.
2. Education and Health Services: Accounts for about 18% of employment, closely mirroring the Louisiana state average of 19%.
3. Retail Trade: Represents 15% of jobs, which is slightly above the U.S. average of 13%.

Compared to national levels, Webster County shows a higher reliance on Manufacturing and Retail Trade, while the state aligns more closely with national proportions in Education and Health Services. Local employment figures are key for regional planning but tend to lag behind more diversified and service-oriented economies seen nationwide.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Webster County, Louisiana, is approximately $39,000 per year. In comparison, the state of Louisiana has an average household income of around $47,942, and the national average is significantly higher at approximately $68,703.

Here’s a summary in a table format:

This data reveals that Webster County falls below both the state and national averages, indicating a lower income level compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the most recent data available, the crime rate in Webster County, LA, is relatively high compared to national averages. The county experiences a range of criminal activities, from property crimes to violent offenses.

Webster County Crime Rates (Per 100,000 People)

Note: These numbers are approximations taken from the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data. For the most up-to-date and precise statistics, reference local law enforcement records or official government publications.