Baton Rouge

The City in Brief

Founded: 1719 (incorporated 1817)

Head Official: Mayor Melvin "Kip" Holden (since 2005)

City Population

1980: 220,394

1990: 219,531

2000: 227,818

2003 estimate: 225,090

Percent change, 1990–2000: 3.77%

U.S. rank in 1980: 62nd

U.S. rank in 1990: 73rd (State rank: 2nd)

U.S. rank in 2000: 85th (State rank: 2nd)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 494,000

1990: 528,261

2000: 602,894

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.37%

U.S. rank in 1980: 68th

U.S. rank in 1990: 90th

U.S. rank in 2000: 69th

Area: 76.84 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 83 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 67.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 55.55 inches of rain; 0.1 inch of snow

Major Economic Sectors: services, government, retail trade, construction

Unemployment rate: 5.4% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $18,512 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 18,949

Major Colleges and Universities: Louisiana State University, Southern University, Baton Rouge Community College

Daily Newspaper: The Advocate