10 Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas | Worst Places to Live in Arkansas with High Crime Rates 2023

Arkansas, known for its scenic landscapes and Southern charm, also grapples with significant crime challenges. In this comprehensive overview, we delve into some of the state's communities facing high crime rates, examining the patterns of violent and property crimes that have earned these cities unfortunate distinctions. From the assault capital to the larceny hotspot, we explore the cities struggling with crime and the underlying factors that contribute to their elevated crime rates. With each city, we uncover the unique challenges residents face, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community-driven solutions. Join us on this journey through Arkansas's crime landscape to better understand the issues affecting these communities.

1. Osceola: The Assault Capital of Arkansas

In Osceola, Arkansas, a concerning pattern of 180 reported assaults per year has earned it the unfortunate title of being the state's assault capital. Residents face a 1 in 35 chance of encountering violent crime, emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially when visiting the city's parks. The risk of property crime, including burglary, larceny, and car theft, is also notable, with a 1 in 23 chance. Osceola's crime statistics include 180 assaults and 113 burglaries in a city with 6,786 residents. The city's overall crime rate, influenced by a 19.3% poverty rate and a 13.2% unemployment rate, stands at 219% higher than the national average.

2. Newport: High Assault Rate

Newport, Arkansas, grapples with a relatively high assault rate, where residents have a 1 in 81 chance of experiencing an attack. Caution is essential, particularly after dark in parks. Additionally, there is a 1 in 17 chance of property crime, necessitating vigilance in safeguarding personal belongings. Newport reported 81 assaults, 436 property crimes, and 301 cases of larceny among its 7,552 residents. While cith has 23.4% poverty rate and a 10.3% unemployment rate, the city's overall crime rate remains significantly above the national average, at 204%.

3. West Memphis: High Violent Crime Rate

West Memphis, Arkansas, faces a substantial rate of violent crime, with residents having a 1 in 41 chance of encountering such incidents. Ensuring personal safety, especially in parks, is crucial, and residents should take measures to secure their cell phones, wallets, and purses, given a 1 in 23 chance of property crime. West Memphis reported 524 assaults and 45 robberies in a city with 24,656 residents. Influenced by a 26.6% poverty rate and an 11.1% unemployment rate, the city's overall crime rate stands at 200% higher than the national average.

4. Pine Bluff: Car Theft Capital

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, holds the distinction of being the car theft capital of the state, with 253 reported car thefts annually. The city grapples with a significant level of violent crime, translating to a 1 in 57 chance of falling victim to such incidents. Residents also face a 1 in 21 chance of experiencing robbery or property damage, highlighting the importance of securing their homes. Pine Bluff's crime statistics include 746 violent crimes, including 637 assaults and 23 murders. With a 25.4% poverty rate and a 10.8% unemployment rate, the city's overall crime rate exceeds the national average by 186%.

5. Little Rock: The Robbery Capital

Little Rock, Arkansas, bears the distinction of being the robbery capital of the state, with 376 reported robberies annually. Residents face a 1 in 54 chance of becoming victims of robbery, necessitating caution. Additionally, with a 1 in 21 chance of property crime, including porch piracy, residents must remain vigilant. Little Rock reported 3,657 violent crimes, including 376 robberies and 3,036 assaults, making it one of the most perilous places to reside in the state. Fueled by a 15.3% poverty rate and a 4.2% unemployment rate, the city's overall crime rate stands at 186% higher than the national average.

6. Fort Smith: Facing Violent Crime Challenges

Fort Smith, Arkansas, grapples with a significant issue of violent crime, with 1,031 cases reported annually. This translates to a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of such incidents – a concerning statistic. Property crime is also prevalent, with residents having a 1 in 18 chance of experiencing robbery or property damage over a year. The city reported 106 robberies, 822 assaults, and 3,716 larceny cases in a year, raising concerns about personal safety. Vigilance is key to thriving in this environment. Fort Smith's crime rates are influenced by an 18.9% poverty rate and a 5.6% unemployment rate, resulting in an overall crime rate 186% higher than the national average.

7. Hot Springs: Crime Challenges Hard to Ignore

Hot Springs, Arkansas, faces notable crime figures that are difficult to overlook. Residents have a 1 in 135 chance of falling victim to a violent crime annually. A 1 in 17 chance of property crime underscores the need to remain vigilant against porch pirates. Property crime is a prevalent concern, with 656 burglaries and 1,431 larcenies reported last year. In a city with a population of 38,697, these numbers are alarming, including 287 violent crimes. Hot Springs' crime challenges are influenced by a 20.3% poverty rate and a 5.3% unemployment rate, contributing to an overall crime rate 181% higher than the national average.

8. Helena West Helena: The Murder Capital

Helena West Helena, Arkansas, holds the unfortunate title of being the murder capital of the state, with 14 reported murders annually. Violent crime is a significant issue here, with residents facing a 1 in 64 chance of encountering such incidents, including murder and robbery. Property crime is also a concern, with a 1 in 21 chance of theft or damage to personal belongings. Helena West Helena's crime statistics include 14 murders and 143 burglaries in a city with 10,487 residents. The city's crime rates are influenced by a high 39.3% poverty rate and a 16.2% unemployment rate, resulting in an overall crime rate 179% higher than the national average.

9. Blytheville: Larceny Capital

Blytheville, Arkansas, holds the title of being the larceny capital of the state, with 600 reported larcenies annually. Residents face a 1 in 87 chance of becoming victims of violent crime. Addressing issues such as reducing the school dropout rate and revitalizing abandoned buildings may contribute to crime reduction in the city. Blytheville's property crime rate ranks fifth highest in Arkansas, with a 1 in 19 chance of experiencing theft or property damage. With a population of 13,735, the city reported 158 violent crimes in a year, including 18 murders and 21 robberies. In addition to its violent streak, Blytheville contends with 705 property crimes annually. The city's overall crime rate is impacted by a 25.7% poverty rate and a 12.1% unemployment rate, standing 178% higher than the national average.

10. Forrest City: Dealing with Violent Crime Challenges

Forrest City, Arkansas, faces the seventh-highest violent crime rate in the state, including the sixth-highest assault rate. Residents have a 1 in 63 chance of being attacked, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions, especially when jogging in parks. Additionally, residents of Forrest City face a 1 in 23 chance of property crime, with 95 burglaries and 79 car thefts reported. Forrest City also grapples with assault and murder, necessitating security measures such as alarms and doorbell cameras. In a city with 14,062 residents, 197 assaults and 79 car thefts were reported in a year. The city's crime challenges are influenced by a 33.1% poverty rate and a 6.9% unemployment rate, resulting in an overall crime rate 161% higher than the national average.

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