Lafourche Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana, has an approximate population of 97,000 residents. The region is famed for its rich Cajun culture, vibrant seafood industry, and active oil and gas production.
Additionally, Lafourche Parish encompasses neighborhoods that exhibit elevated levels of crime, as indicated by crime statistics and reports. Below are some of the areas within the parish with high incidences of both violent and property crimes:
Thibodaux
This city is the biggest in Lafourche Parish and serves as the parish’s administrative center. It has a population of approximately 14,000 residents.
Additionally, it holds the dubious distinction of being the most perilous city in the parish, with a 2020 recorded rate of 1,038 violent crimes per 100,000 people, as well as a property crime rate of 5,469 per 100,000 people.
Thibodaux has a troubled history marked by racial conflict and brutality, particularly evidenced by the tragic events of the Thibodaux Massacre in 1887. During this dark period, white vigilantes took the lives of numerous black sugar cane workers who were participating in a strike.
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Raceland
This area, known as a census-designated place (CDP), is situated in Lafourche Parish and is home to approximately 10,000 residents.
It sits alongside Bayou Lafourche, a significant water route linked to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2020, Raceland reported a violent crime rate of 1,005 incidents per 100,000 individuals, as well as a property crime rate of 4,894 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
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Lockport
This place is a municipality located in Lafourche Parish, hosting around 2,500 residents. It spans across both sides of Bayou Lafourche and is recognized for its preserved historic area and museum.
In 2020, Lockport experienced a violent crime rate of 1,001 incidents per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 4,004 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
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Larose
This is one more Census-Designated Place (CDP) within Lafourche Parish, comprising roughly 7,000 residents. Positioned in proximity to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, it offers a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico.
In 2020, Larose recorded a violent crime rate of 998 incidents per 100,000 individuals, along with a property crime rate of 3,992 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
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Cut Off
This marks another Census Designated Place (CDP) within Lafourche Parish, home to approximately 6,000 residents. It derives its name from a canal that was separated from Bayou Lafourche during the late 1800s to facilitate quicker shipping routes.
Cut Off experienced a violent crime rate of 996 incidents per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 3,984 incidents per 100,000 individuals in the year 2020.
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Final Words
Lafourche Parish, situated in Louisiana, boasts a vibrant Cajun culture and a varied economy. Nonetheless, it grapples with certain crime issues, particularly within specific neighborhoods. Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport, Larose, and Cut Off are among the areas considered more unsafe. These locations experience elevated levels of both violent and property crimes, encompassing acts like murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and arson.
Various factors contribute to these crimes, including racial tensions, drug trade, gang involvement, instances of domestic violence, and economic hardship. To enhance the safety and well-being of the parish, local and state law enforcement agencies are working jointly to prevent and address criminal activities.
They are also partnering with community groups and residents to foster unity and stimulate economic progress. Lafourche Parish presents both opportunities and hurdles, and it rests on the shoulders of its inhabitants to forge a more favorable living environment.
