Is Lafayette or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,414 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 1% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lafayette has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 12.8x 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
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, LA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,413.6 | 5,458.5 | -44.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,066.1 | 910.3 | +155.8 |
| Murder Rate | 14.8 | 16.9 | -2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 46.1 | -12.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 69.2 | 273.2 | -204.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 948.4 | 572.5 | +375.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,347.5 | 4,548.2 | -200.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 661.1 | 319.0 | +342.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,227.9 | 3,223.6 | +4.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 458.6 | 1,005.6 | -547.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or Philadelphia safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 5,414 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 1,066.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.