Is Lafayette or Opelousas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Opelousas (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,414 per 100,000 versus 6,401 for Opelousas — 15% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Lafayette is 8.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Opelousas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, LA
Opelousas, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | Opelousas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,413.6 | 6,401.1 | -987.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,066.1 | 1,382.4 | -316.3 |
| Murder Rate | 14.8 | 39.3 | -24.5 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 45.9 | -12.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 69.2 | 104.8 | -35.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 948.4 | 1,179.3 | -231.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,347.5 | 5,018.7 | -671.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 661.1 | 786.2 | -125.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,227.9 | 3,904.9 | -676.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 458.6 | 327.6 | +131.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or Opelousas safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 5,414 per 100K vs 6,401 for Opelousas — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 1,066.1 per 100K while Opelousas has 1,382.4. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
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.
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.