Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of Fort Smith, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.
Fort Smith, like any other city in Arkansas, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in Fort Smith, AR. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is Fort Smith Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,025 | 6,480 | 1,229 |
| Rate per 1000 | 11.66 | 73.71 | 13.98 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Fort Smith. 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.
Fort Smith’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Fort Smith has a higher violent crime rate compared to both Arkansas and the national average. In Fort Smith, the rate of violent crimes is 11.66 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Arkansas it is 7.58 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Fort Smith vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rates in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith in relation to the broader national landscape.
Fort Smith’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 9 | 91 | 823 | 71 | 31 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.1 | 1.04 | 9.36 | 0.81 | 0.35 |
| Population | 87,912 | ||||
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 Fort Smith
- Fort Smith’s murder crime rate is 0.1, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 43%.
- On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 1.04, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.44 by 136%.
- The assault crime rate of the city stands at 9.36, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 231%.
- Robbery is a concern in Fort Smith, with a crime rate of 0.81, which is higher than the national average of 0.63 by 29%.
- The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.35, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 218%.
Fort Smith’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Fort Smith has a higher property crime rate compared to both Arkansas and the national average. In Fort Smith, the rate of property crimes is 73.71 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Arkansas it is 36.29 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Fort Smith vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Fort Smith compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
Fort Smith’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 642 | 16 | 1,315 | 0 | 3,925 | 582 | 0 |
| Rate per 1000 | 7.3 | 0.18 | 14.96 | 0 | 44.65 | 6.62 | 0 |
| Population | 87,912 | ||||||
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 Fort Smith
- Fort Smith experiences a burglary crime rate of 7.3, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.72 by 168%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.18, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 125%.
- Vandalism is a significant concern in Fort Smith, with a crime rate of 14.96, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 280%.
- There are no blackmail crimes reported.
- Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 44.65 in Fort Smith, which is significantly higher than the national average of 13.95 by 220%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 6.62, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.68 by 147%.
- The city has no reported incidents of identity theft.
Fort Smith’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,063 | 152 | 1 | 13 |
| Rate per 1000 | 12.09 | 1.73 | 0.01 | 0.15 |
| Population | 87,912 | |||
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 | |||
Insights into Other Crimes in Fort Smith
- Drug offenses are a significant concern in Fort Smith, with a rate of 12.09, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 211%.
- Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 1.73, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 114%.
Conclusion
When analyzing Fort Smith’s crime rates, notable challenges emerge in both violent and property crime categories. Incidences of rape, assault, and kidnapping surpass the national average, while property crimes such as burglary, arson, vandalism, theft, and vehicle theft also exceed expected levels. Moreover, the city grapples with elevated rates of drug offenses and weapon law violations compared to the national average.
Explore cities like Green Forest, AR, which have a similar violent crime rate to Fort Smith. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Newport, AR.