| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Opelousas/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 975 | n/a (estimate) | 6,388 | 2,816 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 39.3 | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 45.9 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 104.8 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 180 | n/a | 1,179.3 | 436.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 1,369 | 520 | 359 |
| Burglary | 120 | n/a | 786.2 | 405.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 596 | n/a | 3,904.9 | 1,636.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 50 | n/a | 327.6 | 254.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 766 | n/a (estimate) | 5,019 | 2,296 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Opelousas crime rate is 201.4% 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 Opelousas, there were 209 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1369 per 100,000 individuals, 281.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Opelousas recorded 766 property crimes, amounting to 5019 per 100,000 residents, 185.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 6388 per 100,000 residents, Opelousas experiences a crime rate that is 201.43% 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, Opelousas 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.
With a violent crime rate of 1369 crimes per 100,000 residents, Opelousas is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Opelousas ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 74 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
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 6 murders were reported, equating to 39 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.
With a property crime rate of 5019 crimes per 100,000 people, Opelousas 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 Opelousas is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, 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.
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 determine if Opelousas is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Opelousas has a total crime rate that is 201% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.67 daily crimes (0.57 violent daily crimes and 2.1 daily property crimes) in Opelousas.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Opelousas. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Opelousas has decreased by 25.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 28.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 24.3%. 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.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Opelousas crime rate. The poverty level in Opelousas is 35.9%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Opelousas has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.47 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Opelousas, the average rental rates are $903 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| 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 | 1,372 | 170 | 753 | 923 |
| Sunset, LA | 2,984 | 201 | 888 | 1,089 |
| Grand Coteau, LA | 1,071 | 221 | 976 | 1,197 |
| Leonville, LA | 2,171 | 260 | 1,149 | 1,409 |
| Arnaudville, LA | 1,661 | 263 | 1,160 | 1,423 |
| Port Barre, LA | 1,666 | 267 | 1,179 | 1,446 |
| Church Point, LA | 4,542 | 804 | 879 | 1,683 |
| Opelousas, LA | 17,032 | 1,369 | 5,019 | 6,388 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Myrtle Beach, SC | 17,032 | 361 | 3,223 | 3,583 |
| Abington, MA | 17,033 | 232 | 1,361 | 1,593 |
| Pendleton, OR | 17,038 | 409 | 2,681 | 3,090 |
| Truckee, CA | 17,023 | 374 | 648 | 1,021 |
| Ham Lake, MN | 17,046 | 116 | 724 | 840 |
| Opelousas, LA | 17,032 | 1,369 | 5,019 | 6,388 |
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