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Central, LA

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Central, LA

Central is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, the third largest city in East Baton Rouge Parish, and part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area. Central had a 2020 census population of 29,565.

Long an unincorporated suburb of Baton Rouge, the citizens of Central voted to incorporate as a city on April 23, 2005, despite opposition from the parish. Businessman Russell Starns headed the incorporation movement, saying it was based on residents' desire to establish a school system separate from that of East Baton Rouge Parish. The Louisiana State Legislature allowed Central to operate a separate school system only after the city was incorporated.

It had about 25,000 residents when it was incorporated. Former Central High School principal Shelton "Mac" Watts became the temporary mayor upon the incorporation of the city. Formal elections were held on April 1, 2006, in which voters elected incumbent Watts with 86 percent of the 18,000 votes cast.

The city of Central is located in the east-central part of East Baton Rouge. It is situated between two rivers the Comite River on its west border and the Amite River, which forms the border with Livingston Parish. These two rivers converge at the southern borders of the city.

Louisiana Highway 408 passes through the center of Central, leading west 7 miles (11 km) to Interstate 110 in the northern part of Baton Rouge. Downtown Baton Rouge is 13 miles (21 km) southwest of Central. Louisiana Highway 37 passes through the eastern part of Central, leading northeast 30 miles (48 km) to Greensburg, southwest 8 miles (13 km) to Monticello, and southwest 18 miles (29 km) to Baton Rouge.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total area of Central is 62.5 square miles (161.9 km2), of which 62.2 square miles (161.2 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km2), or 0.44%, is water.

Health and wellness are integral to the lifestyle of Central residents. The city is committed to providing quality healthcare services, with various medical facilities catering to the well-being of the community. Central Louisiana State Hospital, operated by the Louisiana Department of Health, stands as a cornerstone of mental healthcare in the region, providing compassionate and comprehensive services to individuals in need. Located in Pineville, Louisiana, this psychiatric facility offers a range of specialized programs and treatment options for patients facing mental illness and behavioral health challenges. Furthermore, CHRISTUS Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital is a premier healthcare facility specializing in surgical services and advanced medical care. With a commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, the hospital offers state-of-the-art operating rooms, highly skilled surgeons, and comprehensive support services to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures. 

Additionally, Jackson Community Park is a cherished recreational gem offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With its sprawling green spaces, shaded picnic areas, and well-maintained walking trails, the park provides the perfect setting for strolls, picnics, and nature exploration. Join Fitness Boot Camps offered at local parks or fitness centers, providing high-intensity workouts for all fitness levels, or attend Nutrition Workshops led by registered dietitians to learn about healthy eating habits, meal planning, and achieving nutritional goals. Participate in Mental Wellness Classes focused on stress management, mindfulness, and emotional well-being, offering practical tools for coping and resilience, or enjoy Outdoor Yoga Sessions in Central's parks for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Take advantage of Community Health Screenings offering free or low-cost screenings for common health conditions, or attend Family Wellness Workshops designed to promote health and well-being for the entire family. Engage in Senior Citizens Programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults, promoting mobility, balance, and strength. These activities and projects aim to promote holistic health and wellness for the Central community, providing opportunities for physical activity, mental well-being, and community engagement.

Top Sites in Central, LA are the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Crypto.com Arena, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Population: 29,735 (2022). ZIP Code: 70837. Area codes: 225. Elevation: 66 ft (20 m ). Area: 62.53 sq mi (161.95 km2).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Central, LA?

In Central, the racial composition is diverse, with White individuals comprising the majority at 83.41%. Additionally, there is a significant presence of Black or African American residents, accounting for 8.39% of the population. Another notable demographic group is individuals identifying as Two or more races, making up 6.5% of the community. This diversity contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of Central, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for residents.

What is Central Louisiana known for?

This region is home to Louisiana’s only national forest (Kisatchie), only federally designated wilderness area, multiple national wildlife refuges, the state’s longest hiking trail, and the only designated National Wild and Scenic River (Saline Bayou). The Kisatchie National Forest offers many opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy and explore the beautiful natural scenery of Central Louisiana. The forest includes more than 604,000 acres and is spread across seven parishes. The largest communities in CenLA are Alexandria, Pineville, and Natchitoches.

What is the crime rate in Central, LA?

The crime rate in Central is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 13 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Central is 1 in 74. Based on FBI crime data, Central is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Louisiana, Central has a crime rate that is higher than 49% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Central

Alexandria

World Population Review

Neighborhood Scout

Sofia Health

Central Louisiana State Hospital

CHRISTUS Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital

Jackson Community Park

LA Fitness

Career Training

NAMI Louisiana

Moncus Park

CMAP RX

UWCL

My SPAR

Walt Disney Concert Hall 

Crypto.com Arena 

Universal Studios Hollywood 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.