Lafayette, LA Crime Rate 2024 – Latest Statistics

Lafayette is one of Louisiana’s largest cities, with a strong cultural identity and a thriving arts and culinary landscape. Like any populated city, it can have a more significant crime rate than more rural areas. The Lafayette, LA crime rate can be important to you whether you are visiting or living in the city. Much of Lafayette is beautiful and safe, but it is always important to be cautious.

Lafayette Crime Rate

The overall crime rate in Lafayette is 4,828.96 per 100,000 inhabitants, based on data gathered by the FBI in 2019, which had a reported population of 126,694.

The city reported a violent crime rate of 524.10 per 100,000 inhabitants. Violent crimes are crimes against a person or crimes committed while the victim is present. Depending on the agency categorizing the crimes, certain offenses, like robbery or burglary, may be considered violent or property crimes. The FBI considers robbery a violent crime and burglary a property crime because burglary does not require the presence of the victim.

Of the 664 reported violent crimes in Lafayette, there were:

• 486 aggravated assaults
• 148 robberies
• 16 cases of rape
• 14 cases of murder or nonnegligent manslaughter

The property crime rate in Lafayette was 4,304.86 per 100,000 inhabitants. Property crimes involve theft of or damage to property, including money, but do not require force or fear against a victim. In Lafayette, there were 5,454 reported property crimes, including:

• 4,101 cases of larceny-theft
• 1,032 burglaries
• 321 cases of motor vehicle theft
• 31 cases of arson

Property crimes are not considered as serious as violent crimes, but they are still harshly prosecuted.

Lafayette Crimes Rates Compared to the State Crime Rate

The Louisiana crime rate is 3,711.30 per 100,000 inhabitants, as of 2019. This includes a violent crime rate of 549.30 and a property crime rate of 3,162.00. The overall crime rate is higher in Lafayette, although the violent crime rate is lower in Lafayette than the entirety of Louisiana.

Of the state’s 25,537 reported violent crimes, there were 18,695 aggravated assaults, 4,025 robberies, 2,273 cases of rape, and 544 crimes of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter.

There were 146,993 total reported property crimes. This included 109,359 cases of larceny-theft, 26,918 burglaries, and 10,716 cases of motor vehicle theft.

Lafayette Crimes Rates Compared to Other Cities

While Lafayette may have a higher crime rate than the state as a whole, this is not unusual for high-population cities. Lafayette, compared to other larger cities in the state, has a much lower crime rate.

Baton Rouge has one of the highest crime rates in the state, with a total rate of 6,226.66 per 100,00 inhabitants. Its violent crime rate is more than three times that of Lafayette, and its property crime rate is more than twice that of Lafayette.

Shreveport has a total crime rate of 5,678.84, followed by Bossier City with a rate of 5,461.73 per 100,000 inhabitants. New Orleans, despite being the most populous city, has a lower rate than these cities. The New Orleans overall crime rate was 5,437.30 per 100,000 residents compared to Lafayette’s rate of 4,828.96.

FAQs

Q: Is Lafayette, Louisiana, a Nice Place to Live?

A: Lafayette, Louisiana, is a beautiful place to live, with a vibrant, thriving culture. As of 2020, it was the fourth most populated city in the state and is considered the heart of Cajun and Creole country. This culture influences the area’s art, food, and festival scene. The city has a lower-than-average cost of living and great schools that attract families to the area.

Q: What City in Louisiana Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: Of the larger cities, Kenner, Louisiana, has one of the lowest crime rates as of 2019. The city’s crime rate was 3,156.65 per 100,000 residents. The crime rate in Kenner includes a violent crime rate of 223.55 and a property crime rate of 2933.10 per 100,000. While the property crime rate is similar to that of the state, the violent crime rate is less than half that of Louisiana.

Q: What City in Louisiana Has the Worst Crime Rate?

A: As of 2019, one of the cities in Louisiana with the worst crime rate is Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge had an overall crime rate of 6,226.66 per 100,000 residents, compared to the state’s rate of 3,711.30. The Baton Rouge crime rate is higher than New Orleans despite it having a smaller population. Shreveport has one of the next-highest crime rates after Baton Rouge, with a rate of 5,678.84 per 100,000 residents.

Q: How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me in Lafayette?

A: If you are being charged with a criminal offense in Lafayette, it is crucial that you contact a Lafayette criminal defense attorney, as this provides you with the greatest chance to limit or avoid criminal penalties. Your criminal defense attorney can review your options for a defense and help you understand the situation you are in. It is not easy to face criminal charges, but an attorney can provide you with the necessary support and protect your rights during the process.

Protect Your Future With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for a criminal offense can be a terrifying situation, whether or not you have dealt with the criminal justice system before. If you are charged with a crime in Lafayette, Louisiana, it is essential that you find the right legal representation to protect your rights and your future and potentially avoid the worst of the criminal penalties.

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we believe in providing effective and dedicated criminal defense to those in our community. Being charged with a crime does not mean you did it, and you have time to fight against a conviction. Contact our firm today and learn how we can help you build a legal defense.