Louisiana is home to some of the most dangerous cities in the United States. This list of the 10 most dangerous cities in Louisiana, based on the most recent FBI data, paints a bleak picture of the state’s crime-ridden communities.
In the number one spot is Monroe, the eighth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Monroe reported a total of 1,829 violent crimes, including 16 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 1,619.1 per 100,000 people. This rate is more than double the national average and ranks Monroe as the most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Coming in second place is Shreveport, the third-largest city in the state. In 2020, Shreveport reported a total of 5,039 violent crimes, including 56 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 1,385.9 per 100,000 people. While this rate is still above the national average, it is lower than Monroe’s, making Shreveport the second most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Third on the list is Baton Rouge, the second-largest city in the state. In 2020, Baton Rouge reported a total of 5,294 violent crimes, including 71 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 1,326.4 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Baton Rouge the third most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Fourth on the list is Alexandria, the ninth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Alexandria reported a total of 1,451 violent crimes, including 16 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 1,138.1 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Alexandria the fourth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Fifth on the list is New Orleans, the largest city in the state. In 2020, New Orleans reported a total of 5,605 violent crimes, including 111 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 1,057.3 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making New Orleans the fifth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Coming in sixth place is Lafayette, the fourth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Lafayette reported a total of 2,368 violent crimes, including 23 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 931.5 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Lafayette the sixth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Seventh on the list is Lake Charles, the fifth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Lake Charles reported a total of 1,092 violent crimes, including 18 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 890.7 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Lake Charles the seventh most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Eighth on the list is Hammond, the sixth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Hammond reported a total of 902 violent crimes, including 10 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 861.3 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Hammond the eighth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Ninth on the list is Opelousas, the seventh-largest city in the state. In 2020, Opelousas reported a total of 845 violent crimes, including 16 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 743.9 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Opelousas the ninth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
Coming in tenth place is Bossier City, the eighth-largest city in the state. In 2020, Bossier City reported a total of 1,283 violent crimes, including 18 homicides, for a per capita violent crime rate of 717.5 per 100,000 people. This rate is still above the national average, making Bossier City the tenth most dangerous city in Louisiana.
While Louisiana may have some of the most dangerous cities in the United States, it is important to note that all of these cities are safer than they were a decade ago. Law enforcement and other community leaders have worked hard to reduce crime rates in these cities and will continue to work to make them safer places to live.
