Bastrop, LA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bastrop, LA

The Bastrop crime rates are 148.7% 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 111 violent crimes in Bastrop (1195 per 100,000 people), which is 223.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 426 property crimes (4585 per 100,000 residents) which is 134.6% higher than average.

With a crime rate of 5780 per 100,000 residents, Bastrop has a crime rate that is 148.68% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Bastrop that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Bastrop ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1195 per 100,000 people, Bastrop is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bastrop, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Bastrop ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Bastrop, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Bastrop reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4585 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to property crime in Bastrop, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bastrop?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bastrop residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 14 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Bastrop residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 79% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bastrop a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bastrop a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bastrop crime rate is 149% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.47 crimes per day - 0.3 violent crimes and 1.17 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bastrop Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bastrop crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bastrop has decreased by 27.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 14.6% and property crime has decreased by 30.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bastrop

In Bastrop, the cost of living is 23.3% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Bastrop, there are 0 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Bastrop are $567, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Bastrop crime map