Caddo Parish, located in the northwestern region of Louisiana, had a population of 237,848 according to the 2020 U.S. census. Shreveport serves as the parish seat and is the central hub for the Ark-La-Tex tri-state area in terms of both economy and culture.
However, it’s important to emphasize that not all areas within Caddo Parish share the same level of prosperity and advancement. In fact, certain neighborhoods in Caddo Parish are among the least affluent and most dangerous in Louisiana.
Outlined below are the five most poorest neighborhoods in Caddo Parish with the lowest median household incomes, highest poverty rates, and increased crime rates, based on data from various sources.
West Shreveport
In Caddo Parish, this particular area has the lowest median household income, amounting to only $22,267 per year. Moreover, nearly half of its population, precisely 46.9%, falls below the poverty line.
West Shreveport is also contending with elevated levels of crime, boasting a violent crime rate of 1,307 incidents per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 6,507 incidents per 100,000 people. These numbers markedly exceed the national averages of 382 and 2,362 respectively.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighborhoods in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Queensborough
This neighborhood has the second lowest median household income in Caddo Parish, with only $24,966 per year. Moreover, nearly half of its residents, around 44.8%, live below the poverty line.
Queensborough is also notorious for its high crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 1,184 per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 6,082 per 100,000. These numbers greatly surpass the national averages of 382 and 2,362, respectively.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighborhoods in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Caddo Heights/South Highlands
This neighborhood is ranked third from the bottom in Caddo Parish for median household income, averaging only $25,334 annually. Furthermore, it faces a high poverty rate of 43.7%, indicating that nearly half of its residents live below the poverty line.
Caddo Heights/South Highlands is also classified as a high-risk area due to its elevated levels of crime. It experiences a violent crime rate of 1,125 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,823 per 100,000 people. These numbers significantly exceed the national averages of 382 and 2,362, respectively.
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Natchitoches
The median household income in Caddo Parish is one of the lowest, at only $26,201 per year. Moreover, it faces a substantial poverty challenge, with a rate of 46.8%, indicating that nearly half of its residents live below the poverty line.
Additionally, Natchitoches is recognized for its elevated level of risk, ranking as the 12th most dangerous city in Louisiana. It has a violent crime rate of 1,026 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
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Rodessa
Rodessa, situated in Caddo Parish, boasts the fifth lowest median household income, standing at a mere $34,346 annually. Moreover, its substantial poverty rate of 38.9% signifies that over a third of its population resides below the poverty threshold.
Living in Rodessa comes with its share of risks, evidenced by a violent crime rate of 894 per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 4,472 per 100,000 individuals. These figures surpass the national averages of 382 and 2,362, respectively.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Worst Neighborhoods in Big Horn County, Wyoming
Final Words
These five neighborhods rank among the most poorest and least secure areas in both Caddo Parish and Louisiana.
They grapple with issues like limited income, elevated joblessness, subpar education, insufficient healthcare access, and societal struggles. It is crucial for both the government and the local community to provide additional focus and assistance to enhance their quality of life and expand opportunities.
