| Alexandria, Louisiana | |
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| Map of Louisiana highlighting the Alexandria metropolitan area | |
| Website | http://cityofalexandriala.com/ |
The Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area is a metropolitan area in central Louisiana that covers two parishes – Rapides and Grant. As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 145,035 (though a July 1, 2009 estimate placed the population at 154,101).[1]
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The Alexandria metropolitan area was first defined in 1973. Then known as the Alexandria Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (Alexandria SMSA), it consisted of two parishes - Rapides and Grant - and had a population of 131,749.[2][3] By the census of 1980, the population had grown to 151,985, a 15% increase over the previous census.
In 1983, the official name was shortened to the Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (Alexandria MSA), which is still in use to date.[4] That same year, Grant Parish was removed from the MSA, leaving only Rapides Parish. A total of 135,282 people lived in Rapides Parish in 1980.[3] That number had declined to 131,556 by 1990[3] and 126,337 in 2000.
Grant Parish was again added to the Alexandria MSA in 2003.[5]
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As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 145,035 people, 54,193 households, and 38,401 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 68.95% White, 28.04% African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.35% of the population.
The median income for a household in the MSA was $29,739, and the median income for a family was $35,775. Males had a median income of $30,505 versus $20,477 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $15,249.
The Alexandria, Louisiana metropolitan area was rated the 25th Most Dangerous Metro Areas, second in Louisiana, behind only the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area, according to City Crime Rankings.[7]