Central, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Central, Louisiana
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| Nickname(s):
River City, City Between the Rivers, Wildcat City
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| Motto(s):
"A Community That Cares", "Geaux Outside"
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Location of Central in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
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Location of Louisiana in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Louisiana |
| Parish | East Baton Rouge |
| Area | |
| • Total | 62.53 sq mi (161.95 km2) |
| • Land | 62.26 sq mi (161.24 km2) |
| • Water | 0.27 sq mi (0.71 km2) |
| Elevation | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 29,565 |
| • Density | 474.89/sq mi (183.35/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
70714, 70739, 70770, 70791, 70818, 70837
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| Area code(s) | 225 |
| FIPS code | 22-13960 |
Central is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the third largest city in East Baton Rouge Parish. Central is also part of the larger Baton Rouge metropolitan area. In 2020, about 29,565 people lived in Central.
Contents
History of Central, Louisiana
For a long time, Central was a suburb of Baton Rouge. It was not its own official city. But on April 23, 2005, the people of Central voted to become a city. This happened even though the parish (like a county) did not want it to.
Why Central Became a City
A businessman named Russell Starns led the effort to make Central a city. He said people wanted their own school system. They wanted it to be separate from the one in East Baton Rouge Parish. The Louisiana State Legislature said Central could have its own schools only if it became a city.
About 25,000 people lived in Central when it became a city. Shelton "Mac" Watts, who used to be a principal at Central High School, became the temporary mayor. In an election on April 1, 2006, Watts was officially elected mayor. He won with 86 percent of the votes.
Central's Own School System
In November 2006, people in Louisiana voted for a change to the state's rules. This change allowed Central to create its own school district. This meant Central could manage its own public schools. The new school system started on July 1, 2007.
Central also has its own police and fire departments. Other services, like water, trash, and emergency medical help, are still shared with the city-parish.
Flooding in Central
In 2016, Central was hit by major floods. The mayor, Jr. Shelton, said that about 25,000 people in Central were affected by the flooding.
Geography of Central, Louisiana
Central is located in the east-central part of East Baton Rouge Parish. It sits between two rivers. The Comite River is on its western side. The Amite River is on its eastern side, forming the border with Livingston Parish. These two rivers meet at the southern edge of the city.
Roads and Travel
Louisiana Highway 408 goes through the middle of Central. It leads west about 7 miles (11 km) to Interstate 110 in Baton Rouge. Downtown Baton Rouge is about 13 miles (21 km) southwest of Central.
Louisiana Highway 37 runs through the eastern part of Central. It goes northeast about 30 miles (48 km) to Greensburg. It also goes southwest about 8 miles (13 km) to Monticello and 18 miles (29 km) to Baton Rouge.
Land and Water Area
Central covers a total area of about 62.5 square miles (161.9 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 62.26 square miles (161.2 square kilometers), is land. A small part, about 0.27 square miles (0.7 square kilometers), is water.
Population and People in Central
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2010 | 26,864 | — | |
| 2020 | 29,565 | 10.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
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| White alone (NH) | 23,706 | 23,334 | 88.24% | 78.92% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 2,232 | 3,439 | 8.31% | 11.63% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 97 | 71 | 0.36% | 0.24% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 147 | 231 | 0.55% | 0.78% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 4 | 4 | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 13 | 87 | 0.05% | 0.29% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 232 | 1,050 | 0.86% | 3.55% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 433 | 1,349 | 1.61% | 4.56% |
| Total | 26,864 | 29,565 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
In 2020, Central had 29,565 people living there. There were 10,233 households and 7,781 families. Most people in Central are non-Hispanic white. There are also Black and African American, Asian, and multiracial residents. About 4.56% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Central is about 39.5 years old. The average household income was $80,015 in 2019. This makes Central one of the wealthier areas in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
Education in Central
Central has its own school system called the Central Community School District.
Public Schools in Central
The public schools in Central are:
- Bellingrath Hills Elementary
- Tanglewood Elementary
- Central Intermediate
- Central Middle School
- Central High School
These schools became part of Central's own school district in 2007. Before that, they were part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools.
Private Schools in Central
There are also several private schools within Central's school district area:
- Central Christian Academy
- Central Private School
- St. Alphonsus Catholic School (part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge)
- MTI School of Ministry
- Galilee Baptist Academy
Public Libraries in Central
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library runs the Central Branch Library. The first library in Central opened in 1940. The current Central Branch Library is much larger and opened in June 2002.
The Greenwell Springs Regional Branch Library is also nearby in Monticello.
Media in Central
Central has local weekly newspapers like "CentralSpeaks" and "Central City News." The Advocate is the official newspaper for the city.
Notable People from Central
- Barry Ivey, who was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
- Mack A. "Bodi" White, Jr., who is a member of the Louisiana State Senate.
See also
In Spanish: Central (Luisiana) para niños
