Lafayette County Crime & Safety

Lafayette County, Mississippi

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1267.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

101.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1166.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#59

of 82 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lafayette County, Mississippi

Steady Safety in Lafayette

Lafayette County reports a safety score of 98.0 and a total crime rate of 1,267.6 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly half of the national average of 2,385.5. Three agencies contribute data, ensuring a reliable overview of the county’s safety profile.

Just Below State Averages

The county's safety score of 98.0 is slightly lower than the Mississippi state average of 98.4. While safer than many places nationally, Lafayette has a higher total crime rate (1,267.6) than the state average (978.4). This is often common in counties with major universities or higher visitor traffic.

Comparing Regional Safety

Lafayette’s crime rate of 1,267.6 is higher than neighboring Lamar County’s 988.7. However, it remains much safer than many national urban hubs. The presence of three reporting agencies ensures these numbers capture a broad slice of local activity.

Analyzing Property and Violence

Property crime accounts for 1,166.1 per 100,000 residents, the vast majority of local incidents. Violent crime is relatively low at 101.5, well below the national average of 369.8. This suggests that property theft is the primary concern for residents.

Focus on Theft Prevention

Because property crime is the main driver of local statistics, smart home technology is a valuable asset. Installing doorbell cameras and securing bicycles or outdoor equipment can prevent most common crimes. Awareness during peak tourist or university events further reduces risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lafayette County, MS?

Lafayette County has a total crime rate of 1267.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (101.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1166.1 per 100K).

Is Lafayette County, MS safe?

Lafayette County has a safety score of 44/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #59 out of 82 counties in Mississippi for safety (1 = safest).

How does Lafayette County crime compare to the Mississippi average?

What types of crime are most common in Lafayette County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Lafayette County?

Crime data for Lafayette County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Lafayette County?

Lafayette County has a safety score of 44/100, which is below the Mississippi average of 63/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.