Today, we will be looking at New Orleans, its history, and crime. Understanding these trends can help you get a better view of the city and help you understand where and where not to go. But also recognize that while it may appear dangerous, don’t let it stop you from visiting, just so long as you remain vigilant of the dangers. So let’s get started.
Historical Context
New Orleans was founded in 1717 by Jean-Baptiste le Moyne de Bienville, and dreamed up as a “port of deposit” or a transshipment center for future trade upriver from the Mississippi River. The first residents were a mixture of Canadian backwoodsmen, company craftsmen, troops, slaves, convicts, and prostitutes. Four years later, a census estimated that New Orleans had a population of 470 people: 277 whites, 172 blacks, and 21 native slaves. The introduction of new cultures didn’t stop there; as of 2024, the city has French, Cajun, Creole, African, German, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Latino, Spanish, and Vietnamese influences. The eclectic mix of social and cultural divides throughout history contribute to the city’s crime rate.
Early New Orleans Crime Trends
New Orleans remained a lawless city until Spanish rule in 1762. These early years brought about some semblance of law and order, but smuggling and illegal trade flourished. Its reputation grew as an unsavory city as frontiersmen often clashed with local authorities. As the Spanish left, New Orleans grew into a major port city in the Antebellum period, and it’s population swelled to 116,375 residents by 1850. An influx of immigrants, specifically German and Irish, led to ethnic tensions, which were only fueled by poor sanitation in the city and frequent epidemics. The Civil War era highlighted racial tensions in the area and brought along even more violence as organized crime became more pronounced in the city. By the late 19th century, New Orleans was home to both the Matranga crime family and the Provenzanos, who engaged in typical organized crime such as racketeering, extortion, gambling, prostitution, narcotics, and murder.
20th Century Crime Developments
By the 20th century, New Orleans has the highest murder rate of any major American city, specifically in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Hurricane Katrina displaced and disrupted many communities, upending social structures. In addition, Jim Crow policing dominated much of the early 20th century, which led to an increase in racial tensions.
Cultural and socioeconomic influences
Culturally, New Orleans is described as the most hedonistic city in the United States, which has contributed to its reputation and it’s propensity to certain crimes, specifically the sex industry and narcotics. In addition to cultural elements, New Orleans struggles with incredibly high poverty rates and a poor education system, which creates a strong environment for juvenile crime. The New Orleans Police Department has also been under scrutiny for cases of corruption and ineffectiveness over the years, which allows crime to run rampant.
Murder Statistical Overview
These are the historic murder rates for the city of New Orleans. Although there is no precise record, the trend has slowly increased as it is based on crimes reported.
- 1920-1925
Between 1920-1925, the murder rate in New Orleans increased by 139.5%.
- 1925-1933
The homicide rate dropped by 52.8% between 1925 and 1933
- Emergence of Jim Crow Policing (Post-1925)-Jim Crow Policing leads the militarization of the police force, and racially biased law enforcement practices come into effect. There is widespread violence and prosecution against African Americans, and policing becomes more of a means of racial control than safeguarding the public.
- 1960-1990
By 1960, the murder rate has increased by a factor of 6 and has doubled in just six years. By 1990, New Orleans’s murder rate had far exceeded the rates of other cities of similar size and surpassed the average crime rate for U.S. cities with over one million inhabitants.
- Other Trends
- Rape and sexual assault rates show a long-term decreasing trend in these 30 years.
- Juvenile arrest rates for violent crimes begin a sharp increase.
Recent Homicide statistics of the past 11 years
These are the homicide rate statistics for 2015-2023.
- 2023:190
- 2022: 265
- 2021: 218
- 2020: 152
- 2019: 121
- 2018: 118
- 2017: 122
- 2016: 132
- 2015: 132
The homicide rate steadily grows, but it does see a decline in specific years, namely, 2017, 2018, and 2019, although in 2021 and 2022, the rate climbs back up. This is in keeping with the historical trend of having an increased homicide rate, but also some quiet years where the rate decreases as much as 50%.
Geographic Distribution
New Orleans Homicide map, 2023. (Courtesy of the Metropolitan Crime Commission)
The map above shows hot spots throughout New Orleans. As you can see, most of the murders occur in the 9th ward and New Orleans East. Historically, these areas have always maintained a high homicide rate, although the number seems to be slowly decreasing over time.
Current Trends and Analysis
These are the current trends and the analysis of the data. In 2023, we saw a decline of homicide rates and an overall crime reduction of 28%.
Recent Yearly Data
- Total murders: 190
- Homicide victims under 18: 27 victims in 2023
- Non-fatal shooting victims: 92, down from 160 the previous year
- Armed robberies: 78 incidents
- Carjackings: 78 incidents
- Felony rapes: 48 cases
Monthly or seasonal variations
Crime rates see an uptick during Mardi Gras. While it doesn’t always correlate with homicides, the influx of tourists increases the overall risk of the population. Murders in New Orleans typically occur between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. which makes sense as it is late at night and fewer individuals are present. Summer experiences a “cooldown” as violent crimes decrease for the summer months.
Impact of Recent Events
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 68.9% increase in murders, with 201 cases reported in 2020, up from 119 the year before. 2021 saw an 83% increase, as 218 cases were reported that year. 2022 put New Orleans at a homicide rate of about 77 per 100,000 residents, which approaches the city’s 1994 high of 87.6 cases per 100,000. This rate far exceeds that of any major U.S. city. However, it should be noted that 2023 saw a decline in overall crimes by about 25%.
Comparative Analysis of Other Cities
So how does New Orleans compare to other cities of similar size?
New Orleans has a homicide rate of 74.3 per 100,000 residents.
Chicago
Chicago has a homicide rate of 25.8 per 100,000 residents
Baltimore
Baltimore has a homicide rate of 58.1 per 100,000 residents
St. Louis
St. Louis has a homicide rate of 68.2 per 100,000 residents
Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a homicide rate of 32.7 per 100,000 residents
Detroit
Detroit has a homicide rate of 48.9 per 100,000 residents
As you can see, New Orleans has the highest homicide rate of any major U.S. city by far.
10 Popular Murder Cases and Serial Killers in New Orleans
The Axemen of New Orleans
A figure who is synonymous with the boogeyman, the Axemen attacked 12 people from May 1918 to October 1919. He targeted those of Italian descent, primarily immigrants. His attacks led to 5 deaths, with his Modus being that he broke into the victim’s home and used their own axe to bludgeon them while they slept. He vanished after March 1919.
The Storyville Slayer
The Storyville Slayer is the name given to an unidentified serial killer responsible for the murders of at least 24 women, primarily drug addicts and sex workers, from 1991-1996. The case highlights societal issues with violence against women, especially those in vulnerable positions, and is another part of New Orlean’s dark history.
Delphine LaLaurie
Delphine LaLaurie was a prominent socialite in New Orleans who gained infamy for the horrific treatment of enslaved individuals. A fire broke out on April 10, 1834, and when firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered saves chained to the attic with signs of mutilation and torture. This incident caused a mob to ransack the mansion, causing LaLaurie to flee New Orleans, escaping to France, where it is believed she died on Dec 7, 1849.
Margaret Coon
Margaret Coon was a retired prosecutor who was fatally stabbed in her gated community while walking her dog in 1987. The case remains unsolved today, with the most likely theory that her prior occupation uncovered some dirt on some influential individuals who wanted her dead.
Pam Mintz
The wife of furniture magnate Aaron Mintz was said to have committed suicide. Evidence shows that the crime scene is inconsistent with suicide, with the most likely case that Aaron killed his wife, Aaron Mintz seemed to use his connections and money to assure a complete acquittal in his wife’s murder.
Eddie Wells
Eddie Wells was a 17-year-old who became the subject of a cold case as his body was discovered floating in the Mississippi River in 1982. No suspects have been identified, and as of 2024, the case remains unsolved. However, the most substantial theory is that Stanley Burkhardt, a former New Orleans Police detective, is responsible for Eddie’s death as it has been revealed that he has been preying on minors for years, using his position and status.
The Up Stairs Lounge Arson
The UpStairs Lounge fire occurred on June 24th, 1973, at 604 Iberville Street. Between 7:56 and 8:12 p.m. that evening, the fire started, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals and injuring 15 others. The bar only had a single staircase for entry and exit, which greatly exacerbated the tragedy. The event is seen as one of the deadliest attacks against the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history.
Zack and Addie
Zack Bowen and Addie Hall were a young couple who fell in love after Hurricane Katrina displaced them. Zack was an Iraq veteran suffering from PTSD, and Addie Hall was a bartender. On October 5, 2006, Zack strangled Addie in a fit of rage after she ended their relationship. Zack then dismembered her body before jumping to his death from a parking garage. He left a letter confessing to the murder, directing police to Addie’s remains throughout the apartment and writing “I love you” on the wall.
Minnie Wallace
Minnie Wallace was a young woman who gained notoriety for leaving three separate husbands who mysteriously died shortly after their involvement with her. Each of her husbands was affluent and wealthy, a mayor, a wealthy mayor, and a railroad magnate. Strangely, she was acquitted of any involvement, although each of her husbands died from arsenic poisoning.
The Bayou Strangler
Ronald Dominique is a serial killer and rapist who murdered 23 men and boys from 1997 to 2006. He targeted the homeless or desperate individuals by luring them to a secluded area before strangling them or suffocating them. His victims showed signs of sexual assault, and their bodies were left in remote areas such as sugarcane fields or ditches.
Conclusion
New Orleans has a storied history and is a melting pot for many different cultures. However, it has also seen the worst of poverty and social divides between classes. It’s easy to see why the city has such a high crime rate. However, the crime rate for 2024 is in decline, which gives the city hope for a lowering of the violence, but as always, it is essential to be vigilant and stay safe.
FAQs
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans?
Dangerous neighborhoods include the Treme Lafitte, 7th Ward, Pines Village, West Lake Forest, and Central City. However, remember that all cities are technically dangerous, so it’s essential not to be entirely paranoid and be mindful of your surroundings if you visit any of these neighborhoods.
What is the solve rate of homicide cases in New Orleans?
72% as of 2024
What are my odds of being a victim of a violent crime in New Orleans?
You have a 14% chance of being a victim of a violent crime. You have a higher chance of being a victim of property crime at 46%.
Our Trusted References for this Article
- https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/how-does-this-years-murder-rate-in-new-orleans-compare-with-previous-years-see-the/article_ed086c84-4599-11ed-a3e1-e75e7b51a8ed.html
- https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/cities/us/la/new-orleans/murder-homicide-rate-statistics
- https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Orleans-Louisiana/History
- https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/155214NCJRS.pdf
- https://www.rit.edu/liberalarts/sites/rit.edu.liberalarts/files/docs/SOC/CLA_CPSI_2023_WorkingPapers/CPSI%20Working%20Paper%202023.02_2022%20US%20City%20Homicide%20Stats.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_crime_family
- https://listverse.com/2023/06/22/10-violent-and-frightening-unsolved-crimes-from-new-orleans/
- https://kpel965.com/new-orleans-louisiana-has-one-of-the-10-most-dangerous-neighborhoods-in-america/