Leesville is a city in, and the parish seat of, Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 5,649 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Johnson South micropolitan area and is additionally served by the Leesville Airport. The city is home to the Fort Johnson (formerly known as Fort Polk) U.S. Army installation.

Geography

Leesville is located at 31.14361°N, -93.27111°W (31.143553, -93.271196) and has an elevation of 254 ft. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.49 sqmi, of which 5.45 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.55%) is water.

Climate

This climatic region is typified by hot, humid summers and mild winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Leesville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,649 people, 2,415 households, and 1,266 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,753 people, 2,841 households, and 1,650 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,238.7 PD/sqmi. There were 3,389 housing units at an average density of 621.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 55.49% White, 35.33% African American, 1.47% Native American, 2.09% Asian, 0.56% Pacific Islander, 2.25% from other races, and 2.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.92% of the population. There were 2,841 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.2% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.9% were non-families. Nearly 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 3.02. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males. The median income for a household in the city was $23,864, and the median income for a family was $30,435. Males had a median income of $27,267 versus $21,661 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,360. About 24.5% of families and 28.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.0% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The Vernon Parish School District operates public schools: The Vernon Parish Public Library operates the Main Library and the Dunbar Branch Library.

Notable people