Turn on the news and you’ll hear report after report about crimes in The Pelican State. But have you ever wondered which cities in Louisiana are the most dangerous?
An online real estate service, Neighborhood Scout, analyzed violent crime statistics from the the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department and applied their own algorithm to each city providing enough info to compile a ranking. (Their methodology can be found here.) Using that information, we’ve put together this list of the most dangerous places in Louisiana.
Starting off our list of the most dangerous places in Louisiana is Alexandria. Located in the center of Louisiana, this mid-sized city of nearly 50,000 residents has a shocking crime index of 1 (100 is the average). Add to that a chance for 1 in every 56 people to fall victim to violent crimes in Alexandria. Those are worrisome figures.
Read more about places to go Alexandria, Louisiana.
The home of Louisiana's Holy Ghost Creole Festival held the first weekend in November ranks as number 2 on this list of dangerous spots. Here you have a 1 in 58 chance of being a victim of a violent crime.
Learn more about Opelousas.
According to Neighborhood Scout, the home of Louisiana's first land-based casino doles out pretty high stakes for becoming the victim of a violent crime. Here in Marksville the chances of that happening are 1 in 59. While there are lots of nice things to do in Marksville, it is considered one of the dangerous places to avoid in Louisiana.
Check out more about Marksville.
Winnfield is home to just under 5,000 residents. It falls into line as the fourth most dangerous spot in the state with a 1 in 71 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
Find out more about Winnfield.
This former home to International Paper and Pilgrim's Pride facilities has a striking violent crime rate of 1 in 77. In comparison, according to Neighborhood Scout, the average for Louisiana is 1 in 194.
See more about Bastrop.
The eighth largest city in Louisiana is the states' sixth most dangerous. Here, your chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime are 1 in 81.
Read more about things to do in Monroe.
The headquarters for the first season of the hit television series "In The Heat Of The Night," Hammond scores a 1 in 85 for your chances of becoming the victim of violent crime in this LA city.
Find out more about Hammond, Louisiana.
It's hard to believe that this picturesque community is on the list of most dangerous places in Louisiana. According to Neighborhood Scout, your chances of falling victim to a violent crime in Natchitoches is 1 in 97. While it's really not known as a dangerous place to avoid in Louisiana, there are some crimes here, so be careful.
Learn more about Natchitoches.
When it comes to crime stats, the size of the town doesn't really matter. In this small town on the El Camino Real your chances of being hit by a violent crime are 1 in 133.
Check out more about Many, Louisiana.
Were you surprised by any of the cities that made this list? Do you think others belong here too? We’d love to know your opinion in our comments.
Louisiana is a truly beautiful state, and everywhere you turn there is another lovely town. We have compiled a list of the most scenic towns in Louisiana for you to explore. DeRidder is one great example of the cute towns our state is known for. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time in certain parts, as the classic architecture is so well preserved. There are also lots of pretty churches in this town. If you’re looking for arts and culture, head to Eunice for the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum and to appreciate the local art.
What are the creepiest places in Louisiana?
Looking for some thrills and chills? Check out some of the creepiest places in Lousiana to really experience some paranormal happenings. Make your way to Shreveport to check out Caddo Parish Penal Farm, more commonly known as The Pea Farm. It is the sight of an abandoned prison where prisoners were treated terribly in the early 1900s. It’s said that some of them still haunt the grounds. The Louisiana Railroad Tracks in Forbing are supposedly haunted by the ghost of a man who died there. This is an especially creepy spot at night.
What is the oldest town in Louisiana?
The oldest town in Louisiana is Natchitoches, which has been around since 1714! It’s a great spot for history buffs to enjoy the significance of the historical town to our state. There is a charming area called the Landmark District that you should definitely include in your trip. If you’re here around the holidays, you’ll love the Christmas festivities and all the small-town fun and cheer. There’s even a beautiful lake here for those who love water features! There’s really something for everyone in this lovely town.
Address: Bastrop, LA 71220, USA
Address: Monroe, LA, USA
Address: Natchitoches, LA, USA
Address: Many, LA 71449, USA
Address: Alexandria, LA, USA
Address: Opelousas, LA 70570, USA
Address: Hammond, LA, USA
Address: Marksville, LA, USA
Address: Winnfield, LA 71483, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
