Crime Data Names Louisiana’s Most Dangerous Cities

Michael Dot Scott
973thedawg.com
 
Louisiana is known world wide for being a laidback, fun loving place where people love to have a good time. And, while this is true, we kind of have a Jekyll and Hyde thing on when it comes to good times vs crime in The Pelican State.
 
Using FBI crime statistics, southhillenterprise.com has compiled a list of Louisiana's most dangerous cities, and number one on the list will certainly come as a surprise to you.
 
How Crime Rankings Are Determined

Crime studies rely on FBI crime statistics and compare violent crimes such as homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and rape alongside property crimes like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft.
 
It's important to remember that crime rates are measured per capita, meaning a smaller city can rank higher than a larger city if it experiences more crimes relative to its population.

 
"The rankings are based on:
 

• Violent crime rates, including homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and rape

• Property crime rates, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft

• Population-adjusted crime statistics

• Cities with populations of at least 5,000 residents"

 
The 10 Louisiana Cities With The Highest Crime Rates

After taking a look at the crime data, these are Louisiana most dangerous cities for 2026 ranked by the violent crime rate per 100,000 people.
 
10. Bossier City, Louisiana - 911 violent crimes per 100,000
 
Weapons Offenses - 4,570 instances per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 110 people
Property Crime - 1 out of 22 people
 
9. Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 1,004 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 100 people
Property Crime - 1 out 18 people
 
8. Jennings, Louisiana - 1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 100 people
Property Crime - 1 out of 20 people
 
7. Bogalusa, Louisiana - 1,231 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 81 people
Property Crime - 1 out of 24 people
 
6. West Monroe, Louisiana - 1,359 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 74 people
Property Crime - 1 out of 17 people
 
5. New Orleans, Louisiana - 1,361 violent crimes per 100,000 people
 
From southhillenterprise.com -
 
Property offenses in the city reach rates of 5,090 per 100,000 citizens primarily because of burglaries and auto thefts. Individuals traveling to the area must exercise caution because statistics reveal 3.73 violent crimes and 13.95 property crimes daily for each 100,000 residents.
 
4. Opelousas, Louisiana - 1,680 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 60 out of 100 people
Property Crime - 17 out of 100 people
 
3. Alexandria, Louisiana - 1,972 violent crimes per 100,000 people
With a population of 47,000, residents are experiencing 5.4 violent crimes and 14 property crimes every day.
 
2. Monroe, Louisiana - 2,104 violent crimes per 100,000 people
Violent Crime - 1 out of 48 people
Property Crime - 1 out of 17 people
 
1. Marksville, Louisiana - 2,209 violent crimes per 100,000 people
 Violent Crime - 1 out of 13 people
 
According to southhillenterprise.com "Violent crimes occur at a rate of 2,209 per 100,000 individuals in Marksville, making it the most dangerous area in Louisiana, with statistics exceeding four times the statewide average."
 
Many of the communities appearing on these lists have vibrant downtown districts, growing economies, strong schools, and residents actively working to improve public safety. Crime rankings also don't account for factors such as job opportunities, housing affordability, healthcare access, or overall quality of life.
 
In fact, several Louisiana communities continue to make investments in policing, neighborhood revitalization, and community programs aimed at reducing crime and improving safety.
 
Read more at southhillenterprise.com.