If you are considering moving to New Orleans, safety is likely at the top of your list of concerns. While the city is renowned for its bustling nightlife and vibrant party scene, there are undoubtedly areas that are less safe than others. In this article, we will delve into the city’s crime rates and provide you with a list of the top ten most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans. So, whether you are a prospective resident or simply planning a visit, read on to learn more about staying safe in The Big Easy.
Is New Orleans Safe?
New Orleans, statistically speaking, is not a very safe city except for a few areas that cater to tourists. The crime rate in the city is 5,864 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 150% higher than the national average. The chances of residents becoming victims of any crime are quite high, with odds of 1 in 18. Additionally, the rate of violent crimes in New Orleans is also alarming, with an average of over 150 murders per year from 2014 to 2022.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans
1. Pines Village
Pines Village, situated in New Orleans, is considered to be the most perilous neighborhood in the area. Despite having a population of only 3,100, this area suffers from a crime rate that is a shocking 469% above the national average, and 289% above the state average. The violent crime rate is particularly alarming, with frequent incidents of shootings and gang violence. In general, residents of Pines Village have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, making it a very unsafe place to live.
2. West Lake Forest
West Lake Forest is a violent neighborhood in New Orleans, known for its predominantly poor and working-class population. With a population of 4,200, this area has an overall crime rate that is 423% higher than the national average. The impact of Hurricane Katrina was significant on West Lake Forest, and despite several redevelopment projects, it remains one of the most dangerous parts of New Orleans. Nonetheless, there have been slight improvements in the area since the storm.
3. Central City
Located at the lower end of Uptown, Central City is known to be one of the most hazardous neighborhoods in New Orleans. Despite having a population of 13,000 residents, the crime rate in this area is 420% higher than the national average. The prevalence of gang activity and drug trade contributes to the high rate of violent crime in the region. It’s worth noting that Central City is situated just above the New Orleans Central Business District.
4. Desire
The Desire Projects, situated in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, are notorious for rampant crime and violence. Spanning across 98.5 acres of land, these housing projects house almost 1,860 units, making them one of the largest in the United States. Unfortunately, Desire is also recognized as one of the most impoverished and neglected areas in New Orleans. Shockingly, the crime rate here is a staggering 383% higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous places to live in America.
5. Saint Claude
The small town of Saint Claude, with a population of 6,562, has a remarkably high crime rate of 11,087 per 100,000 individuals. Shockingly, this rate is 373% higher than the national average and 215% higher than the Louisiana state average. Unfortunately, shootings are a common occurrence in Saint Claude, often associated with gang violence and drug-related activities. The residents of this town have a staggering 1 in 10 chance of falling victim to any kind of crime.
6. Seventh Ward
With a population of 10,552, the Seventh Ward has a crime rate of 10,995 per 100,000, which is a staggering 369% higher than the national average. This high crime rate means that residents of this neighborhood have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Sadly, poverty has long plagued the Seventh Ward, with an average annual income of just $21,520, making it difficult for residents to break the cycle of crime and poverty.
7. Saint Roch
With a population of 6,398, Saint Roch has an alarmingly high crime rate that is 365% higher than the national average. The area is notorious for a high concentration of violent crimes such as murders, robberies, and assaults. Property crime is even more rampant with car thefts and burglaries being the most commonly reported. Unfortunately, residents of Saint Roch do not feel protected by the police, and shootings are not an uncommon occurrence.
8. Venetian Isles
The neighborhood of Venetian Isles in New Orleans may be small, but it’s known for its high crime rates. With a population of only 983 people, the crime rate in this area is a staggering 314% higher than the national average and significantly higher than the average rate in New Orleans. It’s worth noting that much of the neighborhood remains uninhabited due to its separation from the city by miles of undeveloped land.
9. Florida Area
Back in 1994, the Florida Project and the Desire Project secured the top spot as the most perilous housing developments in the US. Although the crime rate in the Florida area has slightly subsided over the years, it’s still a whopping 296% higher than the national average. With just a little over 1,400 inhabitants, the chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime stand at 1 in 11.
10. Lower 9th Ward
The Lower 9th Ward, with a population of 5,560, has a crime rate that is 265% higher than the national average. This area is a significant part of New Orleans and encompasses several districts, such as Desire and the Lower 9th. The majority of the Lower 9th Ward borders the Industrial Canal, making it a crucial location in the city.
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