Named for U.S. Senator George Augustus Waggaman, this place has a story to tell. Waggaman is a census-designated place. It is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Waggaman sits proudly on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan area.
Let’s journey back to the roots of Waggaman. George Augustus Waggaman settled here with his wife Camille Arnoult. She inherited a large tract of land. Together, they built a plantation. They called it Avondale. Sadly, the Mississippi River claimed Avondale in 1892.
Today, the Avondale area neighbors Waggaman. It was once home to Avondale Shipyards. This shipyard was a major employer in Jefferson Parish. Waggaman’s history is intertwined with the river. It is also linked to the families who shaped its landscape.
Where exactly is Waggaman? It is on the west side of Jefferson Parish. Look for coordinates 29°55′47″N 90°13′48″W. Waggaman sits on the southwest side of the Mississippi River. Avondale borders it to the southeast. Across the river, you will find Kenner to the north. River Ridge is to the northeast. Harahan is to the east. U.S. Route 90 forms Waggaman’s southern border. It stretches east 14 miles to New Orleans. Louisiana Highway 18, also known as River Road, hugs the river side. Head east to Avondale. Go west 10 miles to Interstate 310 in Luling.
How big is Waggaman? The CDP covers 6.6 square miles. About 5.5 square miles is land. Around 1.1 square miles is water. This means that water makes up about 16.29% of Waggaman.
What about the people of Waggaman? The 2020 census counted 9,835 residents. In 2019, a survey found 10,017 people. That is an increase of 2 since 2010. In 2019, the population was diverse. About 65.7% were Black or African American. Around 24.8% were non-Hispanic white. Roughly 1.1% were American Indian and Alaska Native. About 1.5% identified as some other race. Around 2.4% were multiracial. About 6.3% were Hispanic and Latino American.
By 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup shifted slightly. Approximately 64.62% were Black or African American. Around 23.41% were non-Hispanic white. About 0.48% were American Indian and Alaska Native. Roughly 1.27% were Asian. Around 2.97% were multiracial or another race. About 7.26% were Hispanic and Latino American. In 2019, the median household income was $46,075. Around 30.1% of residents lived at or below the poverty line.
What about education in Waggaman? The Jefferson Parish Public School System serves Waggaman. All residents attend Cherbonnier K-8 School for elementary and middle school. This school used to be two separate campuses. They were Norbert Rillieux Elementary and Cherbonnier Elementary. In 2012, the schools consolidated. The Cherbonnier campus was chosen for the combined school. The zoned high school is L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero. For advanced studies, residents attend the Marrero Academy.
Need a book? The Jefferson Parish Library operates the Live Oak Library in Waggaman. This library sits next to Thomas Jefferson Park. It opened in 1989. Its design resembles an Acadian-style cottage.
Who keeps Waggaman safe? The Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Department and the Live Oak Manor Fire Department serve Waggaman. Waggaman is a place with a rich past. It has a diverse present. It is a community shaped by the Mississippi River. Its story continues to unfold.