Orleans Parish, also recognized as New Orleans, is renowned for its vibrant culture, music, food, and festivities. However, it is also infamous for its elevated crime levels, particularly violent offenses.
As per Crime Grade, Orleans Parish ranks in the lowest 1% for safety, signifying that 99% of counties in the US are safer, while only 1% are more perilous. The rate of violent crime in Orleans Parish stands at 23.74 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, surpassing the national average of 4.49 by over fivefold.
Nonetheless, safety varies across neighborhoods within Orleans Parish. Certain areas experience significantly higher occurrences of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings than others.
Drawing from crime maps and data provided by Crime Grade and the Metropolitan Crime Commission, here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Orleans Parish, Louisiana:
Central City
Central City, situated in the 6th NOPD District, spans an area of 2.3 square miles and is bordered by St. Charles Avenue, South Claiborne Avenue, Earhart Boulevard, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The population of Central City is approximately 14,000, with a median household income of $19,000.
Regrettably, Central City holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most unsafe neighborhood in Orleans Parish. It experiences the highest incidences of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings in the county. In the year 2020, Central City recorded 34 homicides, 86 shootings, 113 armed robberies, and 38 carjackings.
These figures equate to rates of 238.6 homicides, 604.2 shootings, 793.8 armed robberies, and 266.7 carjackings per 100,000 residents.
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Little Woods
Little Woods is situated within the 7th NOPD District, encompassing an area of 9 square miles. It is bordered by Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur Highway, Michoud Boulevard, and Interstate 10. The population of Little Woods is approximately 32,000, with a median household income of $36,000.
Ranked as the second most hazardous neighborhood in Orleans Parish, it experiences the second highest occurrences of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings in the county.
In the year 2020, Little Woods recorded 24 homicides, 64 shootings, 97 armed robberies, and 34 carjackings. This translates to rates of 75 homicides, 200 shootings, 303.1 armed robberies, and 106.3 carjackings per 100,000 residents.
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St. Claude
St. Claude is situated within the 5th NOPD District and spans an area of 3 square miles. Its boundaries are defined by Elysian Fields Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and the Industrial Canal. The neighborhood is home to approximately 16,000 residents, with a median household income of $24,000.
Regrettably, St. Claude ranks as the third most perilous locality in Orleans Parish. It exhibits the third highest incidence of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings in the county.
In the year 2020, St. Claude witnessed 19 homicides, 54 shootings, 80 armed robberies, and 25 carjackings. This equates to rates of 118.8 homicides, 337.5 shootings, 500 armed robberies, and 156.3 carjackings per 100,000 residents.
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Seventh Ward
The Seventh Ward, situated in the 1st NOPD District, encompasses an area spanning 1.9 square miles. It is bordered by Esplanade Avenue, North Broad Street, St. Bernard Avenue, and North Claiborne Avenue. The population of Seventh Ward is approximately 10,000, with a median household income of $27,000.
Among the neighborhoods in Orleans Parish, Seventh Ward ranks as the fourth most dangerous, exhibiting the fourth highest incidence of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings in the area. In the year 2020, Seventh Ward reported 15 homicides, 38 shootings, 55 armed robberies, and 18 carjackings.
This data equates to rates of 150 homicides, 380 shootings, 550 armed robberies, and 180 carjackings per 100,000 residents.
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Hollygrove
Hollygrove, situated in the 2nd NOPD District, spans an area of 1.3 square miles, bounded by South Claiborne Avenue, Earhart Boulevard, Airline Highway, and Palmetto Street. The neighborhood is home to approximately 6,000 residents, with a median household income of $25,000.
Ranked as the fifth most hazardous area in Orleans Parish, Hollygrove exhibits the fifth highest occurrences of homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings in the county.
In the year 2020, Hollygrove witnessed 11 homicides, 26 shootings, 36 armed robberies, and 16 carjackings. This translates to rates of 183.3 homicides, 433.3 shootings, 600 armed robberies, and 266.7 carjackings per 100,000 residents.
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Final Words
These five districts were responsible for over half of the total incidents in Orleans Parish in 2020: 103 out of 202 homicides, 268 out of 425 shootings, 381 out of 681 armed robberies, and 131 out of 232 carjackings.
Additionally, they exhibit some of the lowest median household incomes and highest poverty rates in the county. These circumstances likely contribute to the elevated levels of crime and violence in these areas.
However, it’s important to note that crime is not an inevitable or irreversible situation. Numerous initiatives and programs are in place to mitigate crime and enhance the overall quality of life in these neighborhoods.
If you reside in or frequent one of these districts, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential risks and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings.
Furthermore, if you come across any suspicious or criminal activity, it’s advised to promptly report it to the police. Through collaborative efforts with law enforcement and community partners, we can work towards creating safer and more habitable neighborhoods for everyone.
