| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lake Charles/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,883 | n/a (estimate) | 3,742 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 14 | n/a | 18.2 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 41.5 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 53 | n/a | 68.8 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 386 | n/a | 500.9 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 485 | n/a (estimate) | 629 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 538 | n/a | 698.2 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,638 | n/a | 2,125.8 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 222 | n/a | 288.1 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,398 | n/a (estimate) | 3,112 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lake Charles crime rate is 61% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Lake Charles, there were 485 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 629 per 100,000 individuals, 70.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Lake Charles recorded 2398 property crimes, amounting to 3112 per 100,000 residents, 59.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Lake Charles is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 14 murders in Lake Charles, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Lake Charles being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 63 local residents in Lake Charles to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 30% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lake Charles and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 70% 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 Lake Charles a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Lake Charles has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 61%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 7.9 daily incidents, encompassing 1.33 violent crimes and 6.57 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lake Charles as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles has increased by 23.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 27.6%, while property crime has increased by 22.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lake Charles.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Lake Charles, the cost of living is 13.8% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lake Charles, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.47 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Lake Charles are $830, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Lake Charles | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 180 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Louisiana /100K | National /100K |
| Louisiana | 12,948 | 286 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hackberry, LA | 1,315 | 234 | 1,021 | 1,254 |
| Prien, LA | 8,469 | 355 | 1,552 | 1,907 |
| Westlake, LA | 4,788 | 157 | 2,778 | 2,935 |
| Moss Bluff, LA | 10,352 | 549 | 2,400 | 2,950 |
| Carlyss, LA | 5,185 | 590 | 2,578 | 3,169 |
| Iowa, LA | 3,209 | 1,211 | 2,221 | 3,432 |
| Sulphur, LA | 20,122 | 429 | 3,713 | 4,142 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 77,832 | 629 | 3,112 | 3,742 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bloomington, IL | 77,725 | 324 | 1,902 | 2,227 |
| Waldorf, MD | 77,711 | 495 | 2,033 | 2,528 |
| Perris, CA | 77,708 | 302 | 2,552 | 2,855 |
| Boynton Beach, FL | 78,060 | 314 | 1,897 | 2,211 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 77,391 | 646 | 3,324 | 3,970 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 77,832 | 629 | 3,112 | 3,742 |
Here are the best places to live in Louisiana
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Louisiana
Top 10 cities in Louisiana with the best education system
10 Best cities in Louisiana for employment