The Top 10 Safest Cities in Louisiana (2023)
Louisiana is a state that offers a diverse range of experiences for its visitors, from the swamps that are home to alligators to the bustling streets of New Orleans. Despite its reputation for crime, there are still many safe and welcoming places to live in Louisiana. If you’re interested in finding a secure place to call home in this state, here are the top ten safest cities you should consider.
Safest Cities in Louisiana
Mandeville
Mandeville, situated in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, is considered as the safest city in the state. It is located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, south of Interstate 12. With a population of around 12,371, the city boasts a crime rate that is 43% lower than the national average. Though a small town, Mandeville offers excellent recreational opportunities, including fishing spots, and easy access to the outdoors. Notably, the city is located just across the water from New Orleans. Besides its safety, Mandeville is also known for its median home price of $357,660.
Slidell
Located in St. Tammany Parish, Slidell boasts of being one of the safest cities in Louisiana. This beautiful city is situated on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain and has a population of approximately 27,973 people. The violent crime rate in Slidell is 32% lower than the national average, making it an ideal place to live. Slidell is also part of the New Orleans metropolitan area and has been home to many famous personalities, athletes, and celebrities. Automotive and military contractor Textron Marine & Land Systems has its global headquarters in Slidell. If you plan to buy a house, the median home price in Slidell is around $228,392.
Covington
Covington is considered one of the safest cities in Louisiana with its location at the fork of the Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers. It is also the seat of St. Tammany Parish and has a population of around 10,658. The city boasts a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a desirable place to live. In recent years, Covington has seen growth due to the influx of people relocating outside of New Orleans. The city offers a quiet suburban lifestyle and is perfect for hikers and bicyclists with its many local trails. The median home price in Covington is $310,616.
Abbeville
Abbeville, situated in Vermillion Parish, is a charming and secure city with a population of 11,186. It is located 150 miles away from New Orleans and 60 miles away from Baton Rouge. Abbeville boasts a crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average. The city’s architecture is a beautiful blend of colonial and Caribbean styles, with numerous buildings listed on the National Historic Register. Abbeville’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, which includes rice, sugarcane, dairy, and seafood such as crawfish, alligator, and crab. The city’s economy is also supported by the nearby oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. The median home price in Abbeville is $141,199, making it an affordable place to live.
Baker
Baker, situated in East Baton Rouge Parish in eastern Louisiana, is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the state. With a population of approximately 13,487, the city boasts a crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average. This can be attributed to the presence of 31 law enforcement employees, resulting in a ratio of 2.30 policemen per 1,000 residents. Baker is also home to a National Guard installation, which plays a vital role in the local economy. Additionally, the city celebrates the annual Baker Buffalo Festival, a community-wide event aimed at raising funds for the local school district. The median cost of a home in Baker is an affordable $175,425.
Minden
Minden, a charming town in northern Louisiana, serves as the parish seat of Webster Parish. Despite its small size, the town offers a safe and secure environment to its residents and visitors alike. Minden is situated just 28 miles east of Shreveport and has a population of around 12,215 people. With a crime rate that’s lower than the state and national average, Minden is a great place to live and raise a family. The town boasts of a historic downtown home to many fantastic Cajun-style restaurants. Besides, Minden is an affordable city with a median home price of $125,342, making it an ideal place for budget-friendly living options.
DeRidder
DeRidder, located in Beauregard Parish, is home to around 10,578 residents. The town boasts a crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average, and it has a well-funded police force, making it one of the safest places to live in Louisiana. DeRidder is renowned for its unique architecture, with many buildings featuring the distinctive Goth Revival style. Visitors can explore the historic downtown district, home to many shops and historical buildings that are popular among tourists and locals. The Beauregard Parish Jail, constructed in 1914, is a must-visit tourist site in town. The median home price in DeRidder is $148,795.
Gretna
Located along the Mississippi River east of New Orleans, Gretna is one of the safest cities in Louisiana. With a population of approximately 17,965, Gretna serves as the parish seat of Jefferson Parish. Despite being severely affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2004, the city has been revitalized and boasts a true sense of community. Gretna’s crime rates consistently rank below the national average, largely thanks to having one of the best-funded police forces in the United States. The city hosts several downtown food festivals and has a local amusement park for various functions. The median home price in Gretna is $212,048.
Kenner
Kenner, a charming suburb of New Orleans, is renowned for its secure streets and welcoming environment suitable for families. This city, which has a population of 67,556, is in Jefferson Parish and is the most significant incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. Kenner boasts a crime rate that is 10% below the national average, making it one of Louisiana’s safest cities. Being near New Orleans, Kenner has easy access to all the city’s attractions while being primarily untouched by crime. Presently, the median home price in Kenner stands at $227,022.
Thibodaux
Located in Louisiana, Thibodaux is a city with a reputation for being safe. As the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Thibodaux is situated along the Bayou Lafourche’s banks, with a population of about 14,745 residents. The city has a crime rate of 7% below the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the state. Thibodaux has a rich history that is closely tied to the former French Empire, evident in the many Catholic relics that can be found throughout the city, including St. Valerie’s tomb. Over the years, Thibodaux has been home to some of Louisiana’s most notable athletes, writers, and politicians. If you’re looking to relocate, you’ll be pleased to know that the median home price in Thibodaux is $215,118.
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