For your next stay in the capital of Louisiana, you want to know the neighborhoods to avoid in Baton Rouge, the most dangerous and the safest to stay in.
It is true that nowadays, if you are looking for accommodation or a hotel in Baton Rouge, just as in New Orleans , it is essential to find out in advance about the different districts of Baton Rouge and its suburbs.
So, here's a guide to help you spot the most dangerous and safest neighborhoods to stay in Baton Rouge.
All information in this article comes from the most recent publications from web sources (business media, rankings and statistics). It is a synthesis of data which, in fact, does not include any judgment or discriminatory remarks.
Is Baton Rouge a dangerous city?
To determine whether Baton Rouge is a dangerous city or not, one must first compare it to other cities worldwide. Numbeo 's 2024 ranking shows that Baton Rouge has a crime index of 70.81. This is a very high figure, placing the city among the most dangerous in the world.
Indeed, its crime index is at the same level as that of Sao Paulo in Brazil , Mexico City or Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
But what about at the national level? How does Baton Rouge's crime rate compare to other U.S. cities? This is what we will see below.
What is the crime rate in Baton Rouge?
It can be said that Baton Rouge is a dangerous city considering its crime rate. In fact, according to the latest statistics, last year Baton Rouge recorded 2 violent crimes and 386 property crimes. This makes an average of 9 crimes per 887 inhabitants.
This crime rate is significantly higher than the national average of 23 crimes per 1 residents. Baton Rouge's crime rate is also higher than the Louisiana state average of 000 crimes per 34 residents.
The homicide rate in Baton Rouge is particularly concerning because it ranks the city as the 6th deadliest city in the country according to CBS.
This very high crime rate in Baton Rouge is confirmed by NeighborhoodScout's analysis, which ranks the city 49th out of the 100 most dangerous cities in the United States.
Fortunately, according to this site, Baton Rouge is not among the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States, unlike Monroe and Alexandria in Louisiana, Saginaw, Memphis , Detroit , Birmingham , Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Cleveland.
Is Baton Rouge safe for tourists?
In 2024, the French government recommended that travelers to Louisiana remain vigilant in all tourist areas of the state: “Numerous cases of pickpocketing have been reported, as well as violent assaults, including many carjackings. It is strongly advised against walking alone at night in neighborhoods far from tourist areas.” Source: France Diplomacy
So, if you must travel to Baton Rouge, you must remain cautious and avoid the dangerous neighborhoods listed below.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge
Summarizing the most recent statistics online, here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baton Rouge:
- Brookstown tops the list of Baton Rouge's most dangerous neighborhoods in 2024.
- Tigerland area
- Lobdell
- Scotlandville
- Victoria Gardens
- Downtown and downtown East
- Gardeners
- Prescott
- Winbourne Avenue and Plank Road Mid City North
- Zion City
- Beauregard Town
By dangerous we mean the neighborhoods of Baton Rouge that have the highest crime rates per resident (violent and property crimes). Click on the links to locate them on Google Maps.
Red light districts to avoid in Baton Rouge
In addition to these dangerous neighborhoods listed above, here are the areas to avoid in Baton Rouge at night because some streets have a very bad reputation:
Safest Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge
Although the city faces serious crime problems, there are safer neighborhoods in Baton Rouge:
- Mid City
- Garden District
- Southdowns near University Lakes
- Goodwood
- Broadmoor
If you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, The Bocage is one of the safest areas in Baton Rouge. With its gated communities and luxurious homes, The Bocage offers a high-end living experience. This neighborhood is also home to several prestigious country clubs and golf courses, making it a haven for golf enthusiasts.
Is the LSU campus area dangerous?
This area is not among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. However, LSU is located right next to the dangerous areas north of the freeway and around North Gate. If you are looking for accommodation in this area, it would be best to focus on the area south of the university, which is considered the safest area, and University Lakes.
I advise you to check directly on lsu.edu/police
Where to stay in Baton Rouge LSU area?
If you are looking for a hotel in a relatively safe area on the LSU campus, I recommend the University Lakes area, specifically The Cook Hotel & Conference Center.
Indeed, this hotel is one of the best rated by guests and it has an ideal location: Close to the LSU football stadium (Grass), the LSU Tiger Stadium and the Maravich Assembly CTR convention center.
