Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Jefferson Parish hugs the Mississippi River just west of New Orleans, stretching from Lake Pontchartrain southward to the Gulf of Mexico. Its location places it at the crossroads of urban development, wetlands, and Louisiana’s coastal landscape.
The parish blends extensive suburban development with classic bayou country. Metairie is the largest community and one of the parish’s main population and commercial centers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of Creole and Cajun cuisine, including favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée.
Jefferson Parish has experienced its share of hurricanes and coastal storms, shaping the resilience of its communities. On weekends, locals often head to the Lakefront for fishing, relaxing by the water, or enjoying the breeze along Lake Pontchartrain.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Jefferson Parish |
| Parish Seat | Gretna |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, Jefferson, Marrero, River Ridge, Avondale, Lafitte, Grand Isle |
| Interstates and Highways | I-10, I-310, I-610, US-61, US-90, LA-23, LA-45 |
| FIPS Code | 22-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 665 square miles (296 sq mi land, 369 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | Orleans Parish (East), St. Bernard Parish (East), Plaquemines Parish (East), Lafourche Parish (West), St. Charles Parish (West), St. Tammany Parish (North) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 29.6499° N, 90.1121° W |
| Major Landmarks | Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Lafreniere Park, The National WWII Museum, Bayou Segnette State Park, Grand Isle State Park |
| Population | Approximately 435,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Jefferson Parish Topographic Map
Jefferson Parish thrives on its extensive highway connections. I-10 cuts across the northern part of the parish, while elevated I-610 provides an important bypass around New Orleans. Causeway Boulevard (LA 3046) leads toward Lake Pontchartrain and connects major communities along the way. Use our zoom tool to explore all the routes crossing this busy parish.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Jefferson Parish Satellite Map
A mix of dense suburbia and sprawling wetlands defines Jefferson Parish. Residential neighborhoods form a broad urban grid in the north near New Orleans, while expansive marshes and wetlands dominate the southern portion of the parish.
OUTLINE MAP
Jefferson Parish Blank Map
Jefferson Parish stretches a long distance from north to south, wrapping around the western and southern sides of the New Orleans area. Lake Pontchartrain forms much of its northern boundary, while the parish’s southern reaches extend deep into Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.
Louisiana County Maps
Louisiana Parish Map
In Louisiana, you’ll taste the spirit of the state in its hot sauce and hear it in the midnight blues. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Explore our Louisiana parish maps to discover the state’s unique communities, winding bayous, and rich landscapes. Come for the beignets. Stay for the bayou.