Lafayette, IN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lafayette, IN

The Lafayette crime rates are 19.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 421 violent crimes in Lafayette (594 per 100,000 people), which is 60.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1551 property crimes (2189 per 100,000 residents) which is 12% higher than average.

Lafayette has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2189 property crimes in Lafayette, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lafayette?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lafayette residents. Out of the respondents (88 in total), 30% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lafayette were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 70% 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 determine if Lafayette is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Lafayette has a total crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.4 daily crimes (1.15 violent daily crimes and 4.25 daily property crimes) in Lafayette.

Has Crime in Lafayette Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Lafayette has decreased by 24.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lafayette is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 1.6%, while property crime has decreased by 29.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lafayette.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lafayette

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Lafayette crime rates. The population density in Lafayette is 2469.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lafayette, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.48 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lafayette stands at $119,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Lafayette crime map