Gators and Gumbo are the pride of Louisiana.
But there is so much more to this boot-shaped state.
The Bayou state sits on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, with New Orleans as the largest city and strategic port.
Bordered by Texas to the west, Mississippi to the east, and topped by Arkansas, Louisiana is home to roughly 4.7 million residents.
Louisiana is a soup pot of cultures and influences, mixing a French roux with Spanish, Creole, African, and German dashes.
Initially part of France‘s Louisiana territory, the United States purchased the land at the beginning of the 19th century.
Louisiana has always had a dark side, but its recent jump in overall crime statistics may be due to migration, social, or economic pressures.
Property loss was reported at 123,575 per 100,000 or a 1 in 37 chance of being parted from your stuff.
Violent crimes in Louisiana increased yearly, with reports of 31,500 per 100,000.
Unfortunately, this historic hub of pirates and merchants also ranks first in the nation for murders.
Murders, topping 820, were a large part of the increase, but the most common crimes reported were assaults – twice the national average.
Overall, people in Louisiana have a 1 in 147 chance of encountering violent crime.
But these statistics don’t necessarily mean every Louisiana city is fraught with danger, or that the larger cities are blanketed with criminals and should be avoided.
In fact, with a bit of common sense, planning, and foresight, a trip to Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo in the French Quarter or the historic
Oak Alley Plantation can be enjoyed.
And your beignet and chicory coffee cravings can be satisfied for another year.
Contents
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Louisiana
1. Opelousas
Opelousas has a sordid past.
Once a haven of gambling and prostitution, the criminal element has not completely vacated this small Louisiana town.
And unfortunately, Opelousas currently has the dubious honor of being one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana – second in fact.
Located 25 minutes north of Lafayette, in the state’s ankle, the 15,600 residents of this south-central town have a 1 in 53 possibility of being assaulted or robbed.
Opelousas, overall, ranks 11th in the state for rapes and forth for murders.
Regarding the safety of your things, Opelousas is first in the state for property crimes with 1 in 15 risks.
Over 6,573 per 100,000, reports of petty theft and vandalism occurred last year.
2. Alexandria
Alexandria, with a population of 48,000, sits on the south bank of the Red River, almost dead center of Louisiana.
Known for the Alexandria Zoological Park and Alexandria Museum of Art, this mid-sized town has a darker side.
The widespread criminal activity makes this one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
The city stretches east to west along Interstate 49, with the downtown, Sonia Quarters, and Southwest Districts the most hazardous.
These areas see daily calls for law enforcement intervention.
Alexandria residents reported 7,300 per 100,000 property crimes last year – almost three times the state average.
Violent crimes fared no better, with 1,880 incidences per 100,000, including an alarming number of assaults- 675.
But contrary to criminal data, Alexandria schools are at least as proficient as Louisiana’s, with reading proficiency higher than the state average.
3. Monroe
Monroe, straddling Interstate 20, is a moderately educated city compared to the national average.
Of the 47,284 residents, 24% have an undergraduate or higher degree.
Unfortunately, Monroe is also known for its violent crime rate.
The town ranks as Louisiana’s fourth most dangerous city.
There were 2631 per 100,000 incidences, and residents had a 1 in 38 probability of being victimized.
Monroe has the highest violent crime rate in the state, where residents have a 1 in 147 chance of violence.
If you are in this river town to visit the Biedenharn Museum, secure your belongings, car, or electric bike.
The city also has a high property vandalism and theft rate, 5,616 per 100,000.
These high numbers translate into a 1 in 18 chance of loss, twice the state’s 1 in 37 rates.
4. Hammond
Hammond sits north of New Orleans at the intersection of Interstates 12 and 55.
It is a suburban town of roughly 20,000 residents, work-at-home professionals, and college students from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Unfortunately, over the past few years, this small city has inched its way up the list and is now recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.
According to FBI crime data, there are 1345 incidences of violent crime per 100,000.
This statistic translates to a 1 in 7 chance of encountering violence.
It is also three times that of the national average.
Personal property fares no better with 6077 per 100,000 – a 1-in-6 risk of damaged property.
One interesting statistic from Hammond, the incidence of crime per square mile is 106 compared to 29 for the state and 26 for the national average.
This indicates a widespread high crime density from City Center and Zemurray Park to Hammond South and West.
5. Marksville
Marksville, a city of 4,946, is no Mayberry.
The town is located east of Alexandria and slightly northwest of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
This small Louisiana town has the dubious honor of being one of the most dangerous in the United States and is ranked as the fifth most dangerous and violent city in the Bayou state.
The chance of being a victim of a crime is 1 in 14. And when statistically adjusted, the FBI database lists violent incidences equaling 1,467 per 100,000.
Marksville residents also have a 1 in 63 probability of encountering violent crime – predominantly assaults.
Property crimes in computer-savvy Marksville include petty theft, with a 1 in 18 chance of your things being targeted.
That equates to 5,600 per 100,000.
Surprisingly though, in Marksville, while your wallet is in danger, your automobile is relatively safe.
Marksville’s motto – “where everybody is somebody” – is an encouraging thought which supports the ever-so-slightly downward trending crime rates.
If you are passing through Marksville or have stopped in to visit the Grand Paragon Casino or shop at the Tanglewood Soap Company, it is a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and your backpack – just in case.
6. Bastrop
Bastrop is a small town known for its plantation-styled homes in northern Louisiana – along the Arkansas border.
It is home to roughly 9,500 but maintains one of the highest crime rates in Louisiana and the country.
A crime rate of 7,800 per 100,000 supports a 1 in 13 chance of being victimized, either violent or property.
A staggering 99% of cities in Louisiana fare better than this border town.
The overall violent versus property crime rate is lower, 1 in 73.
Unfortunately, the highest type of crime reported is murder.
Theft tops the list of property crimes by three to one.
Residents of Bastrop have a 1 in 13 chance of losing their computer or wallet.
Most crimes in Bastrop occur in Newhlock or Bastrop South, with a respite in the more rural areas, south and west of the city.
So while waiting for a tee time or a cup of coffee, keep an eye on your stuff.
7. Bogalusa
Bogalusa began as a timber town.
It derives its name from a Choctaw phrase for “smoky water.” Located north of Lake Pontchartrain near the Mississippi border, this small town’s population has declined over the past few years from 11,427 to 10,569.
Unfortunately, even with fewer people, Bogalusa is one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.
Although the murder rate has declined slightly, it is still statistically significant, 1,457 per 100,000, compared to national averages.
And residents have a 1 in 69 chance of being victimized by violent crime.
This includes a disturbing number of rapes.
According to FBI crime data, Bogalusa property crimes are also significant – 3,737 per 100,000.
Within the city, there is a 1 in 27 chance of encountering theft or larceny.
And surprisingly, Bogalusa’s auto theft rate, 1 in 264, is higher than the national average.
8. New Orleans
Coffee and beignets are not all New Orleans has to offer.
The city is home to one of the unique urban parks in the country, complete with a lake, golf course, and equestrian center.
And with a population of 377,00, it is one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana and the nation.
Yes, The Big Easy has a high crime rate – 5,500 per 100,000 people.
That translates to a 1 in 18 chance of encountering crime.
And much attention has been given to its high murder rate.
But don’t skip this historic city.
Many reported crimes are confined to specific areas — SugarHill, the Venetian Isles.
One exception is the Central Business District and the French Quarter.
These two areas are filled with celebrating visitors and are perfect prey for petty crimes.
One of the more disturbing statistics is the number of auto thefts, over 3,500, last year.
Considering total reported property crimes, adjusted for population, are listed at 4,550 per 100,000, your car is unsafe in the city.
Residents and visitors have a 1 in 24 probability of having their belongings stolen or damaged.
The best way to enjoy all that New Orleans offers is to be cautious and confident.
And whether you are there for Mardi Gras, the Jazz Festival, or to enjoy the Pirate John Laffette’s original headquarters, minimize your bling and don’t flash your cash – be savvy – Le bon temps roule.
9. Gonzales
Gonzales, a mix of rural and service-related small businesses, borders Interstate 10 and sits approximately 30 miles east of Baton Rouge.
It is famous for the upscale outlet stores that are an economic anchor in the city.
A growing rural community of roughly 12,600 residents ranks as one of the most dangerous towns in Louisiana.
There are a few caveats to the crime data. Gonzales’s violent crime statistics are much lower than the state average, with 517 reported per 100,000.
This equates to a 1 in 193 chance of being victimized.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to property crime, which recorded 6,768 crimes per 100,000.
The vast majority of which were petty thefts and shoplifting.
And statistically, there is a 1 in 15 probability of having an item stolen in Gonzales.
Crime rates differ near the Interstate versus in the more rural areas of the town.
The highest areas of criminal activity border the freeway in Southwest Gonzales and South Gonzales, while the lowest overall reported rates are in Duplessis.
10. Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula is a large rural Parish that sits near Hammond and north of New Orleans.
It is home to roughly 8,000 people and is famous for its gator tours and the annual Strawberry Festival.
Alligators are not the only predators in Ponchatoula.
According to FBI data, property crimes outpace violent crimes.
There is a 1 in 38 chance of someone stealing your things here, with reported crimes reaching 2,611 per 100,000.
Statistically, violent crime is high in Ponchatoula – 4,540 per 100,000.
There were, however, no murders.
This is a significant improvement over the past few years.
Unfortunately, there is a higher chance of sexual assault in this town when compared to the state or nation.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Louisiana
- Hide and lock, well, everything! Make sure your vehicle is secure, and your belongings are hidden. Do not leave your belongings in sight even if you use attended parking or valet. Lock your hotel doors. And if you have a small safe in the hotel, use it.
- Situational awareness is necessary throughout Louisiana regardless if you are on a crowded street on at a gas station. Pay attention.
- Plan ahead. Before going on your trip, check out the areas you want to visit. Knowing a little about a city or town can keep you safe.
- Double-check ride-share licenses, and let friends know where you are going. Do not accept rides from someone you did not call or contract or who approached you on the street.
- Walk confidently. Criminals are looking for easy prey and gravitate toward distracted or vulnerable tourists. Even if you are traveling solo, stay with people. Remember, crime can happen any time of day.
Louisiana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Louisiana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana fun to visit?
Louisiana is full of fun and history.
Classic festivals such as Mardis Gras, the New Orleans Jazz, and the crawfish festival combine with a colorful past to create an unforgettable destination.
And for sports fans, Louisianna is part of the SEC, a competitive collegiate sports league.
Is Louisiana safe for women and solo travelers?
With a little common sense, female and solo travelers can enjoy Louisiana’s culture and history.
However, as with any trip, do a bit of planning.
Stay in well-known neighborhoods that are well-lit and patrolled.
Don’t drink too much. Pay attention and protect your belongings.
Situational awareness is crucial to safety in any city or town.
One of the best-known dangers, regardless of where you are, Shreveport or the French Quarter, is panhandling and street scams.
When is the best time to visit Louisiana?
Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, is in February, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is in late April.
But generally, the best time to visit Louisiana is in the fall – from September to November.
During the latter part of the year, the temperatures and humidity are bearable, and there are countless festivals throughout the state.
Hammond and Ponchatoula??? Not sure where your statistical information is coming from but it is very incorrect.
Louisiana is a culturally diverse state with a dark side, as evidenced by its high crime rates and dangerous cities.