Metairie, LA Career Education: Colleges, Universities and Technical Schools

ARTICLE: Metairie In-Depth

Metairie, in French, literally means fiefdom or tenant farm, and this name is appropriate given the city's strong agricultural roots. Farming was a major industry when the French settled here during the early days of colonialism. The population of Metairie, LA is 146,136, according to the 2000 US Census. Jefferson, Elmwood, River Ridge, and Harahan are some of the cities closest to Metairie. Like nearby New Orleans, Metairie has a Mardi Gras season that attracts tourists during late winter.

Metairie was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, losing almost 30 people in this major catastrophe. More than three quarters of Metairie was inundated with floodwaters and the total loss is estimated to be around $5 billion.

The median household income in Metairie, LA, is $41,265. Nearly 30% of its population has a bachelor's degree. The per capita income of Metairie was $24,771 according to the US Census 2000, but after Hurricane Katrina this figure went down substantially. Nearly 100,000 jobs were permanently lost in the state of Louisiana, and Metairie was no exception.

The leading employment sectors in Metairie are education, health, and social services, which account for 20% of the work force. Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services come in second at 13%. The retail trade as well as arts, entertainment, recreation, hospitality, and food services fill up the rest of the employment positions.

Metairie is still rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Reconstruction work and building activity currently provide some employment opportunities. Grants and aid are pouring in, and a lot of reconstruction activity is expected to strengthen the Metairie economy, although it might take years before the city regains its former luster.

Sources:

• Comic Relief.org, Katrina Fact Sheet
• Epodunk, Metairie, LA
• City Data, Metairie, Louisiana

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