Is Gretna or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gretna is safer than Lafayette (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,229 per 100,000 versus 5,414 for Lafayette — 22% lower. Gretna has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Gretna has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Lafayette is 7.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gretna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gretna, LA
Lafayette, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gretna | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,229.2 | 5,413.6 | -1,184.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.9 | 1,066.1 | -637.2 |
| Murder Rate | 11.9 | 14.8 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 23.8 | 33.8 | -9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 53.6 | 69.2 | -15.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 339.5 | 948.4 | -608.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,800.3 | 4,347.5 | -547.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 345.5 | 661.1 | -315.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,121.3 | 3,227.9 | -106.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 333.6 | 458.6 | -125.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gretna or Lafayette safer?
Gretna is safer with a total crime rate of 4,229 per 100K vs 5,414 for Lafayette — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gretna has a violent crime rate of 428.9 per 100K while Lafayette has 1,066.1. Gretna has lower violent crime.
About Gretna, LA
Gretna, Louisiana, the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, sits on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Historically, it was a major railroad hub, including the Texas and Pacific Railway. Its population is diverse, reflecting various ethnic backgrounds. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 16,788, Gretna has a total crime rate of 4,229.2 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.