Baton Rouge Ranks as One of America’s Most Dangerous Cities

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 21, 2025

News Summary

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, ranking 179th out of 182 cities in WalletHub’s ‘Safest Cities in America’ report. The city has alarming crime rates, with violent crimes at 1,028 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average. Governor Jeff Landry has responded by requesting the deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to improve public safety in the area, highlighting a need for comprehensive strategies to address crime and empower local communities.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has emerged as one of the most dangerous cities in America, according to WalletHub’s 2025 “Safest Cities in America” report. Baton Rouge placed 179th out of 182 cities, with a score of 36.23 out of 100. In the same report, New Orleans ranked 178th with a score of 37.53 points, illustrating ongoing challenges with crime in Louisiana’s major urban areas.

The study ranked cities based on 41 different safety measures that consider factors such as violent crime rates, traffic deaths, natural disaster risk, and financial stability. Together with cities like Memphis, Detroit, and St. Louis, Baton Rouge and New Orleans are grappling with severe crime issues.

In the essential category of Home and Community Safety, which represents half of the total score, Baton Rouge ranked last (182nd), while New Orleans ranked 181st. This category includes critical variables such as violent crime statistics and police resources. Baton Rouge’s violent crime rate stands at 1,028 per 100,000 residents, a staggering 177% higher than the national average of 370. Additionally, property crime rates in Baton Rouge hit 5,852 per 100,000 residents, nearly double the national average. The murder rate in Baton Rouge is reported at 29 per 100,000 residents, seven times the national average.

In terms of police presence, Baton Rouge has about one police officer for every 343 residents, a number reflected to be insufficient for an area with high crime rates. In contrast, New Orleans has reported improvements in crime trends, with a 35% decrease in murders from 192 in 2023 to 124 in 2024. Overall crime in New Orleans has fallen by 21% from the previous year and 43% from two years prior, mainly attributed to strategic actions taken by the New Orleans Police Department.

Despite these encouraging numbers, Baton Rouge has recorded a 23.5% increase in crime rates year-over-year. Shreveport, while also seeing high crime rates, ranked the safest of Louisiana’s major cities at 155th in the WalletHub report, with a score of 48.43 points.

In response to escalating violent crime figures, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has requested the federal deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops. This initiative aims to bolster public safety efforts, particularly in high-crime areas. Local leaders have voiced mixed opinions regarding the deployment, raising concerns about potential militarization and emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education, and gang violence.

While the National Guard’s presence may temporarily enhance safety during upcoming events, community leaders advocate for strategies that focus on long-term solutions. The Baton Rouge Community Street Team is actively engaged in efforts to mitigate violence and enhance community safety, which is crucial for fostering a sense of security in the area.

This ongoing situation presents a complex challenge for Louisiana cities, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative and comprehensive approaches to combat safety issues while empowering communities to thrive.

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Additional Resources

• KPEL 965: 3 Louisiana Cities Most Dangerous in 2025
• WAFB: Street Team Works to Reduce Baton Rouge Crime
• Unfiltered with Kiran: Gov. Landry Requests 1,000 National Guard Troops
• Shreveport Times: National Guard Troops to Patrol Louisiana Cities
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.