Arkansas has long grappled with high crime rates, significantly surpassing the national average. The state’s persistent struggle with crime is often intertwined with poverty rates, which are notably higher than the national average. As we delve into the crime rates across cities in Arkansas, we gain insights into the complex dynamics at play.
High Crime Cities in Arkansas
While pinpointing the single most dangerous or safest city in Arkansas is challenging, several cities stand out in terms of crime rates per 1,000 residents:
- Osceola: A small town with a population of 6,000 to 7,000 residents, Osceola records a crime rate of approximately 51.3 per 1,000 residents.
- Helena-West Helena: With a population nearing 10,000, this city reports a crime rate of around 50.1, although it’s considered relatively safer than Osceola.
- West Memphis: This city, home to nearly 25,000 people, exhibits one of the highest crime rates in Arkansas, standing at 73.92.
- Little Rock: Serving as the state capital and the largest city with around 200,000 residents, Little Rock sees a high crime rate of 72.08.
- El Dorado: Housing approximately 18,000 residents, El Dorado’s crime rate hovers around 48.99.
- Hot Springs: With a population exceeding 37,000, Hot Springs reports a crime rate of 63.87, notably high in property crimes.
- Fordyce: Despite its small population of around 4,000, Fordyce experiences a remarkably high crime rate of 68.84.
- Fort Smith: With nearly 90,000 residents, Fort Smith’s crime rate stands at 60.11, despite its family-friendly environment and good schools.
- Newport: Another small town with approximately 8,000 residents, Newport’s crime rate is reported at 58.11.
- Jacksonville: Hosting around 28,000 residents, Jacksonville’s crime rate reaches 57.6, despite its relatively small size.
- Low Crime Cities in Arkansas
Despite the state’s overall high crime rate, several cities boast lower crime rates per 1,000 people compared to the state and national averages:
- Greenbrier: With a population of approximately 6,000, Greenbrier maintains a low crime rate of 9.96.
- Bella Vista: Home to nearly 30,000 residents, Bella Vista reports a crime rate of 4.25, offering residents a sense of security.
- Greenwood: Housing around 10,000 residents, Greenwood’s crime rate stands at 5.46.
- Farmington: With a population of about 7,000, Farmington reports a crime rate of 7.
- Centerton: Hosting 15,000 residents, Centerton’s crime rate is relatively low at 6.29.
- White Hall: With 5,000 residents, White Hall’s crime rate is slightly higher at 11.11.
- Lowell: Home to over 9,000 residents, Lowell maintains a crime rate of 9.81.
- Pea Ridge: With nearly 6,000 residents, Pea Ridge’s crime rate stands at 8.24.
- Maumelle: Housing just over 18,000 residents, Maumelle’s crime rate reaches up to 14.16.
- Hot Springs Village: With over 15,000 residents, Hot Springs Village boasts a low crime rate estimated at 11.8.
Addressing Crime Challenges in Arkansas
Despite efforts to combat crime, cities like Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff continue to grapple with high crime rates. Various initiatives, including youth intervention programs and community coalitions, aim to mitigate crime’s impact and foster safer environments. While progress is evident, there remains a collective push for continuous improvement and innovative solutions to tackle crime effectively in Arkansas communities.
