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Houma, LA

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Houma, LA

Houma is the largest city in and the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is also the largest principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux metropolitan statistical area. The city's government was absorbed by the parish in 1984, which currently operates as the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government.

The population was 33,727 at the 2010 census, an increase of 1,334 over the 2000 census tabulation of 32,393. In 2020, the population estimates program determined 32,467 people lived in the city. At the 2020 census, its population rebounded to 33,406. Many unincorporated areas are adjacent to the city of Houma. The largest, Bayou Cane, is an urbanized area commonly referred to by locals as being part of Houma, but it is not included in the city's census counts, and is a separate census-designated place. If the populations of the urbanized census-designated places were included with that of the city of Houma, the total would exceed 60,000 residents.

The city was named after the historic Native American tribe of Houma people, believed to be related to the Choctaw. The United Houma Nation is recognized by the state of Louisiana, but it has not achieved federal recognition.

Settled by the Chitimacha and then the Houma Indians before European colonization, Houma was soon named for the Houma Indians who were at Ouiski Point. Land claimed for the Houma Indians by the Spanish was not recognized by the United States after the Louisiana Purchase.

Present-day Houma was formed in 1832; the city was incorporated in 1848. The area was developed for sugar cane plantations in the antebellum years. Plantations were sited along the rivers and bayous to have access to water transportation.

Houma is located at 29°35′15″N 90°42′58″W (29.587614, -90.716108) and has an elevation of 10 feet (3.0 m) above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.2 square miles (37 km²), of which 14.0 square miles (36 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) (0.92%) is water.

Houma places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, providing essential services to its residents. Terrebonne General Health System offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. The Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center hosts various fitness and wellness events, providing residents with opportunities to engage in physical activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Terrebonne Parish Recreation offers a variety of recreational facilities and programs, including sports leagues, fitness classes, and outdoor activities, promoting physical activity and social connection for residents of all ages. For a holistic approach, Houma Health and Wellness offers yoga and meditation sessions in a serene environment. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Spa Belleza provides a relaxing escape with massage therapy and skincare treatments. 

The top sites in Houma, LA are the Regional Military Museum, Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, and Southdown Plantation & Museum.

Population: 33,406 (2020). ZIP Codes: 70360, 70363, 70364. Area code: 985. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 14.60 sq mi (37.80 km²).

FAQs

What is Houma, LA is known for?

Houma is famous for its Cajun food, charter boat fishing, swamps, Cajun music, and dance halls. Houma also is well known for its birding trails, an exotic wildlife park, museums, Mardi Gras celebrations, and more. It is also close to the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp and available are a variety of marsh tours, swamp tours and airboat tours. The Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp, containing almost one million acres of the nation’s most significant bottomland hardwoods, swamps, bayous and backwater lakes. 

What are the demographics of Houma, LA?

Houma is a city located in Lafourche Parish and Terrebonne Parish Louisiana. Houma has a 2024 population of 30,214. Houma is currently declining at a rate of -2.52% annually and its population has decreased by -9.37% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 33,336 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Houma was White: 68.65%, Black or African American: 20.74%, Two or more races: 4.6%, Native American: 4.4%, Other race: 0.99%, Asian: 0.57%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05%.

What is the crime rate in Houma, LA?

With a crime rate of 51 per one thousand residents, Houma has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 20. Within Louisiana, more than 92% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Houma.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Houma

Louisiana Destinations

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Regional Military Museum

Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum

Southdown Plantation & Museum

Terrebonne General Health System

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

Terrebonne Parish Recreation

Houma Health and Wellness

Planet Fitness 

Spa Belleza

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.