Incarceration Trends in

Louisiana

Incarceration in Local Jails and State Prisons

This fact sheet provides at-a-glance information about how many people are locked up in both state prisons and county jails and shows where the state stands on a variety of metrics, so that policymakers and the public can better determine where to target reforms.

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Key Facts

Louisiana ranks 1st in the region for jail incarceration and first in overall incarceration.
Since 1970, the total jail population has increased 665%.
In Louisiana, Black people constituted 33% of state residents, but 67% of people in prison.
Total Number of People in County Jails and State Prisons, 2015
Explore your state's use of local jails and state prisons.

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