| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lafayette/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,915 | n/a (estimate) | 4,866 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 22 | n/a | 18.1 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 18 | n/a | 14.8 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 100 | n/a | 82.3 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 442 | n/a | 363.6 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 582 | n/a (estimate) | 479 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 797 | n/a | 655.7 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 4,098 | n/a | 3,371.6 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 438 | n/a | 360.4 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 5,333 | n/a (estimate) | 4,388 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lafayette crime rate is 109.4% 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 Lafayette, there were 582 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 479 per 100,000 individuals, 29.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Lafayette recorded 5333 property crimes, amounting to 4388 per 100,000 residents, 124.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4866 crimes per 100,000 people, the Lafayette crime rates stand at 109.38 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Lafayette, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Lafayette stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Lafayette, a total of 22 murders were reported, equating to 18 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.
Lafayette reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4388 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to property crime in Lafayette, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lafayette residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 67 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 37% 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Lafayette 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, Lafayette has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 109%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 16.21 daily incidents, encompassing 1.59 violent crimes and 14.61 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lafayette as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lafayette. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lafayette has decreased by 8.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 18.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Lafayette crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Lafayette has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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 Lafayette, the cost of living is 5.25% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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.
| 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 | 2,068 | 169 | 739 | 908 |
| Rayne, LA | 8,062 | 42 | 873 | 915 |
| Maurice, LA | 2,186 | 183 | 800 | 983 |
| Cade, LA | 2,053 | 222 | 970 | 1,192 |
| Cecilia, LA | 1,323 | 249 | 1,087 | 1,336 |
| Sunset, LA | 2,923 | 274 | 1,199 | 1,474 |
| Youngsville, LA | 14,118 | 279 | 1,220 | 1,499 |
| Lafayette, LA | 126,674 | 479 | 4,388 | 4,866 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Santa Clara, CA | 126,723 | 312 | 3,597 | 3,909 |
| Topeka, KS | 125,819 | 964 | 3,708 | 4,671 |
| Pearland, TX | 125,817 | 93 | 1,709 | 1,802 |
| Simi Valley, CA | 125,768 | 95 | 851 | 946 |
| Thousand Oaks, CA | 127,648 | 58 | 1,106 | 1,164 |
| Lafayette, LA | 126,674 | 479 | 4,388 | 4,866 |
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