Ever wonder what are some of the most dangerous places in New Orleans? Or even how safe your own neighborhood is after dark? You may think some of those answers are obvious, but there’s an online resource that gathers crime stats from the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department and then applies their own algorithm to create a safety ranking of areas – areas as specific as local neighborhoods.

We’ve delved into that resource, Neighborhood Scout, and listed some of the absolute worst neighborhoods to be in after dark in NOLA. Using these stats, here are seven of the top dangerous places to be after dark in New Orleans:

1. Michoud
Michoud, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
The former village of Michoud is home to Nasa's Michoud Assembly Plant. It's also one of the unsafest parts of New Orleans after dark. According to Neighborhood Scout, New Orleans as a whole is safer than only 5% of the cities in the U.S. We've placed Michoud at the top of the list due to it's geographical size.
2. Warrington Drive / Robert E. Lee Blvd
West Robert E Lee Boulevard, W Robert E Lee Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
One of the lowest income areas in the country is also one of the unsafest after dark, according to the stats published by Neighborhood Scout. The folks here are hard working and employed but somehow manage to have incomes lower than 85% of the rest of the country. Additionally, 44% of the children here are below the poverty level.
3. Cleveland Avenue / S. Johnson Street
South Johnson Street, S Johnson St, New Orleans, LA, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
While this niche neighborhood has a certain charm, it still falls into the category of one of the worst New Orleans neighborhoods to be in after dark. 77% of the children here live in poverty; 98% of the country is doing better than this NOLA neighborhood, according to Neighborhood Scout.
4. St Bernard Street / Buchanan Avenue
Buchanan Street, Buchanan St, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
49% of the homes in this NOLA neighborhood were built after 1999. Many of the remaining homes were built between 1940 and 1969, according to Neighborhood Scout. Although none of that really has anything to do with why the crime rate is higher in this part of New Orleans, the fact remains that it's still one of the most dangerous places for crime in the city.
5. Port Street / Urquhart Street
Google Maps [streetview]
This Florida Area district in New Orleans is known for its convenient location to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Unfortunately, the area is also known for its high crime rate. Locals say it's best to stay away after dark.
Port Street, Port St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Google Maps via Neighborhood Scout
This small neighborhood is on the list of high crime spots in NOLA, according to Neighborhood Scout. They also report that nearly 30% of the folks living here either ride the bus or walk to work. This means that, especially in winter months when it gets dark earlier, if you live here you should be more cautious walking back to your home at night. This is afterall, one of the most dangerous spots to be after dark in NOLA.
6. Saint Roch Avenue / N Galvez Street
Saint Roch Avenue, St Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
Google Maps [streetview}
Nationwide, approximately one in four children grows up in poverty. In this New Orleans neighborhood nearly three out of every four children grows up in poverty. Additionally, the income among the residents in this neighborhood is lower than 98.3% of the country, according to Neighborhood Scout. Another fact about this part of New Orleans? It's one of the most dangerous places to be after dark.
7. Tchoupitoulas Street / Jackson Avenue
Tchoupitoulas Street, Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
An interesting statistic Neighborhood Scout reports about this neighborhood is that 54.6% of the residents here live alone. That's a number greater than 98.7% of the rest of the U.S. population. Neighborhood Scout also displays this New Orleans neighborhood as being one of the worst cities in New Orleans and state of Louisiana. So if you live here and live alone, be ever vigilant about your personal safety.

If you live in one of these seven neighborhoods in New Orleans then you should be extra attentive to your surroundings, especially at night.

Want to know what are the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans? Here Are The Safest And Most Peaceful Places To Live In New Orleans.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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Christina Arrascaeta | August 08, 2022

Is New Orleans a great place to live?

People consider relocating to New Orleans in Louisiana due to its many attractive features. The historic location is rich in culture, food, entertainment, and fun for the whole family! While many think of nightlife, New Orleans is also a wonderful place to live or raise a family. The Crescent City has a comfortable cost of living, being in line with the national average. It also boasts many stable industries like tourism, healthcare, and oil. While there are some downsides to moving to the city such as the below-average public school system and crime rates, New Orleans is great for entertainment, attractions, and architecture – Not to mention that New Orleans is one of the friendliest cities in the nation!

Where is the best place to live in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a fantastic option for young adults and families alike. While the city is comprised of many districts and neighborhoods, there are some areas in New Orleans that stand out from the rest. Consider Central Business District for its safety and immaculate streets lined with fine dining and upscale shopping. Or, Freret in Uptown. Freret is safer than nearly 40% of cities in Louisiana and has a median home price of just above $200,000. University students will find the neighborhood ideal due to its close proximity to Loyola University as well as Tulane University.

What is New Orleans known for?

New Orleans is a popular travel destination for a variety of reasons. The city is known for its nightlife, especially Mardi Gras festival and Bourbon Street. History buffs and tourists enjoy the famous French Quarter and people travel from all over the world to see the neighborhood’s bars, restaurants, eccentric shops, and unique architecture. New Orleans also has an amazing food scene, with favorites including gumbo and jambalaya. Last, but definitely not least, the vibrant city is the birthplace of jazz.

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