Is Baker or Lake Charles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Baker is safer than Lake Charles (Safety Score 36/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100,000 versus 3,083 for Lake Charles — 30% lower. Baker has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Baker has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Lake Charles is 6.5x 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
Lake Charles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baker, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baker | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,153.7 | 3,082.8 | -929.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 410.6 | 613.0 | -202.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 16.7 | -8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 8.4 | 52.6 | -44.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 83.8 | 64.1 | +19.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 301.7 | 479.6 | -177.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,743.1 | 2,469.8 | -726.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 393.9 | 613.0 | -219.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 963.7 | 1,651.7 | -688.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 385.5 | 205.2 | +180.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baker or Lake Charles safer?
Baker is safer with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100K vs 3,083 for Lake Charles — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baker has a violent crime rate of 410.6 per 100K while Lake Charles has 613.0. 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 Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles, a port city in southwest Louisiana, is known for its Cajun and Creole culture. It sits on Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River, a hub for the petrochemical industry. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 77,982, Lake Charles has a total crime rate of 3,082.8 per 100,000 residents.