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Arkansas Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 132 people in Arkansas.

  • Arkansas's violent crime rate is higher than the national average. It stands at 7.58 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Arkansas's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 36.29 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 09:00 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Arkansas, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Arkansas, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Arkansas. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Arkansas Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 22,098 105,826 38,107
    Rate per 1000 7.58 36.29 13.07

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 51 different types of crimes recorded in Arkansas. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Arkansas’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Arkansas has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Arkansas, the rate of violent crimes is 7.58 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Arkansas vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Arkansas compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Arkansas in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Arkansas’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 332 2,383 17,423 1,272 658
    Rate per 1000 0.11 0.82 5.97 0.45 0.23
    Population 2,916,168

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Arkansas

    • Arkansas’s murder crime rate is 0.11, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 57%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.82, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 86%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 5.97, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 111%.
    • Robbery is not a concern in Arkansas, with a crime rate of 0.45, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 29%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.23, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 109%.

    Arkansas’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Arkansas has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Arkansas, the rate of property crimes is 36.29 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Arkansas vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Arkansas compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Arkansas’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 14,101 557 27,186 59 54,687 8,110 1,126
    Rate per 1000 4.84 0.19 9.32 0.02 18.75 2.78 0.39
    Population 2,916,168

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Arkansas

    • Arkansas has a burglary crime rate of 4.84, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 78%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.19, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 138%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Arkansas, with a crime rate of 9.32, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 137%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.02, which is lower than the national average of 0.04 by 50%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 18.75 in Arkansas, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 34%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.78, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 4%.
    • Arkansas faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.39, which is 55% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Arkansas’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 34,344 3,632 101 30
    Rate per 1000 11.78 1.25 0.03 0.01
    Population 2,916,168

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

    Arkansas’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in Arkansas, with a rate of 11.78, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 203%.
    • Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.25, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 54%.

     

    Conclusion

    In Arkansas, crime rates exhibit a mixed pattern. While murder, rape, and assault rates surpass the national average, indicating challenges in public safety, robbery rates are lower, providing some reassurance. Elevated rates of burglary, arson, and vandalism underscore the need for attention to property crimes. Conversely, lower rates of blackmail and identity theft offer a positive outlook. However, concerns persist regarding drug offenses and weapon law violations, necessitating targeted efforts to address these issues effectively.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.