Is Opelousas or Shreveport Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shreveport is safer than Opelousas (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,220 per 100,000 versus 6,401 for Opelousas — 18% lower. Opelousas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shreveport has a 32% lower rate.
Note: Shreveport is 11.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Opelousas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Shreveport — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Opelousas, LA
Shreveport, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Opelousas | Shreveport | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,401.1 | 5,220.1 | +1,181.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,382.4 | 1,229.6 | +152.8 |
| Murder Rate | 39.3 | 26.8 | +12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 45.9 | 83.4 | -37.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.8 | 80.0 | +24.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,179.3 | 1,038.3 | +141.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,018.7 | 3,990.5 | +1,028.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 786.2 | 781.3 | +4.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,904.9 | 2,628.9 | +1,276.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 327.6 | 580.3 | -252.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Opelousas or Shreveport safer?
Shreveport is safer with a total crime rate of 5,220 per 100K vs 6,401 for Opelousas — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Opelousas has a violent crime rate of 1,382.4 per 100K while Shreveport has 1,229.6. Shreveport has lower violent crime.
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.
About Shreveport, LA
Shreveport, a major city in Northwest Louisiana, sits on the Red River. Historically a river port known for its ties to the oil industry, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 175,092, Shreveport has a total crime rate of 5,220.1 per 100,000 residents.