Gonzales, LA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gonzales, LA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gonzales is 215.3% 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 Gonzales, there were 63 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 490 per 100,000 individuals, 32.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 880 property crimes, amounting to 6838 per 100,000 residents, 249.9% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 7328 per 100,000 residents, Gonzales has a crime rate that is 215.28% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Gonzales that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Gonzales stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Gonzales, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

With a property crime rate of 6838 crimes per 100,000 people, Gonzales 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 Gonzales is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 15, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gonzales?

AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Gonzales to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Gonzales and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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 Gonzales a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Gonzales a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Gonzales crime rate is 215% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.58 crimes per day - 0.17 violent crimes and 2.41 property crimes.

Has Crime in Gonzales Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Gonzales. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Gonzales has increased by 3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 3.1%, while property crime has increased by 3.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Gonzales.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gonzales

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Gonzales, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Gonzales has a population density of 1195.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Gonzales crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Gonzales, the average rental rates are $1,077 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Gonzales crime map