Houma, LA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Houma, LA

The Houma crime rates are 111.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 272 violent crimes in Houma (830 per 100,000 people), which is 124.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1337 property crimes (4081 per 100,000 residents) which is 108.8% higher than average.

In Houma, the crime rate stands at 4911 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 111.31%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Houma that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Houma ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 830 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Houma stand at 1 in every 121 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Houma stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Houma, a total of 15 murders were reported, equating to 46 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Houma - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4081 per 100,000 people, Houma has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Houma?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Houma residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 13 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Houma residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Houma a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Houma, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Houma presents a total crime rate that is 111% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Houma experiences an average of 4.41 daily crimes, comprising 0.75 violent incidents and 3.66 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Houma Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Houma crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Houma has increased by 4.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 3.6% and property crime has increased by 5.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Houma

In Houma, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, 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 Houma crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Houma has a median home price of $163,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Houma has an average rental rate of $750 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Houma crime map