New Orleans

The City in Brief

Note: This profile of the city of New Orleans was updated prior to August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina caused severe damage to the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The long-term impact of Katrina on New Orleans is unknown at the time of publication.

Founded: 1718 (incorporated 1805)

Head Official: Mayor C. Ray Nagin (since 2002)

City Population

1990: 496,938

2000: 484,674

2003 estimate: 469,032

Percent change, 1990–2000: −2.46%

U.S. rank in 1990: 24th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 38th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Residents

1990: 1,285,262

2000: 1,337,726

Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.08%

U.S. rank in 1990: 32nd

U.S. rank in 2000: 34th

Area: 181 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 5 feet below sea level to 15 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 68.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 61.88 inches

Major Economic Sectors: entertainment, tourism and hotels, construction, financial services, oil and gas, maritime/transportation, shipbuilding and aerospace

Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $17,258 (2000)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 31,206

Major Colleges and Universities: University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Southeastern Louisiana University, Loyola University, Xavier University, Dillard University

Daily Newspaper: The Times-Picayune