New Orleans metropolitan area

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The New Orleans metropolitan area, also called Greater New Orleans, is centered on the city of New Orleans in Louisiana. It is the state's largest metro area and includes several nearby parishes and communities. In 2020, about 1 million people lived in the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner area, and the broader New Orleans–Metairie–Slidell region had about 1.37 million people.

Location and components
The area sits along the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico. It includes cities such as Metairie, Kenner, and Gretna. For census purposes, the core area is the New Orleans–Metairie MSA, which covers seven parishes. In 2020, St. Tammany Parish was part of a different metro area, and in 2023 it was split off, leaving seven parishes in the New Orleans MSA: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist. The larger combined area that includes nearby parts of Mississippi and other Louisiana communities is the New Orleans–Metairie–Slidell CSA.

Economy and growth
Greater New Orleans is the largest regional economy in Louisiana. It is home to the Port of New Orleans, a busy hub for shipping and oil industry activity, and to major employers such as Entergy, along with other large companies. The region has strengths in energy, healthcare, film, technology, and tourism. Tourism and events draw billions of dollars to the area, with many visitors each year.

History and recovery
The area was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, causing major flood damage and a large population drop in New Orleans proper. By 2020, the city and the metro area had recovered much of that loss, though some population shifts remained.

Transportation and landmarks
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves many domestic and international flights. The Port of New Orleans and the nearby Mississippi River support substantial shipping and industry. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway connects the city’s south and north shores and is one of the world’s longest bridges over water. The region relies on several major highways and rail service, with a strong emphasis on flood protection coordinated by state and federal agencies.

In short, Greater New Orleans is a large, diverse metro area known for its port, industry, culture, and ongoing recovery and growth after Hurricane Katrina.