Louisiana Borders: States, Map & Complete Guide
Fact-checked • Updated January 11, 2026
Louisiana borders three states: Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and Texas to the west. The state also meets the Gulf of Mexico along its southern coast. The Mississippi River forms part of Louisiana's eastern border, while the Sabine River creates much of the boundary with Texas.
Louisiana Border Map
Map showing Louisiana's boundaries with three states, the Gulf of Mexico, and major rivers.
Border Details
Explore each of Louisiana's borders in detail. Click any card to learn more.
Arkansas
Arkansas forms Louisiana's entire northern border.
Mississippi
The Mississippi River and Pearl River form Louisiana's border with Mississippi.
Texas
The Sabine River forms most of Louisiana's border with Texas.
Gulf of Mexico
Louisiana has about 397 miles of Gulf coastline.
Which States Border Louisiana?
Louisiana shares its borders with three U.S. states: Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and Texas to the west. Rivers form much of Louisiana's state borders, with the Mississippi, Pearl, and Sabine rivers creating natural boundaries.
North: Arkansas
Arkansas and Louisiana are separated by a border located on Louisiana's northern edge. The state line runs roughly east-west from Texas in the west to Mississippi in the east, following the 33rd parallel north latitude for most of its length.
The Louisiana-Arkansas border extends for about 275 miles. The border follows a relatively straight line across northern Louisiana. Louisiana parishes along this border include Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, Morehouse, and East Carroll. Major cities near this border include Shreveport, Louisiana and Texarkana on the Arkansas side.
- About 275 miles along 33rd parallel
- Relatively straight east-west line
- Louisiana parishes: Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, Morehouse, East Carroll
East: Mississippi (Mississippi River and Pearl River)
Mississippi and Louisiana are separated by a border located on Louisiana's eastern edge. The Mississippi River forms the northern portion of this boundary, while the Pearl River creates the southern section.
The Louisiana-Mississippi border extends for about 250 miles from Arkansas in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The Mississippi River forms the border in the north until it turns westward into Louisiana, then the Pearl River takes over as the boundary in the south. Louisiana parishes along this border include East Carroll, Madison, Tensas, Concordia, St. Helena, Washington, and St. Tammany.
- About 250 miles north-south
- Mississippi River in north, Pearl River in south
- Two major rivers form border
West: Texas (Sabine River and Sabine Lake)
Texas and Louisiana are separated by a border located on Louisiana's western edge. The Sabine River forms most of this boundary, creating a natural water border running roughly north-south.
The Louisiana-Texas border extends for about 180 miles from Arkansas in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The Sabine River creates the border for most of this distance, eventually flowing into Sabine Lake near the Gulf coast. Louisiana parishes along this border include Caddo, De Soto, Sabine, Vernon, Beauregard, Calcasieu, and Cameron.
- About 180 miles north-south
- Sabine River forms most of border
- Sabine Lake near Gulf coast
Gulf of Mexico: Louisiana's Southern Coast
The Gulf of Mexico borders Louisiana's southern coast for about 397 miles, though the state's tidal shoreline (including bays, inlets, and islands) extends for thousands of miles. Louisiana's coastline is unique, featuring extensive wetlands, barrier islands, and the massive Mississippi River Delta.
South: Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico forms Louisiana's southern boundary, creating one of the most distinctive coastlines in the United States. Louisiana's coast includes the Mississippi River Delta, barrier islands, marshes, and bayous.
Louisiana's Gulf coastline is about 397 miles measured along the general coastline, but the tidal shoreline (including all the inlets, bays, and islands) extends for over 7,700 miles—more than any other state except Alaska. Louisiana parishes along the Gulf include Cameron, Vermilion, Iberia, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard. Major coastal cities include New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Houma.
- About 397 miles of general coastline
- Over 7,700 miles of tidal shoreline
- Mississippi River Delta region
The Mississippi River Delta: A Unique Geographic Feature
Louisiana is home to the Mississippi River Delta, where the mighty Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The delta is one of the largest river deltas in the world, covering about 7,000 square miles of wetlands, marshes, and barrier islands. This massive delta has been built over thousands of years by sediment deposited by the Mississippi River. The delta creates Louisiana's distinctive southeastern 'boot toe' shape and includes some of the most productive wetlands and fisheries in North America. However, Louisiana loses approximately 16 square miles of land each year to coastal erosion and subsidence.
Only Three Neighboring States
Louisiana borders only three states—Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas—giving it one of the fewest land neighbors among U.S. states. This is partly due to Louisiana's extensive Gulf of Mexico coastline in the south and the Mississippi River's course through the state. Louisiana's relatively isolated position in the Deep South, combined with its unique French and Spanish colonial heritage, has contributed to the state's distinctive culture and Creole identity.
Key Facts & Statistics
This table shows every border Louisiana shares, organized by direction and type.
Louisiana borders exactly three U.S. states
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Geographic features, river boundaries, and topographic data
Coastline measurements and Gulf of Mexico data
Coastal erosion and delta information