Kenner, Louisiana

Kenner is a city in Louisiana, United States. It is the largest city in Jefferson Parish, and is the largest incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. The population was 66,448 at the 2020 census.[3]

Kenner
City
City of Kenner
Rivertown district
Rivertown district
Flag of Kenner
Flag
Official seal of Kenner
Seal
Location of Kenner in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Location of Kenner in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Coordinates: 30°00′35″N 90°15′02″W[1]
Country United States
State Louisiana
ParishJefferson
FoundedMarch 2, 1855
Incorporated1867
ReincorporatedApril 1, 1873
ReincorporatedDecember 13, 1913
Government
 • MayorMichael J. Glaser (R)
Area
[2]
 • Total15.11 sq mi (39.14 km2)
 • Land14.89 sq mi (38.56 km2)
 • Water0.22 sq mi (0.58 km2)  00.7%
Elevation
[1]
3 ft (0.9 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total66,448
 • RankJE: 1st
LA: 7th
 • Density4,462.89/sq mi (1,723.12/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code504
FIPS code22-39475
Websitekenner.la.us

History

In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties that had been purchased by the Kenner family. At the time, all land north of what is now Airline Highway was swampland.

In Kenner on May 10, 1870, "Gypsy" Jem Mace defeated Tom Allen for the heavyweight championship of the bare-knuckle boxing era; a monument marks the spot near the river end of Williams Boulevard.

From 1915 to 1931, a New Orleans streetcar line operated between New Orleans and Kenner. The line ran between the intersection of Rampart and Canal in New Orleans and the intersection of Williams Blvd and Jefferson Hwy in Kenner.

Kenner's growth began in the late 1950s when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans.

In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759 crashed in a residential area of Kenner when a microburst forced it down.[4] Eight people on the ground were killed, as were all 145 people aboard the aircraft. Six houses were completely destroyed and five more substantially damaged.

In October 2017, an explosion on the surface of an oil rig platform in Lake Pontchartrain north west of the Treasure Chest Casino injured 7 people.[5]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.2 square miles (39 km2), of which 15.1 square miles (39 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.7%) is water.

The city of Kenner is located on the west side of Greater New Orleans, in Jefferson Parish. Its boundaries are Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the Mississippi River to the south, the unincorporated areas of Metairie and River Ridge to the east, and St. Charles Parish to the west.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880970—
1890953−1.8%
19001,25331.5%
19201,882—
19302,44029.6%
19402,375−2.7%
19505,535133.1%
196017,037207.8%
197029,85875.3%
198066,382122.3%
199072,0338.5%
200070,517−2.1%
201066,702−5.4%
202066,448−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census
Kenner city, Louisiana – Racial and Ethnic Composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the U.S. Census Bureau treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2000[6] Pop 2010[7] Pop 2020[8] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 42,148 32,564 26,586 58.77% 48.82% 40.01%
Black or African American alone (NH) 15,725 15,650 14,275 22.30% 23.46% 21.48%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 228 147 115 0.32% 0.22% 0.17%
Asian alone (NH) 1,980 2,434 3,149 2.81% 3.65% 4.74%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 24 15 23 0.03% 0.02% 0.03%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 99 210 441 0.14% 0.31% 0.66%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) 711 764 1,918 1.01% 1.15% 2.89%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 9,602 14,918 19,941 13.62% 22.37% 30.01%
Total 70,517 66,702 66,448 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%


In 2013, there were 66,975 living in Kenner, down from 70,517 people in 2000.[9] The population density was 4,486.0 people per square mile. There were 28,076 housing units. In 2000, there were 70,517 people, 25,652 households, and 18,469 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,798.3/km2 (4,659.0/mi2). There were 27,378 housing units at an average density of 698.2/km2 (1,808.8/mi2). At the 2020 U.S. census, the city's population declined to 66,448.[3]

During the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of Kenner was 64.6% non-Hispanic white, 23.8% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.7% Asian, 5.4% some other race, and 2.3% two or more races.[10] In 2013, the racial makeup of the city was 48.8% White, 34.7% African American, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 68.12% White, 22.55% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 13.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Reflecting the nationwide demographic shift in 2020,[11] 40.01% were non-Hispanic white, 21.48% Black or African American, 0.17% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.55% multiracial or some other race, and 30.01% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.[12]

In the Hispanic and Latin American population of Kenner, 12 of the city's tracts have Hispanic or Latino populations of 15% or more in 2010. By 2011, many businesses catering to Hispanics and Latin Americans had opened in Kenner. A portion of north Kenner is called "Little Honduras." Kenner's Hispanic Resource Center offers English as a second language classes and after school programs.[13]

Economy

At one time L'Express Airlines had its headquarters in Kenner.[14]

Arts and culture

Library and planetarium
North Kenner Library

Jefferson Parish Library operates the North Kenner Library.[15]

Places of interest
Treasure Chest Casino
Lighthouse concession stand at Kenner's Laketown development

The following are located in Kenner:

  • A. J. Muss Bertolino Playground – a high school stadium, running track, and gymnasium.[16][17]
  • Chateau Golf and Country Club.
  • Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex - 22 court sand volleyball complex, and the largest man-made sand complex in the United States.[18]
  • The Esplanade Mall – Opened in 1983.
  • Laketown – A park built with a boat launch, two piers, pavilions, a jogging/biking path, and a concession stand and bait house.
  • Pontchartrain Center – Opened in 1991, it is the second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area.
  • Rivertown – The historic district with museums, shops, and cultural resources. Located there are the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner Heritage Park, Kenner Planetarium, and Rivertown Science Center.[19][20]
  • Treasure Chest Casino.

Government

The mayor of Kenner is Michael Glaser.

Kenner is represented in the Louisiana House of Representatives by the Republican attorney Debbie Villio. The state senator is Republican Kirk Talbot, a former state House member. Kenner is part of Louisiana's 1st Congressional district, presently represented in the U.S. House by Steve Scalise.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Kenner is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.[21]

Kenner originally had one high school, Alfred Bonnabel High School, which is located on the border between Metairie and Kenner. The newest high school is a public charter (Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy). Most areas are zoned to Bonnabel. Some areas are zoned to East Jefferson High School and Grace King High School, both in Metairie.[22] Theodore Roosevelt Middle School and Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy are the two middle schools in Kenner. In addition to Roosevelt and Kenner Discovery, middle schools serving sections of Kenner include Adams Middle and Harris Middle in Metairie, and Riverdale Middle in Jefferson.[23]

Elementary schools include:[24]

  • A.C. Alexander Elementary School
  • John James Audubon Elementary School
  • Chateau Estates Elementary School
  • John Clancy Elementary School
  • Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School
  • Walter Schneckenberger Elementary School
  • Washington Elementary School
  • Granville T. Woods Elementary
  • Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy (public charter)

In regards to the advanced studies academies, students are zoned to Airline Park Academy.[25]

Private schools include:

  • First Baptist Christian School
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans). The school, the parish school of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, opened in 1928. In 1951 an annex to the school opened. Another building with classrooms and a gymnasium was dedicated in 1956, and the current school building was dedicated in 1961. The Mercy Center, which houses school offices and a library, gymnasium, and a dedicated room for music classes, was dedicated in August 2004.[26]
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans)
  • Islamic School of Greater New Orleans (ISGNO)[27]

Media
See also: Media of New Orleans

The Kenner Star is Kenner's free monthly community newspaper.[28] Kenner is served primarily by New Orleans-based media outlets.

Infrastructure

Buses

Public transportation in the city is operated by the Jefferson Parish Department of Transit Administration which operates Jefferson Transit. Jefferson Transit provides service to points in Kenner, Metairie and New Orleans as well as other locations in incorporated and unincorporated Jefferson Parish.[29]

Roads

Kenner is served by Interstate 10, which travels east–west through the city. Traveling westbound from the city line there are exits at Power Blvd., LA 49 (Williams Blvd.)/32nd St. New Orleans Int'l Airport, and Loyola Dr.

In addition, the interstate, U.S. 61 (generally signed as Airline Dr.) travels east–west through the southern end of the city. LA 49 (signed as Williams Blvd) is the city's primary north–south corridor.

Airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY), the main commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area, is located within the city limits, just south of Interstate 10. It serves as a major tax-revenue generator for the city.

Health care
Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner

Notable people

References
  1. "Kenner, Louisiana". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. June 4, 1980. Retrieved December 12, 2007.
  2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  3. "QuickFacts: Kenner city, Louisiana". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  4. "1982: Pan Am Flight 759 crashes in Kenner". Nola. December 25, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
  5. report, Advocate staff (October 15, 2017). "Lake Pontchartrain oil platform explosion leaves 7 injured, 1 missing; resident describes seeing 'tremendous flames'". Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  6. "P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Kenner city, Louisiana". United States Census Bureau.
  7. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kenner city, Louisiana". United States Census Bureau.
  8. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kenner city, Louisiana". United States Census Bureau.
  9. "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved December 11, 2014.,
  10. "Geographic Profile: Kenner city, Louisiana". data.census.gov. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  11. "Census: US sees unprecedented multiracial growth, decline in the white population for first time in history". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  12. "2020 Race and Population Totals". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  13. "Hispanic population booms in Kenner and elsewhere in New Orleans area" (Archive). The Times-Picayune. June 15, 2011. Retrieved on September 7, 2015.
  14. "World Airline Directory." Flight International. March 27 – April 2, 1991. 99. "Head Office: 1919 Veterans Blvd., Suite 400 Kenner, LA 70062, USA:"
  15. "North Kenner Library." Jefferson Parish Library. Retrieved on September 29, 2010.
  16. "Muss Bertolino Field". crescentcitysports.com. November 3, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  17. "Louisiana high school football schedule". mcla.com. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  18. WDSU (May 9, 2012). "Coconut Beach Moving to Kenner". WDSU. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  19. Ross, Bob. "Economy shutters Kenner's Toy Train Museum." New Orleans Time-Picayune. October 12, 2009. Retrieved on March 7, 2010.
  20. "Kenner's Rivertown". Experience Jefferson. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
  21. "Council District Map" (Archive). City of Kenner. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  22. "High School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana." (Archive) Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  23. "Middle School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana" (Archive) Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  24. "Elementary School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana" (Archive). Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  25. "East Bank Advanced Studies Attendance Zones" (Archive). Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  26. "History". Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  27. "Uniform Policy 2019-2020" (PDF). Islamic School of Greater New Orleans. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  28. Kenner Star.
  29. Jefferson Transit.
  30. "Jefferson Parish : President: Aaron F. Broussard". www.jeffparish.net. Archived from the original on October 7, 2006. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  31. "Chris Kenner". Discogs.
  32. "Bonnabel (Kenner, LA) Alumni Pro Stats". Pro football reference. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  33. "Welcome to Kenner". www.kenner.la.us. Archived from the original on April 5, 2007. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  34. "Lloyd Price | Biography, Songs, & Facts".
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