New Orleans is an example of a city that experienced both a high decrease in population and a high increase in population in the span of three years. Explain the factors that led to these rapid population changes.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: In 2005, Hurricane Katrina displaced half the population of New Orleans. Due to damage and destruction caused by the hurricane, hundreds of thousands of residents were forced to leave the city. However, New Orleans also gained new residents who were employed in cleanup efforts. New Orleans was the fastest-growing city in the US in 2008 because of an influx of residents returning to the city. As the city was rebuilt, former residents had the opportunity to return to their homes.