Citing new Census Bureau figures, Associated General Contractors of America reports that New Orleans, in continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina three years ago, was the fastest-growing large city (100,000-plus residents) between July 2006-07, when the population rose 13.8 percent. Tempering that watermark is New Orleans' top ranking among cities having the largest population decline since 2000.

Census figures for the July 2006-07 period showed Houston logging the largest numerical gain in residents, and Victorville, Calif., second in total population growth (9.5 percent) behind New Orleans. Also on the top 10 fast-growing large city list are McKinney, Killeen, and Denton, Texas (third, sixth and tenth, respectively); North Las Vegas, Nev. (fourth); Port St. Lucie, Fla. (seventh); Gilbert, Ariz. (eighth); and, Clarksville, Tenn. (ninth).

Cities with the largest percentage decrease in population over the same period included Baton Rouge, La., and Jackson, Miss. (both affected by post-Katrina in- and out-flow); Coral Springs, Hollywood and four other Florida cities; and, Columbus, Ga. (attributable to decline in occupied military barracks). Cleveland topped the list of cities with the highest numerical loss of residents.