@Seed,
You honestly think that FEMA checks from the gov't actually
restored the economy of N'awlins from the damage from Hurricane Katrina? Are you aware the Hurricane Rita also flooded the N.O. (and lower 9th ward)? Hiow many of those people who evacuated N.O. you think actually moved back?
How many were able to relocate again?
I know for a fact (Google 2000 census figures) that a fair number of these people were signifcantly below the poverty level as it was before the storm(s). Those that weren't below the poverty level before they left, may have fallen to that level once they moved.
Many stayed put (in places like Hosuton) and found jobs and became part of the fabric of where they settled. Merchants who re-established businesses back in NO, did so at a signifcant risk.
The 2006 estimated population of the city was 223,388 - down about minus 54% from Census of 2000 - pop 484,674.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=new+orleans&_state=&_county=new+orleans&_cityTown=new+orleans&_zip=&_sse=on&_lang=en&pctxt=fph
2008 311,853
2000 484,674
1990 496,938