Is New Orleans Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know

As you begin to plan your dream vacation to New Orleans, I’m sure the thought of safety has crossed your mind. Sure, New Orleans may be nicknamed “The Big Easy,” but is life really that easy down here. I’ve lived in New Orleans for about six years now, and I’m here to break down any concerns you may have about visiting New Orleans.

Before we start our deep dive into the crime of the Crescent City, it’s important to remember that most major cities are going to have high crime rates. New Orleans is no different.

By the numbers, New Orleans is not safe. New Orleans leads the nation in murders, and it’s not going in the right direction. New Orleans also has a major problem with carjackings. However, you can visit the city and stay safe, if you’re smart about how you travel.

It’s a very tricky situation because New Orleans is also a really wonderful city. The vibrant history, unique culinary scene, and some of the best people you’ll ever meet make it a top tier destination.

I love this city fiercely and wouldn’t live here if I didn’t feel safe. I’m confident you can explore New Orleans safely and have the time of your life here.

Is It Safe To Visit New Orleans?

Overall, New Orleans is generally safe for tourism, but just like any other major city, you’ll want to stay vigilant and trust your gut. Although New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in Louisiana, it’s not nearly as big as other major cities across the country.

New York (over 8 million), Los Angeles (over 3 million), and Chicago (2.6 million) could do laps around New Orleans’ population (369,000). New Orleans isn’t even in the top 50 largest cities by population. 

So when you start to compare crime stats to other cities, it makes more sense to compare them with cities that share a similar population, like Arlington, Cleveland, or even Honolulu. With that being said, New Orleans unfortunately still ranks above the national average for both violent crime and property crime.

How Safe Is New Orleans Public Transit?

The main form of public transport in New Orleans is the famous street car. The street cars are a very affordable way to see the city ($1.25) and they’ll take you everywhere from Canal Street to the Riverfront and beyond.

Generally speaking, the street cars are safe to ride, and the same goes for the buses, but I wouldn’t necessarily ride them late…