| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Opelousas/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,292 | n/a (estimate) | 8,364 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 71.2 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 38.8 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 26 | n/a | 168.3 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 294 | n/a | 1,903.3 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 337 | n/a (estimate) | 2,182 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 256 | n/a | 1,657.3 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 592 | n/a | 3,832.5 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 107 | n/a | 692.7 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 955 | n/a (estimate) | 6,182 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Opelousas crime rate is 259.9% 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 Opelousas, there were 337 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 2182 per 100,000 individuals, 490% higher than the national average. Additionally, Opelousas recorded 955 property crimes, amounting to 6182 per 100,000 residents, 216.3% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 8364 per 100,000 residents, Opelousas has a crime rate that is 259.87% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Opelousas that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Opelousas has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 2182 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Opelousas falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 46 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Opelousas stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Opelousas, a total of 11 murders were reported, equating to 71 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Opelousas faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6182 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Opelousas stands at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Opelousas faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 107 vehicle thefts, translating to 693 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Opelousas in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 145.
What do the local residents think about crime in Opelousas? Well, based on a recent survey of 28 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 7% of Opelousas residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 93% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Opelousas, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Opelousas presents a total crime rate that is 260% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Opelousas experiences an average of 3.54 daily crimes, comprising 0.92 violent incidents and 2.62 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Opelousas has decreased by 0.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Opelousas is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 15.8%, while property crime has decreased by 5.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Opelousas.
Opelousas has a population density of 1726.4 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Opelousas crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Opelousas, 66.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Opelousas, the average monthly rent stands at $597, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Opelousas | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 75 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.5 | 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 |
| Cecilia, LA | 1,323 | 249 | 1,087 | 1,336 |
| Sunset, LA | 2,923 | 274 | 1,199 | 1,474 |
| Arnaudville, LA | 1,614 | 299 | 1,307 | 1,606 |
| Lawtell, LA | 737 | 304 | 1,328 | 1,632 |
| Grand Coteau, LA | 1,038 | 315 | 1,377 | 1,692 |
| Port Barre, LA | 1,619 | 370 | 1,616 | 1,985 |
| Church Point, LA | 4,429 | 547 | 2,391 | 2,938 |
| Opelousas, LA | 16,687 | 2,182 | 6,182 | 8,364 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pendleton, OR | 16,685 | 250 | 3,832 | 4,082 |
| North Myrtle Beach, SC | 16,684 | 448 | 4,344 | 4,792 |
| Tahlequah, OK | 16,684 | 155 | 1,456 | 1,611 |
| Mount Vernon, OH | 16,684 | 378 | 2,290 | 2,667 |
| Highland Village, TX | 16,701 | 69 | 838 | 907 |
| Opelousas, LA | 16,687 | 2,182 | 6,182 | 8,364 |
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