The Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans With Highest Crime Rate (2023)

As a renowned destination for partygoers, New Orleans is often compared to Miami and Nashville as one of the South’s ultimate nightlife hubs. However, safety is a top priority for those considering living in the city. In this article, we will delve into New Orleans’ crime rates and identify the ten most hazardous neighbourhoods in the city.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Orleans

1. Pines Village

According to recent statistics, Pines Village in New Orleans is considered the most perilous neighbourhood in the area. With a population of 3,100, Pines Village has a crime rate of 469% above the national average and 289% above the state average. The neighbourhood is known to have a high prevalence of violent crimes, with shootings and gang violence regularly occurring. Shockingly, the residents of Pines Village have a frighteningly high likelihood of being the victims of a violent crime, with a staggering 1 in 10 chance of falling prey to such incidents.

2. West Lake Forest

Unfortunately, West Lake Forest is a New Orleans neighbourhood known for its high levels of violence. The area, which is home to a population of around 4,200 people, predominantly comprises low-income and working-class residents. Shockingly, the overall crime rate in this neighbourhood is 423% higher than the national average. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, West Lake Forest was struck. While redevelopment projects have been implemented over the years, this part of New Orleans remains a risky and potentially dangerous.

3. Central City

Located at the lower end of Uptown, Central City is one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in New Orleans. Its population of 13,000 residents is plagued by a crime rate of 420% higher than the national average. The neighbourhood bears the brunt of violent crime fueled by gang activity and the drug trade. Notably, Central City sits just above the New Orleans Central Business District.

4. Desire 

Located in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, the Desire is infamous for its high crime rates. These housing projects are some of the largest in the United States and span 98.5 acres of land, containing nearly 1,860 units. Unfortunately, Desire is considered one of the city’s most impoverished and underserved areas, with a crime rate of 383% higher than the national average.

5. Saint Claude 

With a population of 6,562, Saint Claude experiences a high crime rate of 11,087 per 100,000 people. This is 373% higher than the national average and 215% higher than the Louisiana state average. Gang violence and drug activity are often the reasons behind the frequent shootings in the area. Unfortunately, residents of Saint Claude have a 1 in 10 chance of being victimized by any crime.

6. Seventh Ward

With a population of 10,552, the Seventh Ward is known for its high crime rate of 10,995 per 100,000, 369% higher than the national average. This means that residents in this neighbourhood have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Unfortunately, the Seventh Ward has been plagued with poverty for quite some time now, with an average annual income of just $21,520. This has contributed to the ongoing challenges faced by the residents of this community.

7. Saint Roch

The population of Saint Roch is 6,398, and unfortunately, the crime rate in this area is 365% higher than the national average. This neighbourhood experiences an increased incidence of violent crimes, including murders, robberies, and assaults. Property crime is even more prevalent, with car thefts and burglaries being the most common types of crime. Unfortunately, the residents of Saint Roch do not feel adequately protected by the police, and shootings occur frequently in this area.

8. Venetian Isles

The Venetian Isles may be small, but it has earned a reputation for being one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in New Orleans. With a population of only 983, the crime rate in this area is a staggering 314% higher than the national average. It exceeds the already high levels of criminal activity in the city. The neighbourhood is separated from the rest of the town by vast undeveloped land, so most remain uninhabited.

9. Florida Area 

Back in 1994, the Florida area and the Desire area were tagged as the most dangerous housing developments in the entire United States. While the crime rate in the Florida Area has decreased over the years, it remains 296% higher than the national average. Alarming stats reveal that out of just over 1,400 residents, one has a 1 in 11 possibility of falling prey to any crime.

10. Lower 9th Ward

The Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans is home to a population of 5,560 and a crime rate of a staggering 265% higher than the national average. This vast expanse of land includes several districts, including Desire and the Lower 9th. The majority of this region is situated along the Industrial Canal.

Final Verdict

When it comes to tourism, New Orleans is undoubtedly a top pick. However, the city has also seen its fair share of gang activity and violent crime. As a result, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and exercise common sense when visiting or residing in New Orleans. Nevertheless, some areas within the city offer a sense of safety, and some neighbourhoods are undergoing gentrification.

Also Read:

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