Louisiana, located along the Gulf of Mexico, features its largest port city, New Orleans. The state shares borders with Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas, hosting nearly 4.7 million residents. Known for its diverse culture, Louisiana combines French, Spanish, Creole, African, and German influences.
While rich in history and culture, recent crime rate increases may be attributed to various factors. Property crime is notable, with a 1 in 37 chance of experiencing property loss. Violent crimes, including a high murder rate, have risen, with assaults being the most frequently reported in the most dangerous cities in Lousiana. Despite these statistics, not every city in Louisiana is inherently dangerous, and well-planned visits to iconic destinations can be enjoyable and safe.
Here’s a list of the most dangerous cities in Louisaina;
First on the list of the most dangerous cities in Louisaina is Opelousas, a small town in Louisiana, has a history marked by misconduct, including gambling and prostitution. Unfortunately, it currently holds the unenviable position of being one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.
With a population of 15,600, residents face a 1 in 53 chance of experiencing assault or robbery. Opelousas also ranks 11th in the state for sexual assaults and fourth for murders. The town leads in property crimes statewide, with a 1 in 15 chance of occurrence, including a high number of minor thefts and vandalism reports, reaching 6,573 per 100,000.
Next city is Alexandria, located in central Louisiana along the Red River, is a mid-sized city with a population of 48,000. While known for attractions like the Alexandria Zoological Park and the Alexandria Museum of Art, it faces significant crime challenges, ranking among the most dangerous cities in Louisaina.
Areas like downtown, Sonia Quarters, and Southwest Districts in Alexandria have increased crime rates, particularly in property crimes, with 7,300 incidents per 100,000 residents—almost three times the state average. Violent crimes, including a notable number of assaults (675 per 100,000), are also a concern. Despite these crime issues, Alexandria’s education system, particularly in reading proficiency, compares favorably to the state’s average.
Lastly, Monroe, located along Interstate 20, has a moderately educated population, with 24% holding an undergraduate degree or higher among its 47,284 residents. However, the city ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana due to its high violent crime rate, with 2,631 incidents per 100,000 residents.
This translates to a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, the highest in the state. Monroe also experiences a high rate of property vandalism and theft, with 5,616 incidents per 100,000, resulting in a 1 in 18 chance of property loss, twice the state average.