Introduction
Louisiana has a diverse landscape, with rolling hills and fertile soil in the north, marshes and pine forests in the south, and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. But despite its many charms, Louisiana also has some of the worst places to live in the United States. Many of these poor communities are located in the southeastern corner of the state, near the Gulf Coast. These areas have high rates of poverty, crime, and low educational attainment.
Worst places to live in Louisiana
Marksville
Marksville, Louisiana is considered the worst place to live in the state, according to a study by 24/7 Wall St. The report cited poverty and crime rates as some of the main reasons for the city’s low ranking.
Marksville has a poverty rate of 41.7%, which is more than twice the state poverty rate of 14.6%. The city also has a crime rate of 947 per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the state crime rate of 281 per 100,000 residents.
Other factors that contributed to Marksville’s ranking as one of the worst places to live in Louisiana include its low median household income and high unemployment rate.
New Orleans
Some parts of New Orleans such as: Central City, Saint Roch, 7th Ward, Florida Area, Saint Claude are known as some of the worst places to live in all of Louisiana. Crime is rampant, poverty is widespread, and infrastructure is in disrepair. Many residents feel that they have been forgotten by city officials and left to fend for themselves. There are few job opportunities, and those that are available often come with low wages and little stability. Schools are often in poor condition, and healthcare options are limited. The city’s notorious humidity and heat can be oppressive during the summer months.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a city that is full of culture and diversity. The city has a strong economy with many job opportunities. However, not everyone believes that Baton Rouge is a great place to live. There are some areas of the city that are considered to be the worst places to live in Louisiana.
The neighborhoods that are considered to be the worst places to live in Baton Rouge are North Baton Rouge, Central City, and Scotlandville. These neighborhoods are known for having high crime rates and being very dangerous. There is also a high level of poverty in these areas, which makes it difficult for people to get ahead.
Many people choose to leave these neighborhoods because they don’t feel safe living there. The schools in these areas are also often ranked as some of the worst in the state.
Shreveport
There are a few reasons why some parts of Shreveport are considered a worst place to live in Louisiana. One reason is that the city has a high poverty rate. In fact, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about one-quarter of Shreveport residents live below the poverty line.
Another problem is that Shreveport has a high crime rate. In 2016, there were nearly 5,000 reported crimes in the city, which is more than twice the national average.
Finally, Shreveport also has poor air quality. The city ranked near the bottom of a list of Louisiana cities for air quality in 2017. This is largely due to its location near several major highways and industrial plants.
Lafayette
There are a few reasons why Lafayette is considered a worst place to live in Louisiana. One reason is the high crime rate. In 2016, the crime rate in Lafayette was more than double the state average. There were also more than twice as many property crimes as the state average. Another reason is that Lafayette has one of the lowest median incomes in the state. The median income in Lafayette is just over $37,000, while the state median income is more than $50,000. Additionally, Lafayette has one of the lowest rates of education attainment in Louisiana.
Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a small city located in Southwest Louisiana. Although it has its pros, there are also several cons to living in this area. Some of the disadvantages include: the high humidity, occasional flooding, and hurricanes.
The humidity in Lake Charles is often unbearable. It can be very hot and sticky all summer long. In the winter, it’s not much better because the air is so damp. This makes it difficult to breathe and can cause respiratory problems.
Flooding is also a common occurrence in this area. The Red River and Calcasieu River both run through Lake Charles and can burst their banks during heavy rains. This causes widespread flooding that can damage homes and businesses. Hurricanes are another hazard that residents of this area have to worry about.
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Monroe
There are many pros and cons to living in Monroe Louisiana. Some of the pros include the lower cost of living, the many job opportunities, and the great schools. Some of the cons include the high crime rate, the hot and humid weather, and the bugs. Overall, Monroe is a great place to live if you are looking for a smaller city with plenty of job and educational opportunities.
Houma
There are many pros to living in Houma Louisiana, but there are also some potential downsides. One downside is that the cost of living is relatively high. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Houma is about 5% higher than the national average. Another potential downside is that the weather can be unpredictable. Houma is located in a hurricane zone, so it’s not uncommon for the area to experience severe storms or hurricanes. Additionally, the humidity can be high year-round, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Gonzales
As with any town or city, there are pros and cons to living in Gonzales, Louisiana. One of the main downsides is that it is a small town. If you’re looking for a lot of nightlife or things to do, Gonzales may not be the best place for you. The upside is that it’s a very friendly and close-knit community. Everyone knows everyone, and people are always willing to help out. Another downside is the weather. Gonzales is located in southern Louisiana, which means it’s hot and humid year-round. The summers can be especially unbearable.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the places listed above are the worst places to live in Louisiana. If you are looking for a place to call home, you should avoid these areas. There are plenty of other great places to live in the state that offer a better quality of life. If you are still unsure about where to move, visit niche.com for more information on the best places to live in the country.
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