Is Dallas or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Lafayette (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,414 for Lafayette — 26% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lafayette has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 10.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Lafayette, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 5,413.6 | -1,401.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 1,066.1 | -405.6 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 14.8 | -1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 33.8 | +2.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 69.2 | +99.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 948.4 | -508.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 4,347.5 | -995.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 661.1 | -197.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 3,227.9 | -1,440.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 458.6 | +641.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Lafayette safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,414 for Lafayette — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Lafayette has 1,066.1. Dallas has lower violent crime.
About Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 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.