Population of the City

Current Population as a Percentage of Pre-Katrina Population

Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the population of New Orleans has recovered much more quickly than many originally estimated. Despite the fact that 80% of the city was flooded and over 70% of the housing units were damaged, New Orleans has recovered over 80% of its pre-storm population. Population growth has slowed in recent years, but growth continues at a steady pace. With approximately 365,000 residents, New Orleans is unquestionably back in the cohort of “major” American cities.

 

The 5 parish impact area has 91% of its pre-storm population. On the average, the populace is a bit older and somewhat wealthier.

chart

Area

July 1, 2005

Jan. 1, 2006

July 1, 2006

July 1, 2007

July 1, 2008

July 1, 2009

July 1, 2010

Percent Back

Jefferson

451,652

411,000

420,683

440,339

444,655

443,342

445,000

98.5%

Orleans

455,188

158,000

208,548

288,113

336,644

354,850

365,403

80.3%

Plaquemines

28,549

20,200

21,293

21,353

21,138

20,942

24,268

85.0%

St. Bernard

64,951

34,000

14,493

33,439

37,669

40,655

41,000

63.1%

St. Tammany

217,407

220,000

223,062

226,315

229,384

231,495

235,000

108.1%

Metro Area

1,217,747

843,200

888,079

1,009,559

1,069,490

1,091,284

1,110,671

91.2%

 

100.0%

69.2%

72.9%

82.9%

87.8%

89.6%

91.2%