Crawford County, situated in the Ozarks region of Arkansas, has around 60,000 residents. The largest city and county seat is Van Buren, located along the Arkansas River.
Historically, Crawford County has served as a hub for travelers, traders, and settlers, but it also witnessed conflict and violence during the Civil War and Indian Wars. Presently, it’s a part of the Fort Smith metropolitan area and comprises a blend of rural and urban communities.
Nonetheless, safety levels vary across the county, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher crime rates. According to data from CrimeGrade.org, here are the five riskiest neighborhoods in Crawford County, Arkansas:
Northwest Van Buren
This region encompasses the northwest section of Van Buren city, adjacent to Highway 59 and Interstate 40. It is inhabited by approximately 9,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 14.3 incidents per 1,000 people. This signifies that the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in this area is 1 in 70, notably surpassing the county’s average of 1 in 218.
This area contains the Van Buren Historic District, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It features several notable buildings like the Crawford County Courthouse, the Frisco Depot, and the King Opera House.
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Southwest Van Buren
This region encompasses the southwest section of Van Buren city, near Highway 64 and Interstate 540. It is home to approximately 8,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 12.5 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants. This implies that the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in this area is 1 in 80, which is considerably above the county’s typical rate.
This area is near the Arkansas River, providing chances for fishing, boating, and leisure activities. Additionally, there are various parks and trails like Van Buren City Park, Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park, and Lee Creek Trail in the neighborhood.
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Alma
Alma, situated in the eastern region of Crawford County, can be found along Highway 71 and Interstate 40. The city is home to approximately 5,500 residents and has a violent crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 people. This translates to a 1 in 93 chance of experiencing a violent crime in Alma, which exceeds the county’s average.
Alma proudly calls itself the “Spinach Capital of the World.” In the heart of the city, there stands a prominent statue of Popeye, and every April, Alma holds a lively Spinach Festival.
Additionally, Alma has a rich history as a meeting point for travelers, traders, and pioneers. Notable sites include the Alma Depot Museum, the Alma Schoolhouse Museum, and the Alma Cemetery.
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Cedarville
Cedarville, situated in the north of Crawford County, is accessible via Highway 59 and Highway 220. The town is home to approximately 1,400 residents, with a violent crime rate of 10 incidents per 1,000 people. This indicates a 1 in 100 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime, which surpasses the county’s average.
Cedarville, a town situated on the southern border of the Ozark National Forest, provides access to stunning natural attractions like White Rock Mountain, Lake Fort Smith State Park, and Clear Creek Park.
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Mulberry
Mulberry is a town situated in the south of Crawford County, accessible via Highway 64 and Highway 215. It’s home to roughly 1,600 residents and experiences a violent crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 inhabitants. This translates to a 1 in 106 chance of being a victim of violent crime in Mulberry, which surpasses the county-wide average.
Mulberry is a town located alongside the Mulberry River, renowned for its exciting activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
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Final Words
These five neighborhoods make up around half of Crawford County’s entire population. Unfortunately, they also contribute to over two-thirds of the reported violent crimes in the county.
So, if you find yourself in or around these areas, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take steps to safeguard yourself and your belongings from potential criminal incidents. For additional details on crime rates and maps in Crawford County and neighboring regions in Arkansas, you can visit CrimeGrade.org. Prioritize your safety!
