New Orleans overtakes St. Louis as murder capital of America

New Orleans has seen a 141% increase in homicides so far this year compared to before the COVID pandemic, causing the Louisiana city to overtake St. Louis as the murder capital of America. 

New Orleans has had 205 murders so far this year, putting the murder rate at just over 52 homicides per 100,000 residents, according to Sept. 11 data from the Metropolitan Crime Commission.

St. Louis Police Department data shows that as of last month, the city has seen 133 homicides, putting the murder rate at nearly 45 homicides per 100,000 residents. 

Meanwhile, Baltimore's homicide rate is about 40 per 100,000, city data shows.

Chicago has seen roughly 17 homicides per 100,000 residents, according to HeyJackass.com, while New York City's rate is about 3.5.

In response to rising crime rates and the dwindling police force, New Orleans officials earlier this month announced a plan to spend $80 million over three years to offer all officers pay raises, free health care and $30,000 in bonuses for new officers, The Associated Press reported.