Ascension Parish, located in southern Louisiana, is home to approximately 126,000 residents. This region is celebrated for its rich history, vibrant festivals, and distinctive Cajun culture. However, Ascension Parish grapples with significant crime issues, boasting one of the highest crime rates in the state.
As per Crime Grade statistics, Ascension Parish experiences an overall crime rate that surpasses the national average by 243%, with a violent crime rate soaring 585% above the national average. In this Article, we’ll delve into the five neighborhoods in Ascension Parish deemed the most perilous, drawing on data from the year 2022.
Gonzales
Gonzales, situated in Ascension Parish, is a small city with approximately 12,000 residents. It stands out as one of Louisiana’s more perilous locales, boasting a crime rate that surpasses the national average by 243%. In 2022, the city experienced 65 violent incidents, which included one instance of homicide, four robberies, and 59 assaults.
Despite its safety concerns, Gonzales also holds the distinction of being the most populous incorporated city in Ascension Parish. It’s renowned as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World” and is celebrated for hosting an annual Jambalaya Festival.
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Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, a petite city located in Ascension Parish, is home to roughly 7,000 residents. It exhibits a crime rate surpassing the national average by 178%, with a violent crime rate exceeding the national norm by 381%.
During the year 2022, there were recorded instances of 40 violent incidents, encompassing two homicides, six robberies, and 32 assaults. Despite these statistics, Donaldsonville boasts a vibrant history and culture, having served as Louisiana’s capital from 1830 to 1831.
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Sorrento
Sorrento is a town in Ascension Parish, with a population of about 1,500 people. It has a crime rate that is 162% above the national average, and a violent crime rate that is 307% above the national average.
In 2022, there were nine violent incidents, including one murder, one robbery, and seven assaults. Â It is located near the Amite River and has a rural character.
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Prairieville
Prairieville, situated in Ascension Parish, is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 31,000 residents. It exhibits a crime rate surpassing the national average by 131%, and a violent crime rate that is 246% higher than the national average.
In the year 2022, there were a total of 77 violent incidents recorded, comprising two homicides, eight robberies, and 67 assaults. This area is recognized for its rapid growth within the state, boasting numerous residential developments and commercial enterprises.
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Geismar
Geismar, situated in Ascension Parish, is an unincorporated community housing around 7,000 residents. The area experiences a crime rate exceeding the national average by 121%, with a violent crime rate surpassing the national average by 228%.
During the year 2022, there were a total of 16 reported violent incidents, comprising one homicide, two robberies, and 13 assaults. Geismar is known for its concentration of industrial plants and chemical facilities.
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Final Words
Here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Ascension Parish, as determined by 2022 crime statistics. These areas exhibit elevated levels of both violent and property offenses, presenting significant concerns for the safety of inhabitants and visitors.
To ameliorate this situation, potential remedies encompass heightened police visibility and patrols, bolstering community involvement and collaboration, supplying additional social services and support for vulnerable demographics, and instating further preventative measures and educational initiatives to curtail crime opportunities and incentives.
