Oct 14, 2026 - Public Safety

Streets overtake crime as New Orleanians' top concern

For the first time in 40 years, crime isn't New Orleanians' biggest concern, according to new survey data.

Why it matters: That's a remarkable shift, and it's underscored by the city's overall drop in violent crime.

Zoom in: The findings come from LSU New Orleans' annual quality of life survey, which has been checking the city's vibes since 1986.

Key findings for 2026:

Streets and infrastructure were the city's most frequently cited concern this year. Crime held the top spot every year previously.
13% of New Orleans respondents said crime was increasing, down 70 percentage points from two years ago.
32% of New Orleanians said they believe the city has become a better place to live over the past 5 years, up from 17% in 2024.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno received a 66% job approval rating, while Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng received a 65% approval rating.

More New Orleans stories