6 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Louisiana
Louisiana, located in the South and also known as the “Pelican State,” is renowned for its food, music, and distinctive heritage. Most people know it for its largest city, New Orleans, home to Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and jazz. However, it is also a strong place to live, with low-crime areas being especially sought after, allowing residents to enjoy the state’s culture and traditions without constant safety concerns. If you are looking to settle down in Louisiana, here are six small communities to consider that are known for their safety.
Addis
Addis has a population of 7,538. It is located in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and has no reports of aggravated assault or homicide in the past five years. In 2023, the median listing price in Addis was listed at $297,450. Things to see and do around town include a visit to the Addis Museum, built in 1920, and a stop at Joe Myhand Park, which boasts a basketball and tennis court and an outdoor workout area. For nature lovers, taking a walk along the Mississippi River levees is a great way to spend the day. It is also a popular spot for biking or jogging.
Harahan
Harahan is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, with 8,819 residents as of 2026. Between 2020 and 2026, Harahan reported approximately four instances of aggravated assault and no homicides, indicating consistently low levels of violent crime. The median listing price is $317,000. The city is family-friendly, offering activities such as bowling at Colonial Lanes, Adventure Quest Laser Tag, and outdoor recreation at Bayou Segnette State Park. Harahan is also a suburb of New Orleans, allowing residents access to city amenities while living in a quieter community.
Rayne
Located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Rayne is a small town with little to no aggravated assaults or homicides in the past five years. The 2026 population is 6,983, and it has a median listing price of $179,950. The town is known as ‘the frog capital of the world’ and is renowned for its Cajun charm. Downtown Rayne is a great place to explore the town’s many colorful murals. Another fascinating site is St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Every May, the town hosts the Rayne Frog Festival featuring Cajun food and music. The residents of Rayne are proud of their community and very welcoming, making it a great place to settle.
Covington
With little to no violent crimes in the past five years, Covington is a safe city offering quintessential Southern charm. It is home to 11,686 people, and has a median listing price of $375,000. The city is best known for its Arts District featuring galleries of every style and medium, and it is also home to the Covington Trailhead Museum and Bogue Chitto Memorial Park.
The museum has a walkthrough photo exhibit featuring the town's history, and the park is dog-friendly. Covington has a lively, walkable downtown, lined with charming cafes and restaurants. It is a safe and laid-back city to call home.
Mandeville
Mandeville has had no reports of assault or homicide in the past few years and is, overall, a very safe place to live. It is one of the oldest localities in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, and is home to 12,973 people. It has a median listing price of $424,500.
Things to do around town include water activities on Lake Pontchartrain, walking, biking, or skating at Tammany Trace, and a visit to Mandeville Trailhead, which has a local community market, a children’s splash pad, and a Cultural Interpretive Museum. The market embodies everything the town stands for, i.e., “Good Food and Great People.”
Tallulah
Situated in Madison Parish, Tallulah is home to 5,677 people with a median property value of $165,500. It has had very few reports of violent crimes over the past five years. Tallulah has great attractions like the historical Hermione Museum, the Southern Heritage Air Museum, and the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, Lake Bruin State Park is a popular spot for nature lovers who enjoy kayaking and walking its nature trails. Tallulah is an affordable place to live, and it is perfect for retirees looking to slow down and enjoy the quiet life amidst nature.
Why These Louisiana Communities Stand Out for Long-Term Living
While Louisiana is well-loved for its vibrant cities, for those seeking safe, Southern living, its small communities are perfect. The six towns and cities listed above are charming, offer abundant outdoor recreation, and, above all else, low crime rates. For people who are looking to settle in Louisiana, these towns are both welcoming and secure.
