Is Baker or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Baker is safer than Lafayette (Safety Score 36/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100,000 versus 5,414 for Lafayette — 60% lower. Baker has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Baker has a 61% lower rate.
Note: Lafayette is 10.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Baker — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baker, LA
Lafayette, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baker | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,153.7 | 5,413.6 | -3,260.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 410.6 | 1,066.1 | -655.5 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 14.8 | -6.4 |
| Rape Rate | 8.4 | 33.8 | -25.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 83.8 | 69.2 | +14.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 301.7 | 948.4 | -646.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,743.1 | 4,347.5 | -2,604.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 393.9 | 661.1 | -267.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 963.7 | 3,227.9 | -2,264.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 385.5 | 458.6 | -73.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baker or Lafayette safer?
Baker is safer with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100K vs 5,414 for Lafayette — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baker has a violent crime rate of 410.6 per 100K while Lafayette has 1,066.1. Baker has lower violent crime.
About Baker, LA
Baker, Louisiana, a city in East Baton Rouge Parish, grew around a railroad depot in the late 19th century. Its diverse population of roughly 13,000 residents contributes to a vibrant local community. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 11,933, Baker has a total crime rate of 2,153.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Lafayette, LA
Lafayette, at the heart of Acadiana, is a vibrant hub of Cajun and Creole culture, known for its lively music and food scene. Situated along the Vermilion River, it's the most populous city in the Lafayette metropolitan area. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 121,471, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 5,413.6 per 100,000 residents.