Kenner
cityKenner, Louisiana, situated in Jefferson Parish, is the most populous suburb of New Orleans. With a population of approximately 64,904 in 2024, Kenner offers a blend of suburban living with convenient access to the amenities of a major city. The city's history is rooted in its plantation past, evolving into a thriving community with a diverse population. Kenner's economy is supported by a mix of industries, including construction, healthcare, and retail. Its strategic location, with access to major highways and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, makes it a hub for transportation and commerce. The city also provides essential municipal services and fosters economic development through strategic planning. Kenner distinguishes itself through its rich history, which includes its founding in 1855 on former plantation lands and its role as the site of the first heavyweight boxing championship. The city's recreational offerings, such as the Laketown area and various parks, enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Kenner, Louisiana
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 22-39475
- Country
- United States
- County
- Jefferson
- Region
- Greater New Orleans
- Elevation
- -7 ft
- Total Area
- 15.11 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.89 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.22 sq mi
- Latitude
- 30.00972
- Longitude
- -90.255
- Climate
- Kenner has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is abundant, averaging nearly 60 inches per year.
- Notable Features
- Lake Pontchartrain · Mississippi River
- Neighboring Areas
- Metairie · River Ridge · St. Charles Parish
- Population (2020)
- 66,448
- Est. Population (2026)
- 63,830
- Median Age
- 39.3
- Median Income
- $64,020
- Poverty Rate
- 15.45%
- Owner-Occupied
- 63.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Kenner is 42.4% White, 29.5% Hispanic, 17.0% Black or African American, 4.7% Multiracial, and 4.6% Asian.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Jefferson Parish Public School System
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.6%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Construction · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- PepsiCo · Ochsner Health System · United Parcel Service (UPS)
- Schools
- 14
- Students
- 9,224
- School Districts
- Jefferson Parish Public School System
- Colleges & Universities
- John Jay Beauty College-Kenner Campus · Healthcare Training Institute
- Transportation
- Interstate 10 · U.S. Route 61 (Airline Drive) · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer infrastructure
- Major Facilities
- Ochsner Medical Center · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport · Pontchartrain Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Laketown · A.J. Muss Bertolino Playground · Kenner City Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Walking trails
- Founded
- 1855
- Incorporated
- 1867
- Named After
- Minor Kenner
- Historical Significance
- Kenner's history reflects its evolution from a plantation-based community to a modern suburban city with a strategic transportation hub.
- Key Events
- Founded by the Kenner family on former plantation land · Site of the first heavyweight boxing championship in 1870 · Home to New Orleans International Airport · Rapid growth as a suburb of New Orleans in the mid-20th century