Kenner, Louisiana
Located in the heart of Jefferson Parish, Kenner serves as the most populous city in the parish and the largest incorporated suburb of New Orleans. With a population of 66,448 as of the 2020 census, Kenner is a vibrant hub that blends historical charm with modern infrastructure, ranking as the sixth-most populous city in the state of Louisiana.
Key Facts
- Founded: March 2, 1855, by Minor Kenner.
- Geography: Situated between Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River to the south.
- Major Hub: Home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
- Demographics: A diverse community with a significant Hispanic and Latino population, including the "Little Honduras" area.
- Government: Led by Mayor Michael J. Glaser.
History and Evolution
Kenner was established in 1855 by Minor Kenner on land comprising three plantations: Oakland, Belle Grove, and Pasture. In its early years, much of the land north of the current Airline Highway consisted of swampland. The city has a storied past, including a notable sporting event on May 10, 1870, when "Gypsy" Jem Mace won the bare-knuckle heavyweight championship—a site now marked by a monument near Williams Boulevard.
Transportation played a pivotal role in the city's early connectivity, with a streetcar line operating between New Orleans and Kenner from 1915 to 1931. The city experienced a growth surge in the late 1950s as developers drained and filled the northern swamplands. This expansion was further accelerated in the 1960s by the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway.
The city has also faced tragedies, such as the 1982 crash of Pan Am Flight 759, caused by a microburst, which resulted in 153 fatalities. More recently, in October 2017, an explosion on an oil rig platform in Lake Pontchartrain injured seven people.
Geography and Demographics
Kenner covers a total area of approximately 15.2 square miles, with 15.1 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water. It is bordered by the unincorporated areas of Metairie and River Ridge to the east and St. Charles Parish to the west.
The city's demographic landscape has shifted significantly over the decades. While the population peaked in the 1990s, it has remained relatively stable around 66,000 in recent years. A notable trend is the growth of the Hispanic and Latino community, which made up 30.01% of the population in 2020. This cultural influence is evident in the "Little Honduras" section of north Kenner and the services provided by the local Hispanic Resource Center.
Economy and Infrastructure
Kenner's economy is heavily supported by its role as a transportation gateway. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located within city limits and serves as a primary generator of tax revenue. Historically, the city also hosted the headquarters of L'Express Airlines.
The city is well-connected via Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 61 (Airline Drive), with LA 49 (Williams Blvd) serving as the main north-south artery. Public transit is managed by Jefferson Transit, providing essential links to Metairie and New Orleans.
Arts, Culture, and Recreation
Kenner offers a variety of cultural and recreational destinations. The Rivertown district is the city's historic heart, featuring the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner Heritage Park, the Kenner Planetarium, and the Rivertown Science Center.
For sports and leisure, the city boasts the Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex—the largest man-made sand complex in the U.S.—and the A. J. Muss Bertolino Playground, which includes the 1,500-seat Ed Daniels Field. Other points of interest include the Pontchartrain Center, the second-largest convention center in the metro area, and the Laketown development.
The community is also served by the North Kenner Library, operated by the Jefferson Parish Library system.
Education and Healthcare
Public education is provided by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. Students typically attend Alfred Bonnabel High School, though some are zoned for East Jefferson High School. The city also features the Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, a public charter school founded in 2013.
Private education options include the Islamic School of Greater New Orleans, First Baptist Christian School, and Catholic institutions such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
In terms of healthcare, the Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner is a major medical facility serving the broader New Orleans metropolitan area.
City Overview Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population (2020) | 66,448 |
| Total Area | 15.11 sq mi |
| Elevation | -7 ft |
| Primary Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) |
| Major District | Rivertown |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Rivertown district?
Rivertown is Kenner's historic district, serving as a cultural hub that houses museums, shops, the Kenner Planetarium, and the Rivertown Science Center.
Which major airport is located in Kenner?
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located within the city limits and is a vital source of tax revenue for the community.
What is "Little Honduras"?
Little Honduras is a portion of north Kenner characterized by a high concentration of Hispanic and Latino residents and businesses catering to this community.
Who are some notable people from Kenner?
Notable residents and figures include musician Jon Batiste, world-renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and R&B singer Lloyd Price.
How is public transportation handled in Kenner?
Public transportation is operated by Jefferson Transit, which is managed by the Jefferson Parish Department of Transit Administration.