In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans, and because of Gert Town's low elevation, the neighborhood was greatly affected. Since then, there has been a decline in the neighborhood population to about 3,614 people. Between the years 2012 and 2016, approximately 54% of the neighborhood population was living in poverty. Although the area is heavily impoverished, of the 3,614 people living in the area, 41.6% of Gert Town's residents are employed. This is an increase from the 34.1% residential employment before Hurricane Katrina.