Lonoke County, located in central Arkansas, is home to approximately 75,000 residents. The area is renowned for its agricultural activities, particularly rice farming, and its significant historical landmarks like the Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery and the Toltec Mounds State Park.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not all parts of Lonoke County offer the same level of safety and tranquility. Some neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime and violence compared to others, making them less secure places to reside or visit.
This article will delve into the five neighborhoods within Lonoke County that have been identified as having higher levels of crime, based on the most recent data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, located in the western part of Lonoke County and bordering Pulaski County, is home to around 30,000 residents. It houses the Little Rock Air Force Base and stands as the largest city in Lonoke County. Unfortunately, it also holds the highest crime rate among all cities in the county.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019, Jacksonville had a violent crime rate of 958.5 per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate of 5,248.8 per 100,000 people.
These numbers are considerably higher than the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively. Additionally, Jacksonville grapples with a significant poverty rate of 18.4%, which could be a contributing factor to its crime issues.
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Lonoke
Lonoke, situated in the heart of Lonoke County, serves as the county’s administrative center. Approximately 4,600 people reside here. Its name originates from a solitary oak tree used by a surveyor in planning the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad. Lonoke is the second-largest city in the county and unfortunately, it has the second-highest crime rate compared to other cities in the area.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau data from 2019, Lonoke’s violent crime rate was 516.3 incidents per 100,000 people, while the property crime rate was 2,980.5 per 100,000. These figures exceed the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively. The city also grapples with a significant poverty rate of 17%, which may contribute to the crime issue.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas
Cabot
Cabot, located in the northern part of Lonoke County, shares borders with White County and Faulkner County. It boasts a population of around 26,000 and stands as one of Arkansas’ swiftly growing cities. Among Lonoke County’s cities, Cabot ranks as the third-largest, but it also holds the third-highest crime rate.
In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,380.5 per 100,000 people in Cabot.
These figures surpass the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively. Despite this, Cabot maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 8%, suggesting that factors other than economic hardship may be influencing the crime situation.
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Ward
Ward is an old city located in the eastern part of Lonoke County, adjacent to Prairie County and White County. It has a population of around 3,300 people. Despite being one of the smallest cities in Lonoke County, it unfortunately has the fourth-highest crime rate in the county.
In 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ward had a violent crime rate of 1,173.5 incidents per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate of 1,888.5 incidents per 100,000 people. These figures are considerably higher than the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively. Ward also faces a significant poverty rate of 16%, which could be contributing to the crime issue.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Saline County, Arkansas
Austin
Austin, a town in the northeastern part of Lonoke County, borders White County. It’s relatively new and has around 4,000 residents. It’s one of the smallest cities in Lonoke County and unfortunately, it has the fifth-highest crime rate among all cities in the county.
In 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Austin had a violent crime rate of 100.7 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 528.6 per 100,000 people. While these rates are below the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively, they’re still higher than the county averages of 88.8 and 467.5.
Interestingly, Austin also has a low poverty rate of 6%. This suggests that other factors might be contributing to the crime issue.
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Conclusion
Lonoke County, situated in central Arkansas, boasts a diverse culture and a vibrant history. Nonetheless, it grapples with issues of crime and violence in certain neighborhoods. According to recent crime statistics from different sources, the five areas of highest concern in terms of safety are Jacksonville, Lonoke, Cabot, Ward, and Austin.
These neighborhoods exhibit elevated levels of both violent and property crimes compared to the national and county norms, potentially presenting hazards for both residents and visitors. Consequently, it is crucial to stay informed about the crime landscape in these regions and adopt measures to ensure personal safety and security.
