Why is monroe la so dangerous

Folks said they think Monroe is dangerous.

"I have seen my best friend die out on these streets," said Judy Melanson, a resident.

A new study says the same thing.

NeighborhoodScout.com ranks Monroe number one out of 100 as the most dangerous cities in the country.

The ranking is per capita, which is based on population. So, while Detroit has more crimes than Monroe - 45,000 to our 6,000 - our population is smaller. So, your risk of being a victim of crime here is higher. It says it's one in eight.

Others might not agree, but Theadora Estis said these numbers aren't lying. She's a real estate agent who worked for the city of Monroe and has seen crime stats like this before in her research.

"Most of the people who come to me, a lot of them are African-Americans, and they are looking for a better way, a better life, an escape (from the crime)," Estis said.

She said crime here has turned potential property owners away.

"A lot of people choose to commute in," Estis said.

But, Estis said there can be a way to turn studies like these around.

"When I was in South Africa, there was a saying, 'each one teach one,' so I think with young people having a lot of loose time, but no one is stopping them and teaching them to be a keeper of their neighbor," Estis said.

We reached out to the police department and the mayor's office to get their take on the study.

The police chief is out of the office, and there's no word from the mayor's office.

To get a full look at the study, click on the link to the right of the screen.

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

If you love touring different places, safety should be a top priority. Not all places may guarantee your safety, so it is good to do some research before visiting certain cities in various states.

For instance, Louisiana harbors certain cities that are deemed dangerous. Crimes are predominant in these cities, with quite a significant crime index. In this article, we’ll focus on the most dangerous cities in Louisiana and offer tips on how to stay safe whether you are a resident or just a visitor.

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Louisiana: A Quick Look

Alexandria is a beautiful city. The picturesque streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and parks. The city was once home to many celebrities and still can attract stars from all over Louisiana.

However, it’s rated among the most dangerous cities in Louisiana. The biggest threat to residents’ safety in Alexandria is property crime.

The city experiences a high number of thefts and break-ins. Many of these crimes occur during the day when residents are away. Assaults and violent crimes are also prevalent in Alexandria. Some assault cases are linked to domestic violence and other crimes of passion.

Nevertheless, Alexandria has seen a decrease in crime and the number of people being killed. Violent crimes such as assault and murder have gone down by 7%. Property crimes, such as burglary, arson, and larceny, have also gone down by 5%.

The fall in crime can be attributed to several factors. They include new police officers and detectives hired to reduce crime rates. The police department has also been working with neighboring law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminals are caught and put behind bars.

Although Opelousas is a small city, it has a high crime rate. The crime index in this area is over 2,000 per 100,000 people. Murders, robbery, and other violent crimes are common here.

The reasons for such a high crime rate are myriad. Even though the poverty level in this city is low, the unemployment rate is higher than average. The high number of young men in the region looking for work has attracted street gangs such as the Sons of Silence. They recruit members with promises of status and money.

And, while Opelousas is not known as a hub for illegal activity, it’s an ideal spot for stash houses. Here, drugs are kept before being transported further to the north or west of the city.

But what makes Opelousas dangerous is its lack of economic opportunities. More than 30% of the population lives below the poverty line. That’s why crime is often a quick way to make money without education or other skills.

The scary thing is that there is a crime wave going on. Authorities may be a bit lax because the number of crimes committed in Opelousas has gone up by 8% over the last year alone.

Bastrop is one of the cities in Louisiana that is rarely given any attention. The houses are small, and the streets are a little run down. The crime rate is high there. But it doesn’t seem dangerous to an outsider until you hear all the details.

Property crimes consisting of theft, vandalism, arson, and burglary are higher than average. Over the last 20 years, several major manufacturing companies closed their operations in and around Bastrop, the most notable being International Paper Company, which contributed to unemployment in the region.

Nonetheless, we can acknowledge that the crime rate has dropped significantly when comparing what there was in the previous years. Several factors may have contributed to the reduction, the most obvious being that fewer people live there, leading to a drop in crime rates.

But it’s crucial to note that Bastrop has been through a significant recession in the last decade. Many of those who left were in the middle class. They’re less likely to commit crimes than those at or below the poverty line.

New Orleans ranks high among the most dangerous cities not only in Louisiana but throughout the United States. The high crime rate in New Orleans can be attributed to poverty and unemployment in the area. Most people who commit crimes come from low-income families.

As far as types of crime are concerned, motor vehicle/car theft is prevalent within the city limits. It has become an issue for law enforcement in New Orleans who must work overtime to prevent vehicles from being stolen. People are forced to always lock their doors when they leave their vehicles.

Tourists also make up a good part of the population in New Orleans, but unfortunately, they make easy targets for criminals.

These crimes may be attributed to the fact that many people here are into drugs.

But although gang violence is still prevalent in this city, we can see a significant drop in crime levels, all thanks to increased law enforcement efforts.

West Monroe is in a rural part of Louisiana. It is listed among the most dangerous cities here. The high levels of crime rates here can be attributed to unemployment, poverty, and ease of access to guns.

This city has also been affected by gang-related violence and drugs, contributing to many types of criminal activity throughout the city.

Also, the property crime rate here is higher than in other places with similar populations. They include burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These crimes can be so destructive and traumatizing to victims.

According to recent reports, the crime rate in West Monroe is increasing. Some cities are hit harder than others during the recession, and West Monroe is one of them. The unemployment rate is sitting at a staggering 8.7%. Many people are out of work, adding to the crime rate.

Marksville is a small city with a population of roughly 5,000 people. It’s located in Avoyelles Parish. Despite its small size, Marksville is one of the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.

The most prevalent crimes here include assault and armed robbery. Property crimes are also common. People have to be careful when leaving their homes unattended with homes being broken into regularly.

Also, Marksville has become a hub for drug and weapon trafficking. Multiple cases of violence have been linked to drug trafficking.

Although the city’s police department has made arrests related to these cases, they cannot counter the crime rate of Marksville.

The crime rate in Marksville is increasing, and if nothing is done to counter this issue, the city will remain among the most dangerous cities to be avoided in Louisiana.

The crime rate in Ponchatoula is higher than the national average across all communities in the US. Although it stands at 30 crimes per one thousand residents, it is still among the communities with the highest crime rate.

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Ponchatoula is 1 in 34. The community experiences high rates of property crime such as arson, motor vehicle theft, and others. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 26.

However, the crime rate in Ponchatoula has been decreasing steadily and a bit more than it has nationwide over the past couple of years. The trend is positive, and it gives assurance that Ponchatoula is headed for better days.

Natchitoches is a great city to visit. It has a rich history and culture; however, it’s listed among the most dangerous cities in Louisiana.

However, although the crime rate in Natchitoches is higher than the national average, it is lower compared to other cities in Louisiana. The residents of this town have a 1 in 20 chance of being robbed. The chances of becoming a victim is lower, making it fairly safe if you consider violence and property crimes.

Still, there are some safety concerns to be aware of. Property crime is more prevalent than it is in other cities. Also, auto theft occurs at a much higher rate here than in other parts of the state.

But it’s a relief that in the last five years, the crime rate has been decreasing.

Monroe, the largest city in northeast Louisiana, is located along the Ouachita River. The city has a lot to offer. But it’s facing major issues when it comes to crime. According to recent reports from The Center Square, the city is one of the most dangerous in Louisiana.

The crime rate is high because of various factors such as poverty and high unemployment rates. Monroe has a poverty rate of 31.1%, with one in four people living below the federal poverty line.

Additionally, Monroe’s population is made up of 32.6% minorities who may face discrimination in the job market. This can contribute to poor living conditions for them, which can only result in crime.

The Monroe Police Department has put various programs in place to combat crime. They include Neighborhood Watch and Senior Citizen Crime Watch programs. These programs increase communication and interaction between citizens and police officers.

Gonzales is a beautiful small city located in Ascension Parish in the southern part of the state. The city has a population of over 10,000 and is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River.

However, it falls under the ten most dangerous cities in Louisiana. There are almost 2.5 times more single adults here than in other cities of comparable size. Young men are vulnerable to violent crimes. Besides, the city experiences high poverty and unemployment rates, which leads to more crime by creating more opportunities for illegal activity.

The good news is that crime in Gonzales has been declining, with property and violent crime rates dropping by over 50%. But still, it has a higher crime rate than 96% of the neighborhoods in America. It means that you should be extra careful as a resident or visitor. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is 1 in 19.

Related Read: 10 Safest Cities In Louisiana

What Can Be Attributed to the Crime Rates in Louisiana’s Dangerous Cities?

Louisiana is one of the states with more cities experiencing crimes such as theft, murders, and robberies. The crime rate can be attributed to the high poverty rates in the state; people living below the poverty line are more likely to commit crimes than those with a comfortable income.

Another reason for high crime rates is economic conditions such as unemployment. The unemployment rate in Louisiana is high. It makes people who would otherwise be employed turn to criminal activities like drugs and theft.

The crime rate is affecting the quality of life for all residents and visitors, causing extra stress, fear, and financial loss.

Measures Taken by Authorities in Louisiana to Reduce Crime Rate

Louisiana authorities have taken several steps to combat the crime rate in the state. The Louisiana State Police released a statement on their website, explaining that they have stepped up patrols at all state parks. Also, they have increased the frequency of stops along major roads to deter criminal activity and keep citizens safe.

The police department has also increased its staff and opened new facilities that provide treatment for drug addicts.

The state government also passed stricter laws, making it harder for criminals to reoffend after serving their sentences. These laws require certain sex offenders to be kept in custody after their sentence is over. They also monitor convicts’ movements.

The state government makes sure convicts stay away from places where children gather, like schools, parks, playgrounds, churches, and more.

Another law requires all sex offenders to register their information with the authorities. It makes it easier for people to find out about their crimes before allowing them into their homes or workplaces.

Louisiana authorities are working hard to ensure that the crime rate does not get out of control. The State Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings because criminals can strike anytime and anywhere.

Citizens are advised to report any suspicious activity or crimes immediately to the police so they can be investigated.

Related Read: 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Maryland

Conclusion

Not only is Louisiana home to some of the most dangerous cities in the country, but it also has some of the highest violent crime rates than other states. Violent crimes may be on the rise, but that doesn’t mean you need to live in fear or avoid visiting the state.

This list isn’t designed to scare you into changing your vacation plans, but to make you aware of dangerous cities in Louisiana. Instead of avoiding these areas, you should plan to stay safe during your trip by taking precautions.

If you’re planning on moving to Louisiana, you should be aware of the potential dangers in these cities. Crime is rampant in many places across the state. So, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by being vigilant at all times.

You might also be interested in: 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas

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