You take the good, you take the bad. We love Louisiana, but like any state, it comes with its downsides, and crime is one of them which made some towns the worst places in Louisiana. The FBI has composed a list of the most dangerous cities in every state, and we’ve got the scoop on what cities in Louisiana topped the list (the number one may surprise you!).  Here are the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.

1. Hammond
Hammond, LA, USA
JJ Parsons/Google
With a population of 20,550, Hammond tops the list of Louisiana’s most dangerous cities, moving it up a rank from last year. Although Hammond has the fourth most dangerous violent crimes per 100k with 1,454, it is the most dangerous in terms of property crimes, coming in at 10,335 per 100k. There are some fun attractions in Hammond, though. Read all about this great restaurant in Hammond, Louisiana.

Enjoy this driving tour of Hammond :

2. Opelousas
Opelousas, LA 70570, USA
Management/Trip Advisor
Opelousas is the third oldest city in Louisiana, and the second most dangerous. Opelousas takes the number one slot for most violent crimes per 100k at 2,139, and the sixth most dangerous for property crimes with 7,256 per 100k. With these statistics, it is considered a dangerous place to avoid in Louisiana. Learn more about Opelousas.
3. Alexandria
Alexandria, LA, USA
St_Matty/Trip Advisor
If you live in Alexandria, you’ve got a one in 11.9 chance you’ll become a victim of a property crime. It’s the third most dangerous city in Louisiana for property crime, with 8,410 property crimes per 100k. With a population of 47,238, in Alexandria, you’ve got a one in 68 chance of being attacked, raped, or killed, making Alexandria the fifth most dangerous city in terms of violent crime. There are also fun places to go in this town, though, as long as you're safe. Check out this excellent restaurant in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Enjoy this walking tour of Alexandria:

4. Marksville
Marksville, LA, USA
St_Matty/Trip Advisor
The small town of Marksville may only have a population of 5,450, but it’s jumped the rankings significantly from last year's numbers when it clocked in at number seven. It’s the second most dangerous city in Louisiana in terms of violent crimes at 1,944 per 100k, and the seventh most dangerous for property crime with 7,247 per 100k. Find out more about Marksville.
5. Bastrop
Bastrop, LA 71220, USA
Married40/Trip Advisor
Bastrop has actually become safer since it once took the number one spot for the most dangerous city in Louisiana, but it still has some work to do. The numbers in the FBI report reflect 1,343 violent crimes per 100k and 9,795 property crimes per 100k, meaning you’ve got a one in 10 chance of being robbed or having your property vandalized if you live in Bastrop. Bastrop does feature a gorgeous state park. See more about Chemin-a-Haut State Park.

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6. Crowley
Crowley, LA 70526, USA
Volkan Yuksel/Google
A fairly decent-sized city, Crowley would certainly rather be known for its history with rice production rather than ending up on this list. The population of Crowley is 12,779, and it's the third most dangerous city in Louisiana for violent crimes, with numbers totaling 1,784 per 100k. For property crimes, the numbers total 7,168 per 100k, making it the eighth most dangerous city in Louisiana for property crimes. Crowley jumped up four ranks since last year when it barely made the list at number 10, but hopefully, that’ll swing in a different direction for next year. Read more about Crowley.
7. Monroe
Monroe, LA, USA
David Armstrong/Google
The largest city on the list, Monroe has a population of 48,291 and is statistically safer than it was when it clocked in as the fourth most dangerous city. The FBI's numbers reflecting 1,401 violent crimes per 100k and 6,788 property crimes per 100k mean you’ve got a one in 14 chance of being robbed if you live in Monroe. There are some great attractions here, though. For example, it's a place spot to go for a steak. Read about Doe's Eat Place in Monroe.
8. Walker
Walker, LA, USA
Jacob Callegan/Google
Just on the outskirts of Baton Rouge lies Walker, a little town of 6,296 people. In comparison to last year’s numbers, Walker has really skyrocketed in the wrong direction, climbing up nine ranks from the previous year with 938 violent crimes per 100k and 6,872 property crimes per 100k. Hopefully, the crime rates will go down so it won't be considered a dangerous place to avoid in Louisiana.
9. West Monroe
West Monroe, LA, USA
Tx Travler/Google
Up six ranks from previous years, West Monroe may be the 19th most dangerous city when it comes to violent crime with 817 per 100k, but it’s the fourth most dangerous in terms of property crimes with 8,003 per 100k. There is an amazing park here, and that's just one good quality of this town. Check out Kiroli Park in West Monroe.
10. Leesville
Leesville, LA 71446, USA
Tony M./Trip Advisor
Rounding out the list of most dangerous cities in Louisiana is Leesville. With a population of 5,999, Leesville is up four ranks from the previous year, but hopefully it starts trending in the right direction. With 1,016 violent crimes per 100k and 6,251 for property crimes per 100k, it is the 11th and 15th most dangerous in those respective categories. One great attraction in Leesville is the Leesville Art Park in Louisiana.

Get an aerial view of Leesville:

Did your city make the list of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana? Surprised by any of the cities that made the cut of the worst parts of Louisiana? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Now, check out the safest cities in Louisiana.

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Most Dangerous Places in Louisiana

Danielle Schwartz | June 19, 2022

What are the most haunted places in Louisiana?

The most haunted places in Louisiana include:

  • The gravesite of Bonnie and Clyde.
  • Manchap Swamp

The most haunted places in Louisiana are spread out over the state, so you can always find some new experience to bring shivers down your spine. Whether you’re a big believer in ghosts or a paranormal doubter, these spots are endlessly entertaining and will certainly spark your curiosity. If you love the wild story of Bonnie and Clyde, you can visit the site of the shootout that ended up killing them. Legend has it that you can still hear creepy screams and gunshots. Their grave is here too, so you can pay your respects to the adventurous couple. As another option, Manchac Swamp features ghosts of hundreds who were killed by a hurricane here, as well as Creole voodoo priestess.

What are the safest cities in Louisiana?

The safest cities in Louisiana include:

  • Addis
  • Harahan
  • Youngsville
  • Mandeville

It might be stressful thinking about which places to move to, especially when it seems like there are several dangerous areas. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the safest cities in Louisiana so you will get some ideas of good spots to live, whether it’s just you or your whole family. Some of the safest cities in the state include Addis, Harahan, Youngsville, and Mandeville.

What are the best small towns in Louisiana?

The best small towns in Louisiana include:

  • Ville Platte

The Bayou State is full of charming small towns for you to visit, and if you’re looking for a quieter way of life, for you to live in as well! Some of the best small towns in Louisiana include DeRidder, which has a sweet environment you’ll love, and Ville Platte, which also features the beautiful Chicot State Park. 

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