New Orleans, hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was the fastest-growing large city in the nation between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007. This follows the city having the largest rate of population loss since 2000.

U.S. Census Bureau estimates show New Orleans’ population rose by 13.8 percent to 239,124 during the one-year period, to lead all cities with populations of 100,000 or more in rate of increase. New Orleans was followed by Victorville, Calif., whose population climbed 9.5 percent to 107,221. Victorville, in Southern California’s San Bernardino County, saw its population pass the 100,000 mark for the first time in 2007.

Three Texas cities made the fastest-growing top 10: McKinney and Denton (near Dallas, ranking third and 10th, respectively) and Killeen (near Austin, ranking sixth). Rounding out the top 10 were North Las Vegas, Nev. (fourth); Cary, N.C. (near Raleigh, ranking fifth); Port St. Lucie, Fla. (on the Atlantic coast, seventh); Gilbert, Ariz. (near Phoenix, eighth); and Clarksville, Tenn. (on the Kentucky border, ninth).

Columbus, Ga., had the largest percentage decrease from 2006 to 2007. Its population decline is attributable to a decline in the population living in military barracks. Columbus was followed by Baton Rouge, La.; Hollywood, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; and Coral Springs, Fla. Six of the 25 fastest-losing cities were in Florida.

New Orleans Population Continues Katrina Recovery (U.S. Census Bureau 7/10/08)

July 29, 2008