Lafayette, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lafayette, CO

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lafayette is 23.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 64 violent crimes reported in Lafayette, equivalent to 205 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 44.5%. Additionally, Lafayette recorded 829 property crimes, amounting to 2657 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 35.9%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lafayette?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lafayette residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 83% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lafayette were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 17% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lafayette a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lafayette, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lafayette presents a total crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lafayette experiences an average of 2.45 daily crimes, comprising 0.18 violent incidents and 2.27 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Lafayette Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lafayette. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Lafayette has decreased by 1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 24.7%, while property crime has decreased by 1.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lafayette.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lafayette

Lafayette has a poverty rate that stands at 5.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Lafayette crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Lafayette has a population density of 3030.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Lafayette crime rates.

In Lafayette, the median home price stands at $458,300, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Lafayette crime map