| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ponchatoula/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 345 | n/a (estimate) | 4,325 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 12.5 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 25.1 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 589.2 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 627 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 463.8 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 246 | n/a | 3,083.9 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 150.4 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 295 | n/a (estimate) | 3,698 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ponchatoula is 86.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Ponchatoula, there were 50 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 627 per 100,000 individuals, 69.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 295 property crimes, amounting to 3698 per 100,000 residents, 89.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Ponchatoula has a crime rate of 4325 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 86.08%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Ponchatoula. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Ponchatoula showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Ponchatoula faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3698 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Ponchatoula stands at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Ponchatoula to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 31% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ponchatoula and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 69% 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.
Is Ponchatoula a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ponchatoula has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 86%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.95 daily incidents, encompassing 0.14 violent crimes and 0.81 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ponchatoula as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ponchatoula. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ponchatoula has increased by 39.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 25%, while property crimes have increased by 42.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Ponchatoula, 80.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Ponchatoula, the cost of living is 8.34% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Ponchatoula, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 4.19, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Ponchatoula | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Killian, LA | 1,852 | 191 | 836 | 1,027 |
| Albany, LA | 1,300 | 238 | 1,039 | 1,276 |
| Independence, LA | 2,578 | 294 | 1,285 | 1,579 |
| Natalbany, LA | 2,847 | 330 | 1,441 | 1,770 |
| Folsom, LA | 841 | 722 | 3,156 | 3,879 |
| Springfield, LA | 562 | 764 | 3,339 | 4,103 |
| Tickfaw, LA | 927 | 805 | 3,517 | 4,322 |
| Ponchatoula, LA | 7,311 | 627 | 3,698 | 4,325 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| LaFayette, GA | 7,310 | 419 | 1,932 | 2,351 |
| Green Hill, TN | 7,308 | 372 | 1,375 | 1,747 |
| Hastings, MI | 7,314 | 410 | 1,443 | 1,853 |
| Barberton, WA | 7,317 | 260 | 2,321 | 2,581 |
| New Cumberland, PA | 7,305 | 66 | 764 | 830 |
| Ponchatoula, LA | 7,311 | 627 | 3,698 | 4,325 |
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