New Orleans
New Orleans: Geography and Climate
New Orleans: History
New Orleans: Population Profile
New Orleans: Municipal Government
New Orleans: Economy
New Orleans: Education and Research
New Orleans: Health Care
New Orleans: Recreation
New Orleans: Convention Facilities
New Orleans: Transportation
New Orleans: Communications
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
