Cities and Towns in Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1845, Jackson Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Jackson Parish was formed from parts of Claiborne Parish, Ouachita Parish and Union Parish. The city of Jonesboro is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 49, Jackson Parish has a population of 14,876 and area of 580 square miles (1,502 km²).
List of all cities in Jackson Parish, LA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Elton, LA | 70532 | 337 |
Fenton, LA | 70640 | 337 |
Jennings, LA | 70546 | 337 |
Lacassine, LA | 70650 | 337 |
Lake Arthur, LA | 70549 | 337 |
Roanoke, LA | 70581 | 337 |
Welsh, LA | 70591 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Jonesboro
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 4.9 square miles
- Population: 4,481 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71251
- Latitude: 32.2418° N
- Longitude: 92.7150° W
City Location and History
Jonesboro, the parish seat of Jackson Parish, is located in northern Louisiana, along U.S. Highway 167. The town was founded in the early 20th century, emerging as a hub for the timber industry due to the rich forests surrounding the area. With the arrival of the Arkansas Southern Railroad, Jonesboro became a thriving community, serving as a critical point for transporting lumber. Over the years, the town’s economy diversified, including small-scale farming and manufacturing. The city was officially incorporated in 1903, and today, it remains the largest town in Jackson Parish. Jonesboro boasts a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with its downtown area reflecting early 20th-century architecture and its economy relying on both local businesses and natural resources.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jonesboro is home to Jonesboro-Hodge High School, serving the educational needs of the community. One of the town’s most well-known landmarks is the annual Christmas Wonderland in the Pines, which attracts visitors from across the state to witness the town’s elaborate light displays. The nearby Jimmie Davis State Park, located on Caney Lake, offers outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Additionally, the Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Hodge
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: 382 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71247
- Latitude: 32.2771° N
- Longitude: 92.7260° W
City Location and History
Hodge is a small village in Jackson Parish, situated just west of Jonesboro. The town was established in the early 1900s, primarily as a mill town, with its economy tied to the timber industry. Hodge grew rapidly as lumber companies set up operations in the region, and the town became known for its production of paper products. The International Paper Company built a major plant in Hodge, solidifying the town’s role in the region’s economy. Over the years, the population has remained small, but the mill continues to play a central role in the town’s daily life. Despite its small size, Hodge holds historical significance as a key player in Louisiana’s industrial development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hodge is part of the Jackson Parish School District, with nearby Jonesboro-Hodge High School serving local students. One of the most notable landmarks in Hodge is the International Paper Mill, a significant employer and a symbol of the town’s industrial roots. Additionally, the town is located near the Louisiana Tech University Forestry School, which conducts research on sustainable forestry practices in the surrounding area. The proximity of Caney Lake and Jimmie Davis State Park also provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
East Hodge
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 289 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71247
- Latitude: 32.2715° N
- Longitude: 92.7201° W
City Location and History
East Hodge, a small village adjacent to Hodge, developed similarly to its neighboring town as part of the timber and paper industry that thrived in Jackson Parish during the 20th century. The village grew as workers from the nearby paper mills settled in the area, leading to the incorporation of East Hodge as its own municipality in the mid-20th century. The town maintains a close-knit community atmosphere, with much of its history intertwined with that of Hodge and Jonesboro. Today, East Hodge remains a residential area, with most residents employed in nearby industries or commuting to larger towns for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
East Hodge shares educational resources with neighboring Hodge, with students attending schools in Jonesboro such as Jonesboro-Hodge High School. Though small, the village is located near several natural attractions, including the Caney Creek Reservoir, known for its excellent fishing and water activities. The nearby International Paper Mill remains a major employer for many residents. East Hodge also enjoys proximity to Jimmie Davis State Park, where residents can enjoy nature trails, picnic areas, and water sports.
North Hodge
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 332 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71247
- Latitude: 32.2865° N
- Longitude: 92.7198° W
City Location and History
North Hodge is a small village located just north of Jonesboro and Hodge in Jackson Parish. Like its neighboring communities, North Hodge developed as a result of the timber industry that flourished in the early 20th century. Its location near the Arkansas Southern Railroad allowed for the transportation of lumber and other goods, further contributing to its growth. Incorporated in 1957, North Hodge has remained a small, quiet community with strong ties to the timber and paper industries. Although the village has not experienced significant growth in recent decades, it retains a close-knit rural atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in North Hodge attend schools in the nearby town of Jonesboro, such as Jonesboro-Hodge High School. One of the village’s key landmarks is its proximity to the expansive forested areas that once fueled the local economy. Residents also have easy access to recreational sites like Caney Lake and Jimmie Davis State Park, which offer ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Additionally, the village is home to several churches that serve as important social and community centers for residents.
Chatham
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 557 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71226
- Latitude: 32.3057° N
- Longitude: 92.4528° W
City Location and History
Chatham is a small town in the southeastern part of Jackson Parish, located near Caney Lake and Bayou Castor. Founded in the late 19th century, Chatham began as a small agricultural community, with local farmers growing cotton and raising livestock. The town’s proximity to waterways made it a strategic location for agriculture and trade. As Jackson Parish’s timber industry boomed, Chatham benefited from its location near rich forests. Over time, the construction of the nearby Caney Creek Reservoir boosted tourism in the area, with the town becoming a gateway for visitors to the lake. Today, Chatham is a peaceful rural town that continues to emphasize agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chatham’s local school, Chatham Elementary, serves the town’s young students, while older students attend schools in nearby Jonesboro. One of Chatham’s major attractions is the nearby Caney Lake, part of the Jimmie Davis State Park, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The lake is also home to several annual fishing tournaments, attracting anglers from across the state. The town’s close-knit community is reflected in its local churches and festivals, which are central to the town’s social life. Chatham’s rural charm and access to natural beauty make it a popular destination for those seeking outdoor activities.
Eros
Area, Population, and Location Information
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 132 (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 71238
- Latitude: 32.3938° N
- Longitude: 92.4224° W
City Location and History
Eros is a small village located in the northeastern corner of Jackson Parish, near the border with Ouachita Parish. The village was founded in the early 1900s, during the height of the timber boom in northern Louisiana. Eros grew quickly as a logging town, with sawmills and logging camps operating in the area. However, a devastating tornado struck Eros in 1920, destroying much of the town and causing its population to decline significantly. Despite this setback, the village continued to exist as a small agricultural community. Today, Eros remains a quiet, rural village with a rich history connected to Louisiana’s timber industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Eros does not have its own schools, so students attend nearby institutions, such as Weston High School or schools in neighboring parishes. The village’s most significant landmark is the Eros Cemetery, where many of the town’s original settlers are buried, reflecting its long history as a timber town. Although Eros is small, it is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby forests and waterways providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The village’s rural landscape and historic significance make it a quiet retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life.