Cities and Towns in Richland Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1868, Richland Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Richland Parish was formed from parts of Carroll Parish, Franklin Parish, Morehouse Parish and Ouachita Parish. The city of Rayville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 83, Richland Parish has a population of 19,805 and area of 564 square miles (1,461 km²).
List of all cities in Richland Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alto, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Archibald, LA | 71218 | 318 |
| Bee Bayou, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Crew Lake, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Dehlco, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Delhi, LA | 71232 | 318 |
| Dunn, LA | 71232 | 318 |
| Girard, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Holly Ridge, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Jonesburg, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Mangham, LA | 71259 | 318 |
| New Light, LA | 71259 | 318 |
| Rayville, LA | 71269 | 318 |
| Start, LA | 71279 | 318 |
| Warden, LA | 71232 | 318 |
| Waverly, LA | 71232 | 318 |
Major Cities and Towns in Richland Parish, Louisiana
1. Rayville, Louisiana
Location and History
Rayville, the largest town in Richland Parish, is located in the northeastern part of Louisiana, about 20 miles east of Monroe. Established in the mid-19th century, Rayville grew primarily as an agricultural hub, serving the cotton plantations and later, the rice and soybean farms in the region. Its strategic location along U.S. Highway 80 and proximity to Interstate 20 helped Rayville develop as a commercial center for Richland Parish. Over the years, the town has retained its small-town charm while becoming a vital part of the region’s agricultural economy. Its name was derived from a prominent early settler, Alfred Ray, who owned a plantation in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rayville is served by the Richland Parish School District, with schools such as Rayville High School and Rayville Elementary School providing education for local students. Notable landmarks in the town include the Richland Parish Courthouse, a historical structure in the heart of downtown, and the Louisiana Delta Community College’s extension campus. The annual Rayville Christmas Parade and various agricultural fairs are community highlights. In addition, the nearby Poverty Point Reservoir offers recreational activities like fishing, camping, and boating.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: 3,488 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71269
- Latitude: 32.4771° N
- Longitude: 91.7540° W
2. Delhi, Louisiana
Location and History
Delhi is located in the western part of Richland Parish, near the boundary with Madison Parish. It was established in the early 19th century and named after the capital city of India, reflecting a fascination with exotic names during the time of its founding. The town has deep agricultural roots, having been a significant producer of cotton during the 19th century. Today, Delhi is known for its role in rice and soybean production, with agriculture remaining a central part of its economy. The town is situated along U.S. Route 80, which historically served as a major thoroughfare for travelers and commerce in northeastern Louisiana.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Delhi is home to Delhi High School and Delhi Charter School, both of which provide primary and secondary education to local students. One of the most notable landmarks is Poverty Point National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just north of the town. Poverty Point is a prehistoric Native American site featuring earthen mounds and artifacts dating back over 3,000 years. In addition to Poverty Point, the nearby Poverty Point Reservoir offers outdoor recreational opportunities. Delhi also has historic churches and buildings, contributing to its small-town historical charm.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 2,900 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71232
- Latitude: 32.4551° N
- Longitude: 91.4939° W
3. Mangham, Louisiana
Location and History
Mangham is a small town located in the southern part of Richland Parish. Founded in the late 19th century, it grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and agricultural development in the region. The town was named after Wylie Mangham, a prominent early settler and local businessman. Mangham remains a predominantly rural community with a strong agricultural base, especially cotton, corn, and soybeans. Its location along Louisiana Highway 15 allows for easy access to other towns in the region, making it a small but significant part of Richland Parish’s agricultural network.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mangham High School serves as the main educational institution in the town, offering education to students from surrounding rural areas. The town is known for its historic churches, such as Mangham Baptist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. Mangham also hosts annual festivals and events celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Boeuf River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, attracting visitors from neighboring areas. Mangham’s small-town atmosphere and historical landmarks make it a quaint and peaceful place to live.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: 672 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71259
- Latitude: 32.3088° N
- Longitude: 91.7734° W
4. Start, Louisiana
Location and History
Start is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Richland Parish. It is a rural area that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely through agricultural ventures. Historically, Start served as a farming community, with cotton, corn, and soybeans as the primary crops. Over the years, it has remained a small, close-knit community centered around farming and local traditions. Although it is unincorporated, Start is known for its contribution to the local economy through agriculture and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Start community is served by schools such as Start Elementary School, which provides early education to children in the area. A key landmark in the area is Start Baptist Church, which has been a focal point for community gatherings and events for decades. Start is also known for its proximity to outdoor attractions like Poverty Point Reservoir and Boeuf Wildlife Management Area, where locals and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Although small, Start’s rural charm and strong community spirit make it a special part of Richland Parish.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- Zip Code: 71279
- Latitude: 32.5115° N
- Longitude: 91.8893° W
5. Holly Ridge, Louisiana
Location and History
Holly Ridge is another small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Richland Parish. It was founded as a small agricultural community and developed along the railroad, which played a crucial role in transporting crops like cotton and soybeans to larger markets. Over the years, Holly Ridge has remained primarily rural, with farming continuing to be a major economic driver. The community is located along U.S. Route 80, which provides easy access to neighboring towns and cities in northeastern Louisiana.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Holly Ridge residents attend schools in the nearby towns of Rayville and Delhi, as there are no major schools in the immediate area. The community’s landmarks are tied to its agricultural heritage, with historical farms and rural landscapes dotting the area. Holly Ridge Baptist Church is a central gathering point for community events and services. The town’s proximity to outdoor recreational areas like Poverty Point Reservoir and Boeuf Wildlife Management Area provides ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. The peaceful rural setting and agricultural heritage define Holly Ridge.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Code: 71269
- Latitude: 32.4032° N
- Longitude: 91.6457° W
