Louisiana Poorest State in the Union (New Orleans: foreclosure, purchasing, income)

[Future Trooper]

A new federal report finds the fury of hurricanes Katrina and Rita drove
(keep in mind this report was posted in 2007)
Louisiana's per capita income to the lowest among the 50 states in 2005. This makes Louisiana the poorest state in the union.
Prior to the storms the state had ranked 42nd in the nation.
I haven't been up to date on the recovery efforts there but is everthing running according to plan? Is New Orleans/Louisiana returning to that old southern charm? or does it not look very good there?

[hdwell]

I haven't seen any figures about the income of post-Katrina/Rita La, but things are looking up for sure. The economy is doing quite well and many are returning to the area. We don't seem to get enough information about these things because at least the local paper has stopped printing much economic news, focusing instead on social problems. I don't feel like the percapita or personal income is that far down on the list. I see too much purchasing that says otherwise and our foreclosure rate is low compared to many places. Housiing is not a bargain here (maybe compared to California) so there must be somebody doing good, eh?

[d0nny]

New ORleans isn't seeing nearly as many conventions as it had previously, but tourism has picked up in the city. I forget the estimates, but the financial impact on the city has pretty much doubled from something like 3.6$ billion to 7.X$ something. Major issues though with mental health in the city, and homelessness is some of the highest that exists in metro outside of a 3rd world country.

Other coastal areas in the state are typically doing better, along with the other major metro areas.