Is Chicago or Opelousas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Opelousas (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,401 for Opelousas — 37% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Opelousas has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 172.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Opelousas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Opelousas, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Opelousas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,401.1 | -2,388.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,382.4 | -842.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 39.3 | -21.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 45.9 | +12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 104.8 | +230.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,179.3 | -1,051.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,018.7 | -1,546.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 786.2 | -491.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,904.9 | -1,586.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 327.6 | +531.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Opelousas safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,401 for Opelousas — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Opelousas has 1,382.4. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Opelousas, LA
Opelousas, Louisiana, the third-oldest city in the state, is a hub of Creole culture in St. Landry Parish. Situated in south-central Louisiana, it reflects a rich agricultural heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 15,263, Opelousas has a total crime rate of 6,401.1 per 100,000 residents.