Just adding a little perspective.

The 2006 Gallup World Poll (click here) data shows a positive correlation between per capita income in a country and average self-reported life satisfaction. One report on the World Poll data concluded, "high-income countries have greater life satisfaction than low-income countries...there is no evidence that the cross-country effects of greater income fade out or vanish as countries increase their income."

Figure 8.3 (click here) shows population pyramids typical of low- and high-income countries in 1995 and those expected to be typical in 2025 if current population trends continue. Note how these shapes represent higher birth rates, higher death rates (particularly among children), and lower life expectancies in low-income countries. Think about why in poor countries the base of the pyramid is broader and the pyramid is basically triangular rather than pear-shaped or rectangular as in rich countries. Explain also the changes expected to happen to both pyramids by 2025.

This is the age distribution for Louisiana (click here) in the year 2000. 

The ages of 20-34 are worrisome. It would have to be discerned as to the percent dead over the number of births in those years. If death rates are higher in those age groups, is it work related and/or socially related causes. There also has to be an accounting of migration in Louisiana for these age groups as well. This report might prove helpful as to movement in and out of Louisiana as a trend to the state. (click here)