Dangerous Cities in Louisiana
10 most Dangerous Cities in Louisiana 2023 (PHOTO: istock)
Louisiana, known as the “Bayou State” for its rich culture and famous sites, is dealing with a worrying rise in crime rates. There are 123,575 property crimes for every 100,000 people in the state, and 31,500 major crimes for every 100,000 people. This could be because of problems with migration, the economy, or social issues. With over 820 kills, Louisiana has the questionable honor of having the highest murder rate in the country. Even with these numbers, visiting well-known places like Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo or the old Oak Alley Plantation can be safe if you plan ahead and are aware of your surroundings. This shows that not all places in the state are naturally dangerous.
10 Dangerous Spots in 2023
| City | Population | Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 | Property Crime Rate per 100,000 | Chance of Violent Crime (1 in X) | Chance of Property Crime (1 in X) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opelousas | 15,600 | 3,774 | 9,634 | 1 in 53 | 1 in 15 |
| Alexandria | 48,000 | 1,880 | 7,300 | 1 in 117 | 1 in 14 |
| Monroe | 47,284 | 2,631 | 5,616 | 1 in 38 | 1 in 18 |
| Hammond | 20,000 | 4,540 | 6,077 | 1 in 7 | 1 in 6 |
| Marksville | 4,946 | 1,467 | 5,600 | 1 in 63 | 1 in 18 |
| Bastrop | 9,500 | 1,457 | 7,800 | 1 in 73 | 1 in 13 |
| Bogalusa | 10,569 | 1,457 | 3,737 | 1 in 69 | 1 in 27 |
| New Orleans | 377,000 | 5,500 | 4,550 | 1 in 18 | 1 in 24 |
| Gonzales | 12,600 | 517 | 6,768 | 1 in 193 | 1 in 15 |
| Ponchatoula | 8,000 | 4,540 | 2,611 | 1 in 22 | 1 in 38 |
1. Opelousas
The town of Opelousas is now the second most dangerous in Louisiana. It used to be a hub for prostitutes and gaming. There are 15,600 people living in this town 25 minutes north of Lafayette, and there is a scary 1 in 53 chance that someone will attack or steal from them. The town has the highest property crime rate in the state, with a 1 in 15 chance of a sexual attack and the fourth highest rate of murder. Last year, there were 6,573 reports of small thefts and mischief for every 100,000 people in Opelousas. This shows how badly the town needs better safety measures.
2. Alexandria
Alexandria is one of the most risky towns in Louisiana. It is a city of 48,000 people on the southern shore of the Red River, and it has a very high crime rate. Along Interstate 49, places like downtown, Sonia Quarters, and Southwest Districts need police presence all the time because of high crime rates. Alexandria had a scary 7,300 property crimes and 1,880 violent crimes per 100,000 people last year, with 675 attacks standing out. Even with these problems, the city’s schools are better than the average in the state, especially when it comes to reading. The numbers make it clear that the Alexandria neighborhood needs thorough safety steps right away.
3. Monroe
Monroe, which has 47,284 people and is next to Interstate 20, has a bad image for being Louisiana’s fourth most risky city. Monroe has a learning level that is close to the national average, but it also has 2,631 crimes per 100,000 people, which means that residents have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming victims. Monroe has the highest rate of violent crime in the state, with a 1 in 147 chance of running into violence. People who go to places like the Biedenharn Museum should be careful, because the city has an amazing 5,616 property crimes per 100,000 people, which means that 18% of people who visit will lose something, which is twice the state average of 37%. These numbers show how important it is for Monroe to take immediate safety steps.
4. Hammond
A small town north of New Orleans called Hammond has about 20,000 people. It has become known as one of the most dangerous places in Louisiana. The town is at the junction of Interstates 12 and 55. It has an alarming 1,345 major crimes per 100,000 people, which is three times the national average. This scary number means that one in seven people in the area are likely to face crime. There is also a big risk to people’s personal property. There are 6,077 known property crimes for every 100,000 people, which means that there is a 1 in 6 chance that property will be damaged. The figures show that Hammond needs to improve its safety steps right away.
5. Marksville
Marksville is a small town east of Alexandria that has a bad image for being the fifth most dangerous place in Louisiana. There are 4,946 people living in the area, and there is a 1 in 14 chance that someone will be a victim of crime. There are 1,467 violent events per 100,000 people, and there is a 1 in 63 chance of having a violent crime, usually an attack. Property crimes, especially small steals, happen a lot—there are 5,600 crimes for every 100,000 people, or 1 in 18 crimes. Even though the town’s theme is “Where everybody is somebody,” visitors should be careful when going through, especially when going to places like the Grand Paragon Casino or the Tanglewood Soap Company.
6. Bastrop
Bastrop, a small northern Louisiana town known for its plantation-style homes, grapples with one of the state and country’s highest crime rates. With around 9,500 residents, the town reports 7,800 crimes per 100,000, resulting in a troubling 1 in 13 chance of being a victim. Notably, 99% of Louisiana towns have lower crime rates. The general property crime rate is higher than serious crimes, with a 1 in 73 chance, and theft, three times more common, leaves residents with a one-in-13 chance of losing their belongings. Most incidents concentrate in Newhlock or Bastrop South, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in the town.
7. Bogalusa
Bogalusa, which comes from a Choctaw word for “smoky water,” is a historically important Louisiana wood town. Even though the number of people living there has slightly dropped to 10,569, it is still known as one of the best places in the state. At 1,457 murders per 100,000 people, the number is still high, but it has gone down a little. A 1 in 69 chance of being a victim of violent crime exists in the area, mostly because of the high number of sexual attacks. With 3,737 crimes per 100,000 people, property crimes are a problem. Auto theft is more common than average at 1 in 264. These numbers show how important it is to be careful about safety in Bogalusa.
8. New Orleans
There are 377,000 people living in New Orleans, which is known for its food and parks. It is also one of the safest towns in Louisiana and the country. There are 5,500 crimes for every 100,000 people, so there is an 18% chance of being a victim. It’s important to know that most crimes happen in certain places, like SugarHill and the Venetian Isles, even though the high death rate is disturbing. Because there are so many people living in such a small space, the Central Business District and the French Quarter have more minor crimes. Over 3,500 cars were stolen last year, giving people a property crime rate of 4,550 per 100,000. This means that every 24 minutes, something will be stolen or destroyed. New Orleans has a lot of problems, but it also has a lot of great art. This makes it even more important to be careful and sure of yourself, especially during events like Mardi Gras, the Jazz Festival, or historical tours.
9. Gonzales
Gonzales is one of the most dangerous places in Louisiana. It is a growing country city that is known for its high-end outlet stores. At 517 cases per 100,000 people, the serious crime rate is lower than the state average. However, there is still a 1 in 193 chance that someone will be a victim. Property crime is a bigger problem. There are 6,768 crimes committed against every 100,000 people in Gonzales, which means that there is a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of theft or stealing. There are different crime rates in different parts of town. In Southwest Gonzales and South Gonzales, the rates are higher than in the more rural parts of Duplessis. These numbers show how important it is for people in the city to be more aware of safety.
10. Ponchatoula
Near New Orleans, Ponchatoula is a country parish known for alligator walks and the yearly Strawberry Festival. It is home to about 8,000 people. Property crimes are common, according to the FBI. There are 2,611 thefts for every 100,000 people, or 1 in 38 chances. Even though the town has a high violent crime rate (4,540 crimes per 100,000 people), the fact that there have been no recent murders is a sign of improvement. Still, Ponchatoula has a higher chance of being sexually attacked. The town works hard to keep the community safe, even during its cultural events, by tackling crime problems all the time.
What you shoud know in visiting Louisiana: Safety Tips
Because of safety worries in places with higher crime rates, tourists are told to put their belongings’ safety first. This means locking your cars and hiding your personal items, even when you’re in valet or paid parking. When there is a hotel safe, valuables should be kept there. Hotel rooms should be locked. Being aware of your surroundings is very important, and people should be extra careful and watchful in public places. Phones and other distractions should be kept to a minimum so that you don’t become an easy target. When planning a trip, learning about safe and possibly dangerous places ahead of time makes it safer. Also, people who use ride-sharing services need to make sure that license plates and driver profiles are correct. Letting someone know about your trip plans is an extra safety measure. Walking with confidence and purpose can keep possible risks away, especially in places with lots of people. The warning stresses that crimes can happen at any time, which is why it’s important to stay aware and careful.
