Livingston Parish was originally part of the St. Helena District. In 1832, the Louisiana legislature divided St. Helena, creating Livingston Parish and naming it after Edward Livingston, a prominent statesman who served as a senator, minister to France, and Secretary of State under Andrew Jackson.

By 1835, several small industries were thriving in the area, notably sawmills and brick factories. The timber industry brought railroads through the region in the early 20th century, changing commercial and residential patterns. With the construction of modern highways and the encroachment of metropolitan Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish continues to attract residents and businesses.

The parish covers a total area of 703 square miles (1,820 km²), with 648 square miles (1,678 km²) of land and 55 square miles (142 km²) of water, accounting for 7.8% of its total area. It measures approximately 32 miles long and 30 miles wide. The northern part of the parish consists of rolling terrain covered by pine and hardwood forests about 50 feet above sea level, while the southern end features rich cypress forests and marshes bordering Lake Maurepas and the Amite River.

As of 2025, Livingston Parish has an estimated population of 154,323 residents, making it the 9th most populous parish in Louisiana. This represents a growth of over 20% since the 2010 census. The parish's largest city is Denham Springs, with a population of approximately 9,351. Other notable municipalities include Walker (6,374), Livingston (1,877), and Springfield (1,800)