Opelousas, LA Crime Rate & Safety

Opelousas, LA has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 240% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 68 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 12 chance for property crime. Opelousas has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Opelousas has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Opelousas is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Opelousas is 1,479.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 289% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 18.0 per 100K (260% above average); aggravated assault at 1,059.3 per 100K (295% above average); robbery at 272.6 per 100K (269% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Opelousas is 8,155.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 345% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 12 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 987.2 per 100K (266% above average); larceny/theft at 5,862.6 per 100K (318% above average); vehicle theft at 1,305.4 per 100K (309% above average).

Opelousas's overall crime rate is 240% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (318% above average), while murder is 260% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Opelousas has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Opelousas should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 345% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Louisiana as a whole has crime that is 17% above the national average. Opelousas's crime rate is 240% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Louisiana city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Opelousas, with an estimated rate of 5,862.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 318% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (8,155 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,480 per 100K) in Opelousas, which is consistent with national trends.