Is Broussard or Lake Charles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Broussard is safer than Lake Charles (Safety Score 32/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,348 per 100,000 versus 3,083 for Lake Charles — 24% lower. Broussard has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Broussard has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Lake Charles is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Broussard — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lake Charles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Broussard, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Broussard | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,348.1 | 3,082.8 | -734.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 194.6 | 613.0 | -418.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 16.7 | -10.0 |
| Rape Rate | 13.4 | 52.6 | -39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.7 | 64.1 | -57.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.7 | 479.6 | -311.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,153.5 | 2,469.8 | -316.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 161.0 | 613.0 | -452.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,878.4 | 1,651.7 | +226.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 114.1 | 205.2 | -91.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broussard or Lake Charles safer?
Broussard is safer with a total crime rate of 2,348 per 100K vs 3,083 for Lake Charles — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Broussard has a violent crime rate of 194.6 per 100K while Lake Charles has 613.0. Broussard has lower violent crime.
About Broussard, LA
Broussard, Louisiana, a city in Lafayette Parish, has grown from a small railroad town into a thriving community. It's known for its rich Cajun heritage and sits amidst the flat, fertile lands of South Louisiana, attracting a diverse population. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 14,906, Broussard has a total crime rate of 2,348.1 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.