Louisiana takes immense pride in its two iconic symbols – Gators and Gumbo.
However, this state in the shape of a boot has so much more to offer beyond its iconic outline.
Louisiana, also known as the Bayou State, is located along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. It boasts of New Orleans, the most populous city in the state, which is a significant port city with strategic importance.
Louisiana, with a population of around 4.7 million people, is situated between Texas to the west, Mississippi to the east, and Arkansas to the north.
Louisiana is a melting pot of diverse cultures and influences, blending the richness of a French roux with a mix of Spanish, Creole, African, and German flavours.
At the start of the 19th century, the United States acquired the land that was once part of France’s Louisiana territory through a purchase.
Louisiana has long been associated with a seedy underbelly, but the recent surge in crime rates could be attributed to a variety of factors, including migration and social and economic pressures.
According to reports, there has been a significant property loss of 123,575 per 100,000 individuals, which means that there is a 1 in 37 chance of being separated from your belongings.
According to recent statistics, Louisiana has been experiencing a steady rise in violent crimes year after year. Reports indicate that there have been 31,500 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the state.
Regrettably, despite its rich history as a centre for pirates and merchants, this location holds the dubious distinction of being the top-ranked city in the country for murders.
The number of murders reported has exceeded 820, contributing significantly to the overall rise in crime. However, the majority of crimes reported were related to assaults, which were twice the national average.
In Louisiana, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 147 for the general population.
Although these statistics may seem alarming, it does not signify that every city in Louisiana is unsafe, nor does it imply that the larger cities are swarming with criminals and should be avoided at all costs.
By utilizing some basic planning, foresight, and common sense, you can easily make a visit to the French Quarter’s Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo or the historic location a success.
There is no denying that Oak Alley Plantation is an experience to be savoured.
You can now put your beignet and chicory coffee cravings to rest until next year.
Top 10 of Louisiana’s Most Dangerous Cities
1.Opelousas
Opelousas has a controversial history.
Regrettably, Opelousas currently holds the unenviable distinction of being the second most perilous city in Louisiana.
This small south-central town, located just 25 minutes north of Lafayette and home to around 15,600 residents, unfortunately has a higher chance of residents being assaulted or robbed, with a 1 in 53 possibility.
In terms of crime statistics, Opelousas ranks 11th in the state for rapes and fourth for murders.
Opelousas has the highest property crime rate in the state, with a risk of 1 in 15 for your belongings. It is important to prioritize the safety of your possessions in this area.
Last year, there were over 6,573 reports of petty theft and vandalism per 100,000 individuals.
2. Alexandria
Located in the heart of Louisiana, Alexandria is a quaint town that boasts a population of 48,000. The town sits right on the south bank of the Red River, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Alexandria is a mid-sized town recognized for its popular attractions such as the Alexandria Zoological Park and Alexandria Museum of Art. However, it also has a darker side that is often overlooked.
This city is notorious for its high levels of criminal activity, making it one of the most hazardous places in the state.
Interstate 49 runs through the city from east to west, with the downtown, Sonia Quarters, and Southwest Districts being identified as the areas with the highest level of danger.
Law enforcement intervention is required on a daily basis in these specific areas.
According to recent statistics, the rate of property crimes in Alexandria has significantly increased. In fact, residents reported 7,300 incidents per 100,000 people, which is nearly three times higher than the state’s average. This alarming trend is a cause for concern among the local community and highlights the need for increased security measures to ensure the safety of residents and their belongings.
According to recent statistics, the rate of violent crimes in the country remains a cause for concern. In fact, there were 1,880 incidences per 100,000 people, with a staggering 675 of those being assaults. These numbers highlight the urgent need for measures to be taken to curb violent crimes and ensure the safety of citizens.
Despite the criminal data, it is noteworthy that Alexandria’s schools exhibit at least the same level of proficiency as those in Louisiana. In fact, the reading proficiency of Alexandria’s schools surpasses the state average.
3. Monroe
Located along Interstate 20, Monroe is a city with a moderate level of education compared to the national average.
Out of the 47,284 individuals residing in the area, 24% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education.
Regrettably, Monroe has gained notoriety for its high incidence of violent crime.
Louisiana’s fourth most dangerous city is where this town ranks.
According to statistics, the number of incidences per 100,000 residents was 2631, resulting in a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim.
According to statistics, Monroe has the highest rate of violent crime in the state, indicating that residents are at a 1 in 147 chance of experiencing violence.
If you happen to be visiting the Biedenharn Museum in this river town, it is important to make sure that you keep your belongings, car, or electric bike safe and secure.
According to statistics, the property vandalism and theft rate in the city is quite high, with 5,616 incidents per 100,000 people.
The probability of experiencing a loss is considerably higher in this scenario, with a 1 in 18 chance, compared to the state’s average rate of 1 in 37.
4. Hammond
Located at the junction of Interstates 12 and 55, Hammond is situated to the north of New Orleans.
Located in Southeastern Louisiana, this suburban town is home to around 20,000 residents, including work-at-home professionals and college students from the nearby Southeastern Louisiana University.
Regrettably, this petite city has gradually climbed up the chart in recent years and is currently acknowledged as one of the most perilous cities in Louisiana.
As per the crime statistics provided by the FBI, there are 1345 cases of violent crime for every 100,000 individuals.
According to the data, there is a 1 in 7 likelihood of experiencing violence.
The rate is notably higher than the national average, with a threefold difference.
According to recent statistics, personal property is at a high risk of damage with a rate of 6077 per 100,000, which means that there is a 1-in-6 chance of your property being damaged.
According to Hammond’s statistics, the crime rate per square mile is notably high at 106, which is significantly higher than both the state’s average of 29 and the national average of 26. This finding is quite intriguing and raises questions about the factors contributing to such a high incidence of crime in Hammond.
The prevalence of high crime density in areas ranging from City Center and Zemurray Park to Hammond South and West is a cause for concern.
5. Marksville
Marksville is definitely not a small town like Mayberry, as it is a city with a population of 4,946.
Situated to the east of Alexandria, the town rests a little to the northwest of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Ranked as the fifth most dangerous and violent city in Louisiana, this small town has unfortunately earned itself a notorious reputation in the United States.
According to statistical analysis, the probability of falling prey to a crime is approximately 1 in 14. As per the FBI database, the rate of violent incidents stands at 1,467 per 100,000 after adjusting for statistical factors.
Residents of Marksville face a high likelihood of experiencing violent crime, with a 1 in 63 chance of encountering such incidents. Assaults are the primary form of violent crime in the area.
In Marksville, where technology is prevalent, property crimes are common, with petty theft being the most frequent offense. It is alarming to note that there is a 1 in 18 chance of your belongings being targeted by theft.
In simpler terms, this translates to 5,600 occurrences out of every 100,000.
Interestingly, when it comes to Marksville, your car is at a lower risk of theft despite the potential danger to your wallet.
Marksville’s slogan, “where everybody is somebody,” is a positive message that reinforces the gradual decrease in crime rates.
When traveling through Marksville or visiting local attractions such as the Grand Paragon Casino or Tanglewood Soap Company, it’s important to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings and belongings, including your backpack. Taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the area.
6. Bastrop
Located in northern Louisiana, along the Arkansas border, Bastrop is a charming small town famous for its picturesque plantation-styled homes.
With a population of around 9,500, this area is unfortunately known for having one of the highest crime rates not just in Louisiana but in the entire country.
With a crime rate of 7,800 per 100,000, there is a probability of 1 in 13 of falling prey to either violent or property crime.
This border town has a significantly lower performance rate compared to 99% of cities in Louisiana.
The rate of violent crimes compared to property crimes is relatively lower, with a statistic of 1 in 73.
Regrettably, the most severe form of offence that is reported is homicide.
Property crimes are a major concern for law enforcement agencies, with theft being the most common offence committed. In fact, theft accounts for three times as many property crimes as any other type of offence. This highlights the need for increased attention and resources to be dedicated to preventing and addressing theft. By tackling this issue head-on, we can help reduce the overall incidence of property crimes in our communities.
According to statistics, the residents of Bastrop face a 1 in 13 likelihood of experiencing the unfortunate event of losing their computer or wallet.
In Bastrop, the majority of crimes tend to be concentrated in Newhlock and Bastrop South. However, the rural areas located to the south and west of the city experience relatively lower crime rates.
Based on the FBI’s crime statistics, property crimes in Bogalusa are a matter of concern as they account for 3,737 cases per 100,000 residents.
The likelihood of experiencing theft or larceny within the city is 1 in 27.
7. Bogalusa
Bogalusa started out as a timber town.
It gets its name from a Choctaw term that means “smoky water.” This little hamlet, located north of Lake Pontchartrain near the Mississippi border, has seen its population fall from 11,427 to 10,569 in recent years.
Sadly, even with fewer people, Bogalusa is one of Louisiana’s most hazardous cities.
Although the murder rate has slightly decreased, it remains statistically significant (1,457 per 100,000) when compared to national norms.
Residents also have a 1 in 69 probability of being a victim of violent crime.
There have been a frightening number of rapes.
According to FBI crime statistics, there are 3,737 property offences per 100,000 people in Bogalusa.
There is a 1 in 27 risk of encountering theft or larceny in the city.
Surprisingly, the auto theft rate in Bogalusa, 1 in 264, is greater than the national average.
8. New Orleans
Coffee and beignets aren’t the only things New Orleans has to offer.
The city is home to one of the country’s most distinctive urban parks, complete with a lake, golf course, and equestrian facility.
It is also one of the most hazardous cities in Louisiana and the country, with a population of 377,00.
Yes, the crime rate in New Orleans is high – 5,500 per 100,000 inhabitants.
This equates to a one-in-eight risk of confronting crime.
Much has been made of its high murder rate.
But don’t overlook this historic city.
Many recorded crimes are concentrated in specific neighbourhoods, such as Sugarhill and the Venetian Isles.
The Central Business District and the French Quarter are two exceptions.
These two neighbourhoods are teeming with revellers and are ideal targets for small criminality.
One of the more concerning numbers is the number of auto thefts, which exceeded 3,500 last year.
With total recorded property crimes adjusted for population at 4,550 per 100,000, your car is dangerous in the city.
Residents and visitors face a one-in-four chance of having their possessions stolen or destroyed.
The best approach to enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer is to be both cautious and confident.
And whether you’re there for Mardi Gras, the Jazz Festival, or to visit Pirate John Laffette’s original headquarters, keep your jewellery to a minimum and your cash to a minimum – be savvy – Le bon temps roule.
9. Gonzales
Gonzales, which borders Interstate 10 and is about 30 miles east of Baton Rouge, has a mix of rural and service-related small businesses.
It is well-known for its upmarket outlet stores, which serve as an economic anchor for the city.
A rising rural village of about 12,600 people is one of Louisiana’s most dangerous towns.
The crime data contains a few drawbacks. Gonzales has 517 reported violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the state average.
This translates to a 1 in 193 risk of being a victim.
Unfortunately, this does not apply to property crime, which had a crime rate of 6,768 per 100,000 people.
The vast majority were minor thefts and shoplifting.
Furthermore, there is a 1 in 15 chance of having an item stolen in Gonzales.
Crime rates range between the Interstate and the town’s more rural regions.
Southwest Gonzales and South Gonzales have the highest levels of criminal activity along the road, while Duplessis has the lowest overall reported rates.
10. Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula is a vast rural Parish located north of New Orleans, near Hammond.
It has a population of about 8,000 people and is well-known for its gator tours and annual Strawberry Festival.
Ponchatoula is not only home to alligators.
Property crimes outnumber violent crimes, according to FBI data.
There is a 1 in 38 possibilities that someone may steal your belongings here, with documented crimes totalling 2,611 per 100,000 people.
Ponchatoula has a high rate of violent crime – 4,540 per 100,000 people.
However, there were no murders.
This is a tremendous improvement over the previous few years.
Unfortunately, this municipality has a greater rate of sexual assault than the state or country.
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