| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Monroe/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,037 | n/a (estimate) | 8,178 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 25 | n/a | 197.2 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 126.2 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 177 | n/a | 1,395.9 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 218 | n/a (estimate) | 1,719 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 191 | n/a | 1,506.3 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 589 | n/a | 4,645.1 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 307.6 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 819 | n/a (estimate) | 6,459 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
The West Monroe crime rates are 251.9% 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 218 violent crimes in West Monroe (1719 per 100,000 people), which is 364.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 819 property crimes (6459 per 100,000 residents) which is 230.5% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 8178 per 100,000 residents, West Monroe experiences a crime rate that is 251.87% 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, West Monroe 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.
West Monroe has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1719 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, West Monroe falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 59 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In the latest reported crime year, West Monroe recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
With a property crime rate of 6459 crimes per 100,000 people, West Monroe unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in West Monroe is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in West Monroe. Based on the results of the surveys (14 responses), 43% of people felt that there was very little crime in West Monroe and felt safe walking alone at night. While 57% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether West Monroe is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, West Monroe has an overall crime rate that is 252% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.84 daily occurrences, comprising 0.6 violent crimes and 2.24 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Monroe as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Monroe has decreased by 0.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Monroe, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 7.6%, while property crime has decreased by 2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Monroe is a safe place to live.
West Monroe has a poverty rate of 27.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In West Monroe, 78.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In West Monroe, the cost of living is 15.79% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | West Monroe | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 83 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Lakeshore, LA | 2,800 | 259 | 1,129 | 1,388 |
| Sterlington, LA | 2,753 | 314 | 1,370 | 1,684 |
| Bawcomville, LA | 2,150 | 375 | 1,639 | 2,014 |
| Brownsville, LA | 3,718 | 466 | 2,037 | 2,504 |
| Swartz, LA | 5,176 | 583 | 2,548 | 3,131 |
| Claiborne, LA | 11,904 | 605 | 2,644 | 3,250 |
| Richwood, LA | 4,778 | 818 | 3,575 | 4,393 |
| West Monroe, LA | 12,431 | 1,719 | 6,459 | 8,178 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North St. Paul, MN | 12,421 | 105 | 1,795 | 1,900 |
| Derby, CT | 12,420 | 359 | 3,047 | 3,406 |
| Wilmington, OH | 12,444 | 350 | 2,122 | 2,472 |
| Blue Ash, OH | 12,417 | 105 | 2,073 | 2,178 |
| Cheney, WA | 12,455 | 199 | 1,841 | 2,039 |
| West Monroe, LA | 12,431 | 1,719 | 6,459 | 8,178 |
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