| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gretna/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 710 | n/a (estimate) | 4,229 | 2,816 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 11.9 | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 23.8 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 53.6 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 57 | n/a | 339.5 | 436.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 429 | 520 | 359 |
| Burglary | 58 | n/a | 345.5 | 405.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 524 | n/a | 3,121.3 | 1,636.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 56 | n/a | 333.6 | 254.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 638 | n/a (estimate) | 3,800 | 2,296 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Gretna crime rate is higher than the national average by 99.6%. Specifically, there were 72 violent crimes in Gretna, equivalent to 429 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 19.4%. Furthermore, Gretna recorded 638 property crimes, amounting to 3800 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 115.9%.
Having a crime rate of 4229 per 100,000 residents, Gretna experiences a crime rate that is 99.57% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Gretna contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Gretna is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Gretna, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Gretna being a very dangerous place to live.
Gretna reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3800 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Gretna, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Gretna to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 90% of people answered that there was very little crime in Gretna and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 10% 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.
To determine if Gretna is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Gretna has a total crime rate that is 100% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.95 daily crimes (0.2 violent daily crimes and 1.75 daily property crimes) in Gretna.
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 Gretna 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 Gretna has increased by 13.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 39.5% and property crime has increased by 25.6%.
In Gretna, the current unemployment rate stands at 4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Gretna crime rates.
Gretna has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 7.23 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Gretna is $283,803, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Gretna | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 129 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.2 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Louisiana /100K | National /100K |
| Louisiana | 12,948 | 286 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lafourche Crossing, LA | 2,039 | 73 | 322 | 395 |
| Harahan, LA | 9,556 | 105 | 721 | 826 |
| Elmwood, LA | 6,246 | 169 | 747 | 916 |
| Jean Lafitte, LA | 2,383 | 171 | 753 | 924 |
| Barataria, LA | 1,051 | 180 | 793 | 972 |
| Ama, LA | 1,091 | 191 | 845 | 1,036 |
| River Ridge, LA | 14,137 | 198 | 875 | 1,073 |
| Gretna, LA | 18,157 | 429 | 3,800 | 4,229 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Paradise, CA | 18,159 | 285 | 693 | 979 |
| Tiffin, OH | 18,151 | 356 | 1,876 | 2,232 |
| Brownsville, FL | 18,170 | 299 | 1,588 | 1,887 |
| Centerville, UT | 18,187 | 79 | 1,433 | 1,512 |
| Bon Air, VA | 18,126 | 203 | 1,461 | 1,664 |
| Gretna, LA | 18,157 | 429 | 3,800 | 4,229 |
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