Is Laurel or Olive Branch Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Olive Branch is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 54/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 1,560 per 100,000 versus 4,840 for Laurel — 68% lower. Laurel has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Olive Branch has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Olive Branch is 2.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Olive Branch — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laurel | Olive Branch | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,839.9 | 1,560.1 | +3,279.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,051.9 | 201.4 | +850.5 |
| Murder Rate | 23.6 | 0.0 | +23.6 |
| Rape Rate | 100.5 | 14.8 | +85.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.6 | 33.9 | +60.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 833.2 | 150.5 | +682.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,788.0 | 1,358.7 | +2,429.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 715.1 | 76.3 | +638.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,700.6 | 1,015.3 | +1,685.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 372.3 | 267.1 | +105.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel or Olive Branch safer?
Olive Branch is safer with a total crime rate of 1,560 per 100K vs 4,840 for Laurel — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 1,051.9 per 100K while Olive Branch has 201.4. Olive Branch has lower violent crime.
About Laurel, MS
Laurel, Mississippi, a city in Jones County, is known for its historic downtown, featured in a popular home renovation show. Situated in the Pine Belt region, it has a population of around 18,000 residents. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 16,922, Laurel has a total crime rate of 4,839.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Olive Branch, MS
Olive Branch, Mississippi, a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, boasts a rich agricultural past with a growing population. It was once home to a major dairy farm, reflecting its rural heritage. The city is experiencing rapid growth, making it one of the fastest-growing in Mississippi. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 47,178, Olive Branch has a total crime rate of 1,560.1 per 100,000 residents.