Safety in Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the highest crime rates in the US at 3,380 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% higher than the national average. Overall, Louisiana ranks as the 6th most dangerous state in the US.
Worryingly, the violent crime rate in Louisian is also very high, at 629 per 100,000 residents, over 66% higher than the US average.
As the state has struggled with high crime rates for years, it's esential for residents and visitors to stay vigilant, and know which areas are safe and which to avoid.
Key Findings
- Addis is the safest city in Louisiana with a crime rate of 656 per 100,000 residents, which is 72% lower than the national average.
- Covington is ranked as the second safest city in Louisiana, with a low crime rate of 1,117 per 100,000 residents, which is 54% below the national average.
- Mandeville is the third safest city in Louisiana with a crime rate of 1,511 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% lower than the national average.
- Although safety is a concern in Louisiana, crime rates have fallen by 5% in 2023.
11 Safest Cities in Louisiana
- Addis
- Covington
- Mandeville
- Slidell
- Abbeville
- Baker
- Minden
- DeRidder
- Gretna
- Kenner
- Thibodaux
1. Addis
The safest town in Louisiana is Addis, which is located in in West Baton Rouge Parish. The area offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to urban amenities in a very safe environment. The crime rate in Addis is only 656 per 100,000, which is 81% lower than the state average, and 72% below the US average.
With its low crime rate and strong sense of community, Addis is an attractive place to live for families and individuals seeking a tranquil and safe lifestyle in Louisiana. The median home price in Addis is $294,300.
2. Covington
Another one of the safest cities in Louisiana is Covington. Sitting at the fork of the Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers, the city of Covington serves as the seat of St. Tammany Parish. Covington has a population of about 10,658 and a crime rate of 1,117 per 100,000, which is approximately 67% below the state average. The city has grown in the past decade due to many relocating outside New Orleans. Covington offers a quiet suburban lifestyle with many local trails for hikers and bicyclists. The median home price in Covington is $310,616.
3. Mandeville
Mandeville is also one of the safest places to live in Louisiana. The city of Mandeville is located in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, south of Interstate 12 and on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Mandeville has a population of about 12,371 and a crime rate that is 43% lower than the national average. Mandeville is a small town located directly across the water from New Orleans. Mandeville has access to fantastic fishing spots and plenty of outdoor recreation. The median home price in Mandeville is $357,660.
4. Slidell
Slidell is another one of the safest cities in Louisiana. Slidell is on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish. The city has a population of about 27,973 and a violent crime rate that is 32% below the national average. Slidell is located within the New Orleans metropolitan area and is home to many notable celebrities, athletes, and personalities. Slidell serves as the global headquarters for automotive and military contractor Textron Marine & Land Systems. The median home price in Slidell is $228,392.
5. Abbeville
Abbeville is a safe city in Vermillion Parish that has a population of 11,186. Abbeville is located 150 miles from New Orleans and 60 miles from Baton Rouge. Abbeville has a crime rate that is 24% below the national average. The city provides a unique blend of colonial and Caribbean architecture, with many buildings listed on the National Historic Register. Much of the city’s economy is based on agricultural production of rice, sugarcane, dairy, and seafood such as crawfish, alligator, and crab. Much of Abbeville’s economy is supported by nearby oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. The median home price in Abbeville is $141,199.
6. Baker
Baker is also one of the safest cities in Louisiana. Baker is located in eastern Louisiana in East Baton Rouge Parish. Baker has a population of about 13,487 and a crime rate that is 21% below the national average. With a total of 31 law enforcement employees working in this city, there are 2.30 policemen per 1,000 residents. Baker is home to a National Guard installation which contributes to the nearby local economy. The town also hosts the annual Baker Buffalo Festival, which is a community-wide event to raise money for the local school district. The median home price in Baker is just $175,425.
7. Minden
Minden is also one of the safest towns in Louisiana. This small and safe community serves as the parish seat of Webster Parish in northern Louisiana. It is located 28 miles east of Shreveport. Minden has a population of about 12,215 and ranks below the state and national average in terms of crime. Minden has a historic downtown with many great Cajun-style restaurants. Minden is an affordable city with a median home price of $125,342.
8. DeRidder
DeRidder is the parish seat of Beauregard Parish and has a population of 10,578. DeRidder has a crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average and has a well-funded police force, making it one of the safest places to live in Louisiana. DeRidder is best known for its distinctive architecture, with many buildings using a Goth Revival style. The Beauregard Parish Jail, built in 1914, is a popular tourist site in town. The downtown DeRidder historic district has many historic buildings and shops that are popular among tourists and locals. The median home price in DeRidder is $148,795.
9. Gretna
Another one of the safest cities in Louisiana is Gretna. The city of Gretna is the parish seat of Jefferson Parish and is located along the Mississippi River east of New Orleans. Gretna has a population of about 17,965. Gretna’s crime rates consistently rank below the national average, mainly due to the town having one of the best-funded police forces in the United States. Gretna was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2004 but has since been revitalized. The city has a true sense of community, hosting many downtown food festivals and even setting up a local amusement park for many functions. The median home price in Gretna is $212,048.
10. Kenner
Kenner is a suburb of New Orleans that is known for its safe streets and family-friendly vibe. The city is located in Jefferson Parish and has a population of 67,556. Kenner is the largest incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. The local crime rate is 10% below the national average, making Kenner one of the safest cities in Louisiana. Being near New Orleans, Kenner benefits from being near all of the city’s attractions while being mostly unaffected by crime. The median home price in Kenner is currently $227,022.
11. Thibodaux
Thibodaux is another one of the safest cities in Louisiana. Thibodaux is the parish seat of Lafourche Parish along the banks of the Bayou Lafourche. Thibodaux has a population of about 14,745, with a crime rate that is 7% below the national average. Thibodaux’s history is tied to the former French Empire, with many Catholic relics, such as St. Valerie’s tomb being located within the city. Thibodaux has been home to some of Louisiana’s most notable athletes, writers, and politicians. The median home price in Thibodaux is $215,118.