Shreveport is a city located in northwest Louisiana near the Texas border. With a population of around 192,000 as of the 2020 census, it’s the third largest city in the state behind New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Population and Demographics
The population of Shreveport peaked in the 1980s at over 230,000 residents. Since then it has been declining slowly but steadily. The racial makeup of the city is pretty diverse with around 47% Black or African American residents, 43% White residents, 6% Hispanic or Latino residents and 2% Asian residents as of 2020.
The median age in Shreveport is around 36 years old. Over 22% of residents live below the poverty line. The largest employers in Shreveport are the various medical centers and casinos.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the major industries and employers in the Shreveport area include:
- Healthcare – Major healthcare providers like LSU Health Shreveport, Ochsner LSU Health, Willis-Knighton Health System and Christus Health.
- Military – Shreveport is home to Barksdale Air Force Base, a major air force installation that employees thousands of civilians and military personnel.
- Casinos – Major casinos like Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino and Margaritaville Resort Casino.
- Manufacturing – Companies like Frymaster, Ternium and Sabre Industries have large manufacturing plants in the area.
- Oil and Gas – Though reduced from its peak, oil and gas extraction and production is still a major industry.
The Port of Shreveport-Bossier also provides a major economic boost by facilitating shipping traffic on the Red River. It’s the 5th busiest port in the entire United States by tonnage!
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Shreveport include:
- Shreveport Aquarium – Features thousands of aquatic animals and interactive exhibits.
- Shreveport Water Works Museum – Highlights the history of water supply and infrastructure in the city.
- Robinson Film Center – A popular indie movie theater downtown.
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery – An impressive art museum housed in a historic mansion.
- Casinos – In addition to gambling, the major casinos host concerts, restaurants and more.
- Riverview Park & Barnwell Center – Large park along the Red River with hiking, biking, golf and more.
The nearby beaches of Lake Bistineau, Cross Lake and Caddo Lake are also popular recreation spots for boating, fishing, swimming and relaxing.
Sports Teams
Shreveport is home to several professional and college sports teams including:
- Shreveport Mudbugs – Ice hockey team in the NAHL.
- Shreveport Captains – Baseball team in the AA professional American Association.
- Centenary College Gents and Ladies – NCAA Division III baseball, basketball, football and more.
- LSU Shreveport Pilots – NAIA college baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer and volleyball.
In addition to college and professional sports, Shreveport has many public sports facilities and hosts various national tournaments and events such as the Red River Balloon Rally.
History and Government
Shreveport was founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company. It quickly grew into a commercial hub given its location on the Red River. Shreveport became the capital of Louisiana from 1863 to 1865 after Baton Rouge fell to Union forces during the Civil War.
Today, Shreveport has a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Adrian Perkins. The city council consists of 7 members representing individual districts. Shreveport has had a consolidated city-parish government since 1978 when the city merged with Caddo Parish.
You can learn more about Shreveport’s local government and stay updated on news and events on the City of Shreveport’s official website or Facebook page.
Final Thoughts
Shreveport has a unique history and culture shaped by its geography on the Red River and proximity to Texas. Though it faces some economic challenges, Shreveport remains an important urban hub in northwest Louisiana with plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. Major employers in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing provide jobs, while attractions like the casinos and museums give both tourists and locals things to do. Sports teams and outdoor recreation options round out the city’s offerings.