10 Most Dangerous Cities in Louisiana
- Monroe
- Alexandria
- Opelousas
- Gonzales
- Bastrop
- Marksville
- New Orleans
- Bogalusa
- Hammond
- Ponchatoula
1. Monroe
The most dangerous city in Louisiana is Monroe. Located in Ouachita Parish, Monroe is the eighth-largest city in Louisiana. Monroe is the worst city in New Orleans for crime, as it has a violent crime rate that is 585% above the national average. This includes many shootings, homicides, robberies, assaults, and burglaries. Gang activity is present in Monroe, which contributes to many drug-related incidents. Visitors who come for attractions like the Biedenharn Museum are advised not to leave their belongings in their cars due to the risk of break-ins.
2. Alexandria
Located along the southern bank of the Red River, Alexandria is a town littered with many local attractions. However, the town carries the reputation of being quite dangerous, with a total crime rate that is 287% higher than the national average. Alexandria had 21 murders and 91 robberies recorded in 2022. Property crime is also rampant, with thousands of thefts and burglaries recorded during the same year.
3. Opelousas
Opelousas is also one of the worst cities in Louisiana due to its high violent crime rate. This small city is located in St. Landry Parish and has dealt with high crime rates for decades. With a population of 15,786, Opelousas’ total crime rate is 259% higher than the national average. Violent crime is particularly high, with hundreds of incidents occurring annually. In 2022, Opelousas had five murders, 17 robberies, and 236 burglaries.
4. Gonzales
Gonzales is a small and dangerous city in Ascension Parish in southern Louisiana. With a population of 12,231, Gonzales has a crime rate that is 243% above the national average. In 2022, there were 65 violent incidents, including one murder, four robberies, and 59 assaults. Theft is a major problem in Gonzales, with many homeowners reporting stolen property from their homes.
5. Bastrop
Bastrop is another one of the most dangerous towns in Louisiana. Bastrop is located in Morehouse Parish along the Arkansas Border. The town has a population of 9,961 and a total crime rate that is 230% above the national average. Both violent and property crime rates are high in Bastrop, with shootings, burglaries, and robberies occurring at disproportionate rates. Drug addiction is common in the area, which accounts for much of the city’s crime.
6. Marksville
Marksville is also one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana. This small city in Avoyelles Parish suffers from massive crime rates. With a population of 5,702 Marksville has a total crime rate that is 189% above the national average. In 2022, there was one murder, two robberies, 73 assaults, and 44 burglaries recorded in Marksville. Many of the town’s residents live far below the poverty rate, with the area having a poorly rated school system.
7. New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city and vacation capital of Louisiana. However, outside the city’s main tourist hotspots, New Orleans is known for being one of the most dangerous large cities in America. Out of a population of 383,997, New Orleans has a crime rate that is 150% above the national average. The city has a problem with gang activity, which is responsible for much of the city’s violent crime. The most dangerous areas in New Orleans include Central City, Saint Roch, and the 7th Ward.
8. Bogalusa
Bogalusa is another one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana. The city’s population is 12,232, and the crime rate is 106% above the national average. In 2022, there were five murders, eight robberies, 86 burglaries, and 40 counts of vehicle theft. Bogalusa was once home to a thriving lumber industry, but since then, the town has struggled with poverty and other social problems in the area.
9. Hammond
Hammond is also one of the worst cities in Louisiana due to its high crime rates. Hammond is home to Southeastern Louisiana University, and has a population of 21,359. The total total crime rate in the city is 79% above the national average. In 2022, there were 761 violent incidents and 3,432 incidents of property crime. Hammond struggles with poverty, lack of employment, and a poorly rated school system.
10. Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula is a rural community located north of New Orleans. The city’s population is 6,559, with a total crime rate that is 38% above the national average. There were 40 violent incidents and 207 property crimes recorded in the 2022 year. Despite having some issues with crime, Ponchatoula is a historic town that draws many visitors for its annual Oktoberfest and Strawberry Festival.