The mass exodus from the Teche Area continues.

This week the U.S. Census Bureau released its population data for 2017 and Iberia Parish, in particular the city of New Iberia, continue to show a staggering decline in population. The data shows that the population of Iberia Parish dropped off by 1,097 people from July 1 of 2016 to July 1, 2017. That is a decrease of 1.5 percent in a mere year.

The news is even worse for New Iberia which lost 766 residents (or a 2.52 percent decrease), and the city’s population now sits at 29,620. The population inside the city has declined each year since a recent high water mark of 30,820 residents back in 2012. In fact, in the five years since then the city’s population has dropped an alarming 3.89 percent.

The other municipalities also suffered population declines as Jeanerette suffered a decrease of 2.11 percent, while Delcambre and Loreauville experienced only minor declines of less than one percent respectively.

The story is unfortunately the same for St. Mary Parish which experienced a population decline of 2.07 percent.

Franklin saw a decline of 3.02 percent, while Baldwin suffered a loss of 2.01 percent.

The steady departure has a significant impact on the Teche Area’s economy.

Less residents means less taxes collected that helps fund the infrastructure of the parish and the municipalities. Less population also means less people to spend their money at the locally owned shops, restaurants and other businesses — not to mention what impact a declining population can have on the Iberia Parish School District.

Less residents usually results in less money which results in less jobs and businesses.

So why the flight from the Teche Area?

The dependency on the oil and gas industry, which has yet to fully recover from the economic downturn, and the constant headlines of shootings in the city, have severely hurt the area. Not to mention, crime in general also effects insurance rates.

Many residents have relocated outside of the parish — in particular settling in nearby Broussard which has increased its population by 23 percent in five years.

But can the Teche Area change the flight pattern? That remains to be seen. 

The formation of the New Iberia Police Department could help change the perception of the city being plagued by violent crime. Not to mention, the new businesses at the Port of Iberia will likely give the local economy a shot in the arm it needs.

The area will need more than just that though to help keep people from leaving the Teche Area. Residents will need to make a commitment to live here, work here, play here and invest here. 

That type of dedication is the only chance the area has to not only survive but possibly thrive.

RAYMOND PARTSCH III

MANAGING EDITOR