| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lafayette/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 6,576 | n/a (estimate) | 5,414 | 2,816 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 18 | n/a | 14.8 | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 41 | n/a | 33.8 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 84 | n/a | 69.2 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,152 | n/a | 948.4 | 436.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,295 | n/a (estimate) | 1,066 | 520 | 359 |
| Burglary | 803 | n/a | 661.1 | 405.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,921 | n/a | 3,227.9 | 1,636.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 557 | n/a | 458.5 | 254.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,281 | n/a (estimate) | 4,348 | 2,296 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lafayette is 155.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lafayette, there were 1295 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1066 per 100,000 individuals, 196.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 5281 property crimes, amounting to 4348 per 100,000 residents, 147% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 5414 per 100,000 residents, Lafayette experiences a crime rate that is 155.46% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Lafayette contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Lafayette has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1066 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Lafayette falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 94 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.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Lafayette is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 18 murders in Lafayette, which equates to 15 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Lafayette being a very dangerous place to live.
With a property crime rate of 4348 crimes per 100,000 people, Lafayette unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lafayette is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
With a total of 557 vehicle thefts last year, Lafayette has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 459 per 100,000 people. This lands Lafayette in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 219.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lafayette residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 69 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 36% of Lafayette residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 64% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Lafayette is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lafayette has an overall crime rate that is 155% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 18.02 daily occurrences, comprising 3.55 violent crimes and 14.47 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lafayette as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Lafayette crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Lafayette has increased by 2.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 81.9% and property crime has increased by 7.8%.
In Lafayette, the cost of living is 0.9% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Lafayette, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.48, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The median home price in Lafayette is $353,856, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Lafayette | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 305 | 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 |
| Milton, LA | 2,109 | 89 | 392 | 481 |
| Maurice, LA | 2,247 | 152 | 671 | 823 |
| Cecilia, LA | 1,372 | 170 | 753 | 923 |
| Rayne, LA | 8,227 | 72 | 883 | 955 |
| Sunset, LA | 2,984 | 201 | 888 | 1,089 |
| Grand Coteau, LA | 1,071 | 221 | 976 | 1,197 |
| Duson, LA | 1,763 | 253 | 1,119 | 1,372 |
| Lafayette, LA | 131,168 | 1,066 | 4,348 | 5,414 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Thousand Oaks, CA | 131,108 | 102 | 1,021 | 1,123 |
| Elizabeth, NJ | 131,890 | 409 | 2,658 | 3,066 |
| Pearland, TX | 130,314 | 96 | 1,440 | 1,536 |
| Simi Valley, CA | 130,307 | 129 | 924 | 1,053 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 130,127 | 182 | 2,502 | 2,684 |
| Lafayette, LA | 131,168 | 1,066 | 4,348 | 5,414 |
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