As of the census of 2000, there were 42,509 people, 15,235 households, and 9,689 families living in the parish. The population density was 90 people per square mile (35/km2). There were 17,000 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile (14/km2). The racial makeup of the parish was 57.42% White, 39.84% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 1.16% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.