Kenny Habetz Injury Law | May 6, 2024 | Personal Injury
Any city in America has problems, and Lafayette, Louisiana, is no exception. Homicides, robberies, and other criminal acts can make people hesitant to move to a town or do business there. Residents confronted with abundant crime may consider leaving the town for a safer location.
You may be a long-time resident of Lafayette or a prospective transplant, but you still want to know whether the town is safe.
Lafayette Crime Statistics
Saying any city like Lafayette is safe or unsafe is a generalization that can be misleading. Crime can happen in so-called safe cities, and historically high-crime cities can go through periods of low crime.
In 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office recorded a total of 799 crimes of various types. This averages out to about 66 reported crimes a month, or about 2 per day. The most common crimes were:
- Simple assaults
- Theft and larceny
- Burglary with forcible entry
- Unlawful entry
- Motor vehicle theft
There were only 2 instances of murder or manslaughter recorded that year, approximately 5 rapes, and no arsons. This information suggests that you are more likely to be the victim of a property crime than a violent attack in Lafayette.
Avoid the Airport in Lafayette
CrimeGrade.org creates a color-coded map based on where reports of criminal activity occur in American cities and towns. According to the organization’s crime map, the area around the Lafayette National Airport, including along Southwest Frontage Road, sees an above-average amount of violent and property crime. This is the only area on the map shaded red.
Three Safe Areas in Lafayette
If you are looking for areas of Lafayette where your risk of being the victim of a crime is lower than average, consider the following three neighborhoods:
Near Arbolada Addition
CrimeGrade.org’s map shows an area of dark green between Johnston Street and McKinley Street where these roads intersect with East University Avenue and proceed southwest. This color indicates a below-average risk of being the victim of a property or violent crime.
North of Downtown Along Louisiana Avenue
While downtown Lafayette has an average risk of crime, the situation improves as you drive north along Louisiana Avenue. Once you cross East Willow Street, the map becomes increasingly darker green, and the risk of crime correspondingly decreases. The situation improves even further north of East Pont Des Mouton Road.
West Along West Congress Street
Travel along West Congress Street from downtown Lafayette, and you will soon enter areas of decreased crime risk. These neighborhoods are north of intersections like West Congress Street and West St. Mary Boulevard. However, be careful between Bertrand Drive and Foreman Drive.
Lafayette Can Be a Safe City if You Are Careful
Knowing where prior crimes have taken place in Lafayette can help you be aware of when and where to exercise greater caution. Areas north and west of downtown have historically been safer areas of the city, as opposed to areas around the airport and to the east of downtown.
No matter where you are, however, it is important to your safety that you always remain alert to your surroundings and exercise common sense. This includes not flashing money or valuables in public, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and informing others of your travel plans.
With some awareness and by following these safety tips, Lafayette residents and visitors can enjoy the city and its amenities without worrying about becoming a victim of crime.
Contact the Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Louisiana, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
