We examine Arkansas communities’ crime rates, including violent and property offenses per 100,000 population, to assess their safety. We evaluate each city’s history, demographics, and crime-fighting activities to provide a complete picture.
Explore the Safety Landscape: 10 Arkansas Cities at Risk (2023)
10. Jacksonville:
Jacksonville has 1,259 violent and 4,754 property crimes per 100,000 persons, a major issue for its 28,661 population. The city is tackling these concerns with crime prevention initiatives and more police.
9. Newport:
Newport, a smaller city of 7,535, with 1,020 violent and 4,906 property offenses per 100,000 residents. To improve resident safety, police presence and community outreach are increasing.
8. Fort Smith:
Fort Smith, Arkansas’ second-largest city with 87,743 residents, has 1,052 violent and 5,390 property crimes per 100,000 citizens. The city is using community policing and crime prevention to solve these issues despite its economic importance.
7. Fordyce: With a population of 3,940, this smaller municipality struggles with 1,066 violent and 4,822 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Increased police presence and community outreach are local approaches.
6. Hot Springs:
Hot Springs, with 37,169 persons, has 1,583 violent and 6,730 property crimes per 100,000. The city is proactively preventing crime and increasing police presence to boost safety.
5. El Dorado:
El Dorado, with 17,916 population, has 1,224 violent and 5,109 property crimes per 100,000. Increased police presence and community outreach programs address these issues.
4. Little Rock:
Little Rock, the capital city with 197,958 citizens, has 1,517 violent and 6,332 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The city promotes community policing and crime prevention.
3. West Memphis:
West Memphis, with 24,668 residents, has 1,820 violent and 6,237 property crimes per 100,000. Increased police presence and crime prevention activities are ongoing.
2. Helena:
West Helena, with 10,749 persons, has a high crime rate of 1,474 violent and 5,406 property offenses per 100,000 residents. Increased police presence and community outreach are ongoing.
1. Osceola:
Osceola, with 7,535 residents, has the highest crime rate, with 1,483 violent and 6,179 property offenses per 100,000. The city is addressing these issues through community policing and youth engagement.
Arkansas Safety Overview:
Statewide, Arkansas has high violent crime rates. Despite safety pockets, many communities, even quiet ones, have high crime rates. The state’s crime rate is greater than the national average due to higher burglary rates.
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Safety: Arkansas’ Challenges and Progress
One of Arkansas’ most notorious cases is the 1993 West Memphis Three triple murder conviction and release of three teens. The case garnered attention and raised judicial process problems.
Avoid strangers, lock your car, don’t carry or admit to having cash, don’t accept anything from strangers, and be careful with gaming wins in licensed casinos to protect yourself.
Arkansas has safety issues, but community activities show a dedication to improving inhabitants’ safety and quality of life.
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