New Orleans presents a juxtaposition of elements, blending a rich cultural legacy and lively nightlife with the challenging facets of poverty and crime. While certain areas in the city offer safety and hospitality, others are infamous for their elevated levels of both violent and property-related offenses.
Within this Article, we’ll delve into the five neighborhoods in New Orleans that are considered the most dangerous, drawing from recent crime data and distinctive neighborhood features.
Central City
Central City, a sizable and multifaceted neighborhood spanning across portions of Districts 2 and 3, is demarcated by St. Charles Avenue, South Claiborne Avenue, Earhart Boulevard, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
This community boasts a rich history as a focal point for African American culture, trade, and activism, yet it grapples with social and economic difficulties that underlie its elevated crime rates.
In 2020, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) documented 1,051 reported crimes within Central City. This equates to a crime rate of 277.4 per 1,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national average by over fivefold. Furthermore, the poverty rate in Central City stands at 42.8%, more than twice the citywide average.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Benton County, Arkansas
St. Roch
St. Roch, situated in District 7, is a small neighborhood bordered by Elysian Fields Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Florida Avenue. This area is renowned for its historic architecture, the park and cemetery named after it, and its diverse community.
Regrettably, St. Roch grapples with elevated levels of violence and property offenses, making it one of the riskier neighborhoods in New Orleans.
As per the NOPD, there were 403 reported crimes in St. Roch in 2020. This translates to a crime rate of 211.6 per 1,000 residents, over four times the national average. Additionally, the poverty rate in St. Roch stands at 36.9%, surpassing the city’s average.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Lower Ninth Ward
The Lower Ninth Ward, located in District 8, encompasses the easternmost section of New Orleans along the Mississippi River. It is bordered by Florida Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, the Industrial Canal, and the St. Bernard Parish line.
Historically, the Lower Ninth Ward has been a predominantly African American, blue-collar community known for its strong familial bonds and cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, it also suffered severe devastation during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, resulting in widespread flooding and the displacement of thousands of residents.
In 2020, the NOPD reported 267 crimes in the Lower Ninth Ward, equating to a crime rate of 139 per 1,000 residents—nearly three times the national average. Additionally, the neighborhood grapples with a poverty rate of 43%, more than twice the citywide average.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Draper, Utah
Treme/Lafitte
Treme/Lafitte, situated in District 4, spans between North Rampart Street, North Broad Street, Orleans Avenue, and St. Louis Street. This neighborhood boasts deep historical roots and immense cultural importance in New Orleans.
It holds the distinction of being the birthplace of jazz and has been a cherished residence for numerous Creole and African American families, as well as a hub for artists and musicians.
However, Treme/Lafitte grapples with substantial social and economic challenges that adversely impact its safety and overall quality of life. Regrettably, it contends with a high level of criminal activity, making it one of New Orleans’ most crime-prone areas.
In 2020, the NOPD recorded 507 reported crimes in this neighborhood, resulting in a crime rate of 211.2 per 1,000 residents—four times greater than the national average. Additionally, the poverty rate in Treme/Lafitte stands at 38.7%, surpassing the city’s average.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Worst Neighborhoods in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Florida Area
The Florida Area, situated within District 7, is a compact neighborhood bordered by Florida Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, Almonaster Avenue, and the Industrial Canal.
Once a part of the larger Desire Area, which was previously home to one of the largest public housing projects in the nation, it was dismantled in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Today, the Florida Area comprises a mixture of empty plots, recent developments, and older residences, but it also ranks among the most perilous neighborhoods in New Orleans.
In 2020, the NOPD recorded 224 reported crimes in the Florida Area, resulting in a crime rate of 186.7 per 1,000 inhabitants—nearly four times higher than the national average. Furthermore, the Florida Area exhibits a poverty rate of 44.9%, more than twice the city’s average.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska
Conclusion
New Orleans is a city of contrasts, showcasing both its splendor and its less appealing sides. While certain areas offer safety and a pleasant experience, others present hazards and uncertainties.
The five neighborhoods outlined in this piece stand out as some of the dangerous parts of New Orleans, marked by elevated crime rates and additional difficulties.
Yet, they also possess inherent potential and hope, bearing distinctive backgrounds, cultures, and resources that can be harnessed for constructive transformation.
With an understanding of both the perils and promise within these neighborhoods, both visitors and residents can make well-informed choices about their activities and destinations in New Orleans.
