FBI UCR Homicide Data — 250 recorded incidents
New Orleans has long been one of America's most violent cities, a paradox for a city that draws millions of tourists to its celebrated culture and cuisine. The homicide rate in New Orleans is driven by a toxic combination of poverty, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's displacement of over 400,000 residents, a historically weak police department, and an economy where narcotics trafficking remains a primary driver of lethal conflict. The city's "Murder Capital" reputation was cemented during the early 2000s, and while homicide rates have fluctuated, they remain stubbornly high. Among New Orleans' most notorious cases: the 2010 murder of former Saints star Will Smith by Cardell Hayes, and the 2023 mass shooting on Bourbon Street that injured 11. The Murder Channel tracks New Orleans homicides through FBI UCR data, providing transparent visibility into a city that has never fully escaped its reputation for violent crime.
New Orleans, Louisiana has recorded 250 homicides over the tracked period, with 289 victims identified.. The city ranks #9 among 339 U.S. cities tracked by the FBI, with a clearance rate of 13% — meaning an arrest or suspect identification was made in 32 of those incidents.
Firearms — predominantly firearm - handguns — account for 41% of homicides with weapon data, followed by firearm - type unknown, knife/cutting instrument. The highest single month on record was January 2022, with 22 homicides.
New Orleans's homicide rate is 226% above the average for tracked U.S. cities, based on FBI UCR data. 142 cases remain under investigation. The primary reporting agency was New Orleans Police Department, which filed 222 incident reports. See also our Louisiana state homicide data page for broader context. The New Orleans metropolitan area continues to be monitored as part of the national homicide tracking effort.