| Income |
In 1988, Assumption Parish had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $9,761, an increase of 6.2% from 1987. This PCPI ranked 39th in the state and was 78% of the state average and 59.2% of the national average of $15,484. |
| Labor |
Experienced technical personnel, both skilled and semi-skilled, are available for immediate recruitment into job openings. Many of these workers gained their experience in manufacturing and/or related industries. Additionally, commuters within the expanded metropolitan area of New Orleans supplement this labor pool. The same factors that created demand for technical workers have resulted in a proliferation of professional services in a wide range of fields‹many with international experience.
|
| Demographics |
The population of Assumption Parish has shown constant growth rate over the past two decades. The current estimates put the parish population at 22,212 and it is expected to grow to 26,145 by 1995.
Caucasian 31,844 (67.1%)
Black 13,772 (31.9%)
Other 457 (1.0%)
Population Density: 64.6 people per square mile
The median age of the parish is 32.2 years. The population can be broken down into the following age groups:
Under 5 9.9%
Age 5 to 9 9.2%
Age 10 to 14 10.7%
Age 15 to 19 11.2%
Age 20 to 24 9.4%
Age 25 to 29 7.6%
Age 30 to 34 7.2%
Age 35 to 39 5.2%
Age 40 to 44 5.1%
Age 45 to 49 4.8%
Age 50 to 54 3.8%
Age 55 to 59 3.3%
Age 60 to 64 3.6%
65-over 9.0%
|
Major Parish
Employers |
| NAME OF FIRM | SIC CODE | BUSINESS TYPE |
| Assumption General Hospital | 8060 | Health Care |
| Celotex | 5200 | Building Materials |
| Dow Chemical | 2800 | Chemical |
| Dugas and LeBlanc Ltd. | 2061 | Sugar Mill |
| Glenwood Cooperative | 2061 | SugarMill |
| Gro-Mulch | 2871 | Fertilizer |
| Marine Services | 3732 | Boat building |
| McDermott, Inc | 1533 | Oil Field Construction |
| Mobil Oil Corp. | 1380 | Oil Production |
| Savoie Industries. | 2061 | SugarMill |
| SugarBowl Dehydrating Co. | 5200 | Bagasse |
| Supreme SugarCompany | 2062 | SugarRefinery |
| UnitedGas Pipeline | 4922 | Gas Pipeline |
|
| Employment |
Between 1980 and 1990 the total number of jobs in Assumption Parish has decreased by 1,650, but the number of unemployed has also decreased, showing mostly changes in the population and a shift to a commuter work force. Several of the major employers are currently expanding their operations. Employers have little trouble finding qualified applicants willing to work for competitive wages. The annual average unemployment rate in the parish in 1980 was 8.1%, but went as high as 22.6 % in 1983. In July of 1990 the rate stood at 8.8%, indication that the employment situation actually decreased in the late 1980s.
The male/female composition of the labor force in Assumption Parish generally has changed to reflect an increase in females working, a national trend that also occurred throughout the state and the region.
With each company carrying its own insurance or qualifying as a self-insurer, Louisiana’s workman"s compensation system is a modern plan that features a supplemental earnings benefit pension and a nine-member panel of hearing officers to settle disputes.
To assure that new and expanding businesses have a continuing pool of workers with the level of education and expertise necessary for their operations, the area"s colleges and universities, vocational-technical schools and high schools graduate trained and entry-level persons year round. Schools at all levels are augmenting their general education missions with programs explicitly connected with employment possibilities for their students. This is seen in secondary schools in career education curricula and programs such as adopt-a-school through which business contributes resources, curriculum guidance and, in some cases, instruction, counseling and the promise of jobs for graduates. Community colleges are increasing their industry-specific training and colleges and universities are developing partnerships with industry that involve human as well as technological development.
|
Employment
Trends |
Assumption Parish Employment Trends
| Industry | Total Jobs | % of Labor Force |
Agriculture,
Forestry
& Fisheries | 426 | 8.0% |
| Mining | 164 | 3.0% |
| Construction | 301 | 5.7% |
| Manufacturing | 1,030 | 19.3% |
Transportation,
Communications
& Utilities | 147 | 2.8% |
| Wholesale Trade | 117 | 2.2% |
| Retail Trade | 828 | 15.6% |
Finance,
Insurance
& Real Estate | 212 | 4.0% |
| Services | 1,006 | 18.9% |
| Public Administration | 1,092 | 20.5% |
|
| Job Service |
The Job Service has two offices near Assumption Parish located in Morgan City and Thibodaux:
114 Wayandotte Shopping Ctr. (504) 385-0370
3000 Hwy. 90 E
P. O. Box 2944
Morgan City, LA 70381
1148 Tiger Drive (504) 447-9432
P. O. Box 1530
Thibodaux, LA 70302-5207
|
| Agriculture |
The soil of Assumption parish is alluvial and divided into three classes; sandy loam, mixed soil, in which sand and humus are about equal, and black land, in which there is little or no sand. The inhabitants call this terre gras which means fat land. This black soil is well adapted to rice, causes cane to ripen earlier than other soil, but stiffens in dry weather making it hard to cultivate and drain. The most valuable land of the parish lies along Bayou Lafourche.
Assumption Parish is one of the sugar bowl parishes of Louisiana ranking third in the state in cane production. Its area is largely agricultural and is almost entirely devoted to this crop, the processing of which accounts for most of the light industry also, with the manufacture of sugar, syrup molasses, bagasse and other products. An industry by-product of sugar refining is the processing of bagasse for the use of making wall board and similar products. Two plants have a daily capacity of processing over 660 tons of bagasse. Three sugar mills and the Supreme Sugar Refinery continue to provide a healthy percentage of the parish’s employment.
|
Crop
Production |
ASSUMPTION PARISH CROP PRODUCTION
| Crop | Number of
producers | Acres | Units of
Measure | Yield
per Acre | Total
Production | Gross Farm
value ($) |
| FORESTRY |
| Pine Pulpwood | | | Cords | | 8 | |
| Hardwood Pulpwood | | | Cords | | 1, 382 |
| Pine Saw Logs | | | Board feet | | 9, 948 |
| Hardwood Saw Logs | | | Board feet | | 420, 832 |
| Forestry FOB Mill (Total)** | | | | | | 135,213 |
| Forestry (Total) | | | | | | 135,213 |
| FRUITS |
| Figs | 400 | 10 | Pounds | 3,200 | 32,000 | 32,000 |
| Fruits (Total) | | | | | | 32 000 |
| GRAINS |
| Wheat | 9 | 1,470 | Bushels | 26 | 38,220 | 139,503 |
| Grains (Total) | | | | | | 139,503 |
| HOME GARDENS | 3,800 | | | | | 1,330,000 |
| NURSERY CROPS (Commercial) |
| Floraculture | * | | Wholesale | | | 5, 000 |
| Bedding Plants | * | | Wholesale | | | 8,000 |
| Nursery Crops (Total) | | | | | | 13,000 |
| SOYBEANS | * | 251.30 | Bushels | 29 | 7,287 | 45,548 |
| SUGARCANE*** | 98 | 34,608 | cwt . Raw Sug . | 35 . 70 | 1, 235,505 | 26,563,370 |
| TOTAL ALL CROPS | | | | | | 28,258,634 |
| **Forestry Stumpage (Total) = $ 41,684 |
| ***This value for sugarcane represents the portion of the total production, 61%, that was received by producers. The remainder, 39%, was committed to mills for processing. |
|
Farm
Animal
Production |
| ASSUMPTION PARISH ANIMAL PRODUCTION |
| Animal | Number of
producers | Units of
Production | Units of
Measure | Total
Production | Gross Farm
value ($) |
| CATTLE AND CALVES |
| Feeder Calves | | Head sold | | 340 | 131,185 |
| Yearlings | | Head sold | | 20 | 5,022 |
| Cull Beef Cows & Bulls | | Head sold | | 110 | 61,374 |
| Cattle & Calves (Total) | 7 | 530 | cows | | 197,581 |
| HORSES | 48 | 82 mares | Head sold | 50 | 50,000 |
| Stud Fees | | 4 studs | Mares bred | 30 | 7,500 |
| Horses (Total) | 57 | 500 |
| SHEEP |
| Wool | | 42 sheared | Pounds | 210 | 159 |
| Lambs | | | Head sold | 8 | 800 |
| Cull Sheep | | | Head sold | 2 | 62 |
| Sheep (Total) | * | | | 6 ewes | 1,021 |
| SWINE |
| Feeder Pigs | * | 7 sows | Head sold | 82 | 2 ,132 |
| Culls | | | Head sold | 5 | 583 |
| Swine (Total) | | | * | 5 sows | 2,715 |
| FRESHWATER FISHERIES |
| Crawfish (Farm) | 36 | 1,100 acres | Pounds | 880,000 | 29,040 |
| Freshwater Fisheries (Total) | | | | | 29,040 |
| ALL ANIMAL PRODUCTS (Total) | 287,857 |
|
|
| Oil and Gas |
Oil and gas have been produced in Assumption Parish since 1943. Eight fields are located within the parish, all six oil pipeline companies and eleven gas pipeline companies have lines crossing the parish.
Several companies have operations in the Napoleonville oil field which includes one of the largest piercement-type salt domes on land in south Louisiana. Brine is extracted for use in production of chlorine and caustic needed for chemical manufacturing.
Another related industry is the construction of offshore drilling platforms and shipbuilding. This industry is on the extreme southern tip of the parish and although it was hit hard by the downturn of the oil industry in the 1980s it promises to return with increased domestic production.
|
| Lumber |
An industry which is being nurtured in the Louisiana is high-quality, upper-end furniture manufacturing. Since a grass roots organizational meeting in June of 1989, the Louisiana Furniture Industry Association has grown to 45 active members.
A key to this industry will be to use more of Louisiana’s home-grown timber for conversion into finished product as well as jobs and economic expansion. In addition, the state has major ports through which more exotic foreign wood such as mahogany and teak can be imported. Give these advantages, the Louisiana Furniture Industry Association will be focusing on marketing and development of regional and national markets for this promising industry.
|
Water
Resources |
Assumption Parish's water supply comes from the plentiful surface water in the area.
Louisiana has not called itself a "Sportsman’s Paradise" without reason, and Assumption Parish is a shining example of what is available. The parish is drained by many canals, ditches and interconnected tidal streams.
It is only natural that some industry that supports outdoor activities will be drawn to the area . Several boat manufacturers and repair shops have already set up shop in the parish.
|
| Tourism |
Assumption Parish has a wealth of undeveloped tourist attractions, mostly for individuals and families looking for pleasant historical or out-of-doors activities.
Campers may be attracted by the area's wildlife or canoeing and swimming in one of the parish’s clear fresh-water rivers or slow moving bayous. A few Bed and Breakfast facilities are perfect for discovering the unique Louisiana cultural experiences. Several hotels invite weary traveler to linger and enjoy the local cuisine and activities.
The same rustic, laid-back scenery is also stirring talk of the parish as a new center for a retirement community. Real estate and cost of living are low, but recent changes in Louisiana’s forced heirship law will be the big break for this ideal addition to the state's economy.
|
| Industry/Real Estate |
There are numerous sites available for industry and commercial use in Assumption Parish.
In general, sites will be flat, dry and have good soil-bearing capabilities (2,500 lbs. per square foot). Rail lines will be on grade‹causing no problem for construction on spurs.
Manufacturing and distribution facilities can be leased or purchased (at a fixed rate below the market rate) by local entities for up to 20 years, with the first payment not due until the 19th month of occupancy.
Available land for industrial development in Assumption Parish amounts to an estimated 6,272 acres comprised of more than 20 sites located on major arteries in the parish.
In summary, Assumption Parish’s inventory of available land for industrial development includes a wide range of sites for heavy and light industry. Sites located within the city and town limits are more suited to light manufacturing warehousing and service industries while sites in the designated industrial zones are more suited to heavy capital-intensive industry.
|
| Other Targeted Industries |
| Adhesives and Sealants | Food Processing |
| Advanced Ceramics | Sporting and Athletic Goods |
| Bags, plastic | Valves and Pipefittings |
| Food Products Machinery | Welding Equipment |
|
| Assumption Parish |
Assumption Parish is in south-central Louisiana, approximately 60 air miles west of New Orleans. The shape of the parish roughly resembles an inverted triangle, and its southernmost tip is about 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Lines of longitude 91š West and latitude 30š North bisect the parish, intersecting near Plattenville, 5 miles northeast of the parish"s geographic center. Assumption is bordered on the north by Iberville and Ascension Parishes, on the east by St. James and Lafourche Parishes, on the south by Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes, and on the West by St. Martin and Iberia Parishes. Assumption is the only one of the State"s 64 subdivisions which borders eight other parishes.
|
Interstate
Highways |
From Assumption Parish, a manufacturer can realistically expect third-day truckload service to major markets in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Within this 31-state area are 69 percent of the nation"s population and 70 percent of its manufacturing plants.
|
| U. S. Highway 90 |
U.S. Highway 90
U.S. Highway 90 intersects Interstate 10 at Lafayette 71 miles to the west and near New Orleans about 90 miles to the east. Highway 90 also intersects with Interstate 49 in Lafayette. It also continues to the eastern and western borders of the state.
|
| State Highway 1 |
This road is on the Federal Aid Secondary program (FAS, 50ft. ROW with 24 ft. paved surface) along its entire length which parallels Bayou Lafourche. To the north of Assumption Parish Highway 1 extends diagonally through the state and is a major commercial connection to the northern part of the state. To the south Highway 1 runs toward industrial areas to the south between Thibodaux and Houma. This highway is well used and maintained for commercial traffic between Shreveport and Grand Isle.
|
| State Highway 70 |
State Highway 70
This highway runs from Interstate 10 north of the parish to U.S. 90 at Morgan City. It carries most of the commuter traffic to these areas as well as a majority of heavy commercial traffic that moves through the parish. This road is on the Federal Aid Primary (FAP) program from Highway 1 to Interstate 10 and the Federal Aid Secondary (FAS) program south to Morgan City.
|
| State Highway 22 |
The main transportation arteries through Assumption Parish are state Highway 1, which runs through the eastern portion of the parish, and U.S. Highway 90, which runs through the southern part of the parish. State Highways 70, 308 and 398 also serve the parish as commercial routes.
|
|
| Railroads |
Southern Pacific Transportation Co. and Union Pacific Railroad tracks run north from the parish toward Shreveport and the western United States. Rail rates in Louisiana for many commodities tend to be lower than those in the other states because of the competition from barge carriers. These transportation companies handle a significant volume of containers, TOFC and carload traffic between Louisiana and most of western and mid-America.
|
Port
Facilities |
Cargo can be delivered by barge from Louisiana to all of mid-America via the 19,000 mile Mississippi River System. Louisiana also sits at the center of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway system that rims the northern Gulf of Mexico. Further, the state itself has 4,500 miles of navigable waterways served by 25 harbor and terminal districts, many of which can issue low-interest industrial revenue bonds to finance manufacturing and storage facilities. Also through the state there is a port construction and priority program that may assist in funding port facilities.
|
| Deep Water Ports |
The Port of South Louisiana, is located on the Mississippi River nearby. Imported materials may be processed or repackaged in this port without paying United States Customs duties or certain taxes.
|
| Airports |
The nearest general airport is Thibodaux Municipal Airport which is 21 miles from Napoleonville. The nearest commercial airport is in Baton Rouge 45 miles away.
Only 90 minutes away is New Orleans International (Moisant Field), Louisiana"s only international airport. It is serviced by 17 commercial airlines providing direct passenger service domestically and single-carrier service internationally to destinations in the U.S., Europe, Central and South America, and Asia. This airport is easily accessible via Interstate Highway 10 or U.S. Highway 90.
The New Orleans International Airport is moving forward rapidly with a $425 million expansion program to add both VFR and IFR parallel runways and associated taxiways, air cargo areas, terminal building expansions (which will include sixteen new gates and a new international arrivals area designed to accommodate international flights), and a major new general aviation complex.
|
Parcel
Delivery |
Nationwide passenger and parcel service are provided by Greyhound Bus Lines. Airborne, Emery, United Parcel Service and Federal Express are available.
|
Freight
Carriers |
The following freight carriers service the area: SAIA Motor Freight Line, Roadway Express, ABF Freight Systems, Impala Freight Lines and Yellow Freight Lines.
| Approximate Distance and Transit |
| City | Miles | Days |
| Atlanta | 518 | 2 |
| Birmingham | 380 | 1 |
| Chicago | 988 | 2 |
| Cincinnati | 861 | 2 |
| Dallas | 540 | 2 |
| Denver | 1,320 | 3 |
| Houston | 382 | 1 |
| Kansas City | 860 | 2 |
| Louisville | 750 | 2 |
| Memphis | 430 | 1 |
| Minneapolis | 1,279 | 1 |
| Mobile | 206 | 1 |
| Nashville | 570 | 2 |
| St. Louis | 740 | 2 |
|
