The most dangerous places in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are adversely affected by the city’s rich culture and history. It is a complicated reality. Certain neighborhoods face disproportionately high rates of violent crime, property offenses, and drug activity, making them stand out as safety concerns. These rankings, often based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data and local police reports, highlight the areas where residents and policymakers must focus attention. Understanding these hotspots provides valuable insight into the challenges shaping Baton Rouge’s future.

Most Dangerous Places In Baton Rouge

1. Old South Baton Rouge

Old South Baton Rouge has long struggled with high violent crime rates, including shootings and assaults. Poverty, unemployment, and gang activity contribute to persistent safety concerns. Despite revitalization efforts, property crime and drug activity remain widespread. Community leaders emphasize the need for youth programs and economic investment to break cycles of violence. The neighborhood’s rich cultural history contrasts sharply with its crime statistics, reflecting both resilience and ongoing challenges in building a safer environment for residents.

2. Scotlandville

Scotlandville experiences elevated property crime and violent incidents, particularly robberies and assaults. Economic hardship and limited opportunities drive much of the criminal activity. The area has a strong community identity, anchored by Southern University, but crime challenges often overshadow its cultural contributions. Local initiatives focus on education and youth engagement to reduce crime. Residents emphasize resilience and pride, even as safety concerns persist. Scotlandville’s future depends on sustained investment in social programs and stronger community‑police partnerships.

3. Brookstown

Brookstown is frequently cited for high crime rates, including drug‑related offenses and violent incidents. Concentrated poverty and unemployment exacerbate safety concerns. The neighborhood struggles with gang activity and repeat offenders, making crime reduction difficult. Despite these challenges, Brookstown has a strong sense of community, with residents advocating for better policing and youth outreach. Efforts to improve safety focus on addressing root causes like substance abuse and limited economic opportunities. Crime remains a pressing issue shaping daily life.

4. Eden Park

Eden Park faces persistent crime issues, particularly robberies, theft, and assaults. Poverty and drug activity contribute to its reputation as a dangerous neighborhood. Law enforcement initiatives target repeat offenders, but challenges remain. Residents often express frustration with slow progress in reducing crime. Despite these concerns, Eden Park maintains a strong community identity, with grassroots organizations working to improve safety and provide opportunities for young people. The neighborhood’s resilience is evident in ongoing efforts to create positive change.

5. Melrose East

Melrose East is known for high rates of violent crime and property offenses. Drug trafficking and gang activity are significant contributors to safety concerns. The neighborhood’s crime challenges have drawn attention from local authorities, prompting targeted policing initiatives. Despite these issues, residents emphasize community pride and resilience. Grassroots organizations focus on youth programs and rehabilitation efforts to reduce crime. Melrose East’s future depends on sustained investment in education, economic opportunities, and stronger collaboration between residents and law enforcement.

6. Mid City

Mid City experiences a mix of property crime and violent incidents, often linked to nightlife and economic inequality. Burglaries, assaults, and drug activity are common concerns. Despite crime challenges, Mid City is known for its cultural vibrancy, with restaurants, art, and music shaping its identity. Residents emphasize the need for balanced policing that supports community trust. Efforts to reduce crime focus on youth engagement and neighborhood revitalization. Mid City reflects both the risks and resilience of Baton Rouge.

7. North Baton Rouge (general)

North Baton Rouge consistently struggles with high violent crime rates, including shootings and assaults. Poverty, unemployment, and gang activity drive much of the criminal activity. Despite revitalization efforts, safety concerns remain widespread. Residents often highlight the need for systemic solutions beyond policing, including education and job creation. Community organizations work to provide opportunities for young people and reduce repeat offenses. North Baton Rouge’s challenges reflect broader socioeconomic issues, but resilience and pride remain strong among residents.

8. Zion City

Zion City faces persistent crime issues, particularly drug‑related offenses and property crime. Concentrated poverty and limited resources contribute to safety concerns. Law enforcement initiatives target gang activity, but challenges remain. Residents emphasize the importance of community programs and youth engagement to reduce crime. Despite these issues, Zion City maintains a strong sense of identity and resilience. Grassroots organizations continue to push for change, highlighting the need for investment in education, economic opportunities, and neighborhood revitalization.

9. Dixie

Dixie is frequently cited for high crime rates, including assaults, robberies, and drug activity. Poverty and unemployment drive much of the criminal behavior. Despite these challenges, Dixie has a strong community identity, with residents advocating for better policing and social programs. Efforts to reduce crime focus on addressing root causes like substance abuse and limited opportunities. The neighborhood’s resilience is evident in grassroots initiatives aimed at improving safety and providing support for families and young people.

10. Fairfields

Fairfields experiences elevated crime rates, particularly property offenses and violent incidents. Drug activity and gang presence contribute to safety concerns. Despite these challenges, Fairfields is known for its strong community spirit, with residents working to improve conditions. Local initiatives focus on youth programs, rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization. Law enforcement emphasizes targeted policing, but systemic issues like poverty and unemployment remain obstacles. Fairfields reflects both the risks and resilience of Baton Rouge, highlighting the need for sustained investment.

Top 50 Most Dangerous Areas & Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge

Rank	Area / Neighborhood	General Location	Key Crime Characteristics
1	Zachary Corridor (North BR)	North of FL Blvd	Highest shootings, robberies, homicides.
2	Banks Ave / Gus Young Area	North of Downtown	Persistent violent crime, drug activity.
3	Old South Baton Rouge	Near Downtown	Armed robberies, assaults, historic poverty.
4	Gardere Lane Area	South BR	Robberies, assaults, apartments with repeat incidents.
5	Plank Road Corridor	North BR	Business robberies, shootings.
6	Airline Hwy Crime Belt (I-12 to Sherwood)	Mid-City	Hotel/store robberies; vehicle break-ins.
7	Scotlandville	North BR	Violent crime pockets; shootings.
8	Brookstown	Near Downtown	Frequent shootings & homicides.
9	Howell Park Area	North BR	High violent crime near park zone.
10	Zoo Area (Greenwell Springs Rd.)	North BR	Robberies, assaults, property crime.
11	Acadian Thruway Corridor	South BR	Theft, burglary, commercial robbery.
12	Bernard Terrace Area	Mid BR	Dense reports of break-ins and assaults.
13	Ardenwood Area	Central BR	Spillover crime from Florida Blvd.
14	Sherwood Forest (southern section)	Central BR	Burglary & vehicle theft hotspots.
15	Winbourne Ave Corridor	North BR	Robberies, drug-related crime.
16	Florida Blvd (I-110 → Sherwood)	Central BR	Commercial robberies, theft clusters.
17	Downtown Baton Rouge (late nights)	Downtown	Bar-area assaults, robberies.
18	Tigerland	LSU Area	Fights, assaults, DUI, theft.
19	Melrose East	Mid-City	High robbery & aggravated assault rate.
20	Dixie Neighborhood	North BR	Persistent shootings & violent incidents.
21	Fairfields Ave Corridor	North BR	Home invasions & robberies.
22	Mid-City North	Mid-City	Burglary & assault concentrations.
23	Eden Park	Near Downtown	Repeated shootings, drug activity.
24	Glen Oaks	North BR	Property crime + periodic violent spikes.
25	Smiley Heights	North BR	Residential robberies & assaults.
26	Choctaw Drive Corridor	Mid-City	Commercial robberies & theft.
27	Brookwood Apartments Cluster	South BR	High call volume for assaults & theft.
28	Southdowns (near Perkins Rd bars)	LSU Area	Bar-area fights & robberies.
29	Sherwood Meadow / Industriplex Area	Southeast BR	Vehicle theft & commercial burglary.
30	Triple Oaks Area	North BR	High gun-related incidents.
31	Mayfair / College Dr Corridor	Mid-City	Car break-ins & robberies.
32	The Avenues (North BR)	North BR	Residential assault & gun crime.
33	Gardere – Burbank Dr Apartments	South BR	Dense property & assault crime.
34	Nicholson Dr Corridor	LSU Area	Robberies targeting students.
35	Spanish Town (edges near I-110)	Downtown	Theft & occasional violent crime.
36	Mason Ave Sector	North BR	Frequent weapons-related calls.
37	Evangeline St Corridor	North BR	Drug activity, shootings.
38	Beechwood / Foster Dr Area	Broadmoor	Vehicle break-ins & property crime.
39	Jefferson Hwy (I-12 → Bluebonnet)	SE BR	Commercial burglary clusters.
40	Pecue Ln – Industriplex Apartments	SE BR	Repeated property crime.
41	River Road / South BR Industrial Area	Below LSU	Robberies & isolated violent events.
42	Brightside Area (student housing)	LSU	Apartment theft, assaults.
43	Mid-City Entertainment District	Government St	Night-scene assaults & robberies.
44	North Foster Dr Corridor	Mid-City	Vehicle theft & robbery.
45	Airline Hwy (North Sections)	North BR	Gas-station robberies, shootings.
46	Delmont Village Area	North BR	Assault & gun-activity hotspots.
47	Capital Heights (edges near Government St)	Mid-City	Higher-than-average break-ins.
48	Shenandoah (near Jones Creek)	SE BR	Clustered property crime incidents.
49	Coursey Blvd Corridor	SE BR	Commercial break-ins & vehicle theft.
50	Perkins Rd (Mall of Louisiana Area)	SE BR	Theft rings & vehicle burglaries.

Closing

While crime data identifies Baton Rouge’s most dangerous places, it should not overshadow the resilience and pride of its people. Behind every statistic are families, businesses, and communities striving for safety and stability. Recognizing where risks are highest helps guide investment in policing, education, and social programs. Ultimately, Baton Rouge’s story is not defined by crime alone but by its ongoing efforts to build stronger, safer neighborhoods and preserve the vibrant culture that makes the city unique.