List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans (2023)

Regarding partying and nightlife, New Orleans is right up there, with Miami and Nashville as one of the top destinations in the South. However, safety is a top priority for those considering a move to the city. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the crime rates in New Orleans and identify the ten neighborhoods considered the most dangerous.

Is New Orleans Safe? Exploring the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans

New Orleans is known to have a relatively high crime rate, except for a few areas popular with tourists. According to statistics, the crime rate in this city is 5,864 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 150% higher than the national average. This means that residents have a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to any crime. Unfortunately, New Orleans also has a high rate of violent crimes, with an average of over 150 murders per year between 2014 and 2022.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans

Pines Village

Pines Village is considered the most dangerous neighbourhood in New Orleans, with a population of 3,100. Shockingly, the crime rate in this neighbourhood is 469% higher than the national average and 289% higher than the state average. The violent crime rate in Pines Village is alarmingly high, with shootings and gang violence being prevalent. In general, residents of Pines Village have a 1 in 10 chance of being victims of violent crimes, making it a highly unsafe neighbourhood.

West Lake Forest – Reputed for High Crime Rates

West Lake Forest is a New Orleans neighbourhood notorious for its violence. With a population of 4,200, this area is predominantly inhabited by poor and working-class individuals. The crime rate in West Lake Forest is a staggering 423% higher than the national average, making it a highly unsafe place to live. Although the neighbourhood underwent several redevelopment projects after being severely affected by Hurricane Katrina, it remains a dangerous part of New Orleans.

Central City

Central City is known to be one of the most difficult neighbourhoods in New Orleans. With a population of 13,000 residents, it has a crime rate of 420% higher than the national average. The prevalence of gang activity and the drug trade contribute to the high violent crime rate in the area. Situated at the lower end of Uptown, Central City is just above the New Orleans Central Business District.

Desire

The Desire Projects, situated in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, have gained notoriety for being one of the most crime-ridden areas in the city. These housing projects are among the United States’s most prominent, encompassing approximately 1,860 units spread across 98.5 acres. Unfortunately, Desire is recognized as one of the most underprivileged and neglected neighbourhoods in New Orleans. The area’s crime rate is a staggering 383% higher than the national average, making it a dangerous place to live.

Saint Claude

The city of Saint Claude, with a population of 6,562, has a high crime rate of 11,087 per 100,000 people. Shockingly, this is 373% higher than the national average and 215% higher than the Louisiana state average. The crime in Saint Claude is primarily related to gang violence and drug activity, with shootings common. Unfortunately, residents face a 1 in 10 chance of falling victim to any crime.

Seventh Ward

With a population of 10,552, the Seventh Ward has a crime rate of 10,995 per 100,000, a staggering 369% higher than the national average. Sadly, residents of this neighbourhood have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. This area has been grappling with poverty-related issues for years, with the average annual income in the neighbourhood being a meagre $21,520. It’s a challenging situation for the community to be in.

Saint Roch

Saint Roch, a small town with a population of 6,398, has a startlingly high crime rate of 365% above the national average. The area is notorious for its high concentration of violent crimes, including murders, robberies, and assaults. Property crime is even more prevalent, with car thefts and burglaries being the most common. Unfortunately, the residents of Saint Roch do not feel safe or protected by the police, and shootings are common in this area.

Venetian Isles

The Venetian Isles neighbourhood in New Orleans may be small, but it is known for its high crime rate. With only 983 residents, the area has a crime rate that is 314% above the national average and significantly higher than the average rate in New Orleans. Interestingly, much of the neighbourhood is uninhabited due to its separation from the city by miles of undeveloped land.

Florida area

In 1994, the Florida area and the Desire Project were identified as the most dangerous housing developments in the United States. Although the crime rate in the Florida area has reduced significantly since then, it remains 296% higher than the national average. With a population of just over 1,400 residents, the chances of becoming a victim of any crime in this area are 1 in 11.

9th Ward

The Lower 9th Ward, a district in New Orleans, is home to around 5,560 people. Unfortunately, the area has a crime rate of 265% higher than the national average. The Lower 9th Ward is just one part of a much larger New Orleans area, including other districts like Desire. Most of the Lower 9th Ward runs alongside the Industrial Canal.

Also Read:

• List of 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC (2023)
• List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas (2023)
• The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Massachusetts (2023)