Explore everything from the city's low-lying geography to why elevation plays such a crucial role in its culture, infrastructure, and future.

Table of Contents

Location and Basics

  • Where is New Orleans located? It’s in southeastern Louisiana, right on the Mississippi River.
  • What is the population of New Orleans? Around 400,000 residents in the city and 1.2 million in the metro area.
  • How large is New Orleans? The city covers 349.85 square miles—more water than land.
  • What makes New Orleans geographically unique? It's a water-dominated city, unlike most major U.S. cities.
  • What is the elevation of New Orleans? Most of the city sits 1–2 feet below sea level.

Elevation Basics

  • What is New Orleans known for? Swamps, bayous, and its major port status.
  • When was New Orleans founded? In 1718 as La Nouvelle-Orléans.
  • How has French and Créole culture influenced New Orleans? It's in the music, food, and festivities.
  • What is Mardi Gras? The Mardi Gras draws visitors globally for parades and celebration.
  • What makes New Orleans unique? Its architecture, dialect, cuisine, and culture are like nowhere else.
  • How has flooding impacted New Orleans? Low elevation makes it highly prone to flooding.
  • How did Hurricane Katrina affect New Orleans? The 2005 storm caused widespread destruction and loss.
  • What measures have been taken since Katrina? Levee upgrades, drainage systems, and infrastructure improvements.

Elevation Must-Know Facts

  • Why is the elevation of New Orleans important? Low elevation means high flood risk. Watch here.
  • What is the average elevation? Around 1 to 2 feet below sea level.
  • What’s the highest elevation in New Orleans? Up to 20 feet in certain areas.
  • How does it compare to other U.S. cities? It's among the lowest.
  • How does Louisiana compare to other states? Only Delaware is lower in mean elevation.
  • What is Louisiana’s mean elevation? Just 100 feet.
  • What is the highest point in Louisiana? Driskill Mountain at 535 feet.
  • What is the lowest point? New Orleans itself.
  • Highest town and city? Arcadia (384 ft), Ruston (331 ft).
  • Other major city elevations:
    • Baton Rouge: 56 ft
    • Lafayette: 36 ft
    • New Orleans is the lowest.

Climate and Living Conditions

  • What type of climate? Humid subtropical—hot, wet summers and mild winters.
  • When are the hottest and wettest months? June–September; humidity stays over 70% most of the year.
  • Does it snow? Rarely, but it happens occasionally.
  • Are hurricanes a threat? Absolutely, because of low elevation and coastal exposure.
  • Tourism’s impact? Huge—millions visit every year for events and culture.
  • Popular attractions:
    • Mardi Gras
    • Créole cuisine
    • Swamp kayaking
    • Historic architecture
    • Live music and burlesque nightlife

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