Baton Rouge, LA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Baton Rouge, LA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Baton Rouge crime rate is 196% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Baton Rouge, there were 2260 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1028 per 100,000 individuals, 177.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Baton Rouge recorded 12870 property crimes, amounting to 5852 per 100,000 residents, 199.4% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 6880 per 100,000 residents, Baton Rouge has a crime rate that is 196.02% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Baton Rouge that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Baton Rouge is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1028 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Baton Rouge is 1 in 98.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Baton Rouge ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Baton Rouge, there were a total of 64 murders, translating to 29 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Baton Rouge has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5852 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Baton Rouge is 1 in 18, which is far higher than the national average.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Baton Rouge ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 1593 vehicle thefts, amounting to 724 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Baton Rouge within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 139.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Baton Rouge?

AreaVibes surveyed 213 local residents in Baton Rouge to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 17% of people answered that there was very little crime in Baton Rouge and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 83% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Baton Rouge a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Baton Rouge is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Baton Rouge has an overall crime rate that is 196% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 41.45 daily occurrences, comprising 6.19 violent crimes and 35.26 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Baton Rouge as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Baton Rouge Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Baton Rouge has increased by 23.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Baton Rouge, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 14.5%, while property crime has increased by 33.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Baton Rouge is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Baton Rouge crime rates.

Baton Rouge has a population density of 2574.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Baton Rouge crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Baton Rouge are $886, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Baton Rouge crime map