Sebastian County, found in Arkansas, USA, had around 127,799 residents according to the 2020 census. It has two main cities, Greenwood and Fort Smith, and is part of the larger Fort Smith, AR-OK Metropolitan Statistical Area.
While most of Sebastian County offers safety and tranquility, there are a few neighborhoods that have higher crime rates. This list highlights the five areas in Sebastian County with the highest incidents of crime, based on data from various sources.
Fort Smith Central Business District
This area lies at the center of Fort Smith, the biggest city in Sebastian County and the second-largest in Arkansas. It boasts numerous old buildings, cultural sites, and businesses. However, it also experiences a relatively high level of violent crime.
CrimeGrade.org reports a violent crime rate of 1,063 per 100,000 residents in this neighborhood. This is 4.2 times greater than the national average and 2.9 times higher than Arkansas’ average.
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Fort Smith Southside
This area lies to the south of the Arkansas River, encompassing a significant portion of Fort Smith. It’s a varied and bustling neighborhood, featuring numerous schools, parks, and shopping venues.
Nevertheless, it faces a notable issue with property-related crimes, particularly burglaries and thefts. According to CrimeGrade.org, this neighborhood experiences a property crime rate of 5,894 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1.7 times greater than the national average and 1.9 times higher than the average for Arkansas.
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Barling
Barling, a small city in Sebastian County, lies to the east of Fort Smith. In the 2020 census, it recorded a population of 4,820. The city is appreciated for its rural appeal and welcoming community. However, it faces higher levels of both violent and property crimes compared to similar-sized cities.
As per data from CrimeGrade.org, Barling’s violent crime rate is 559 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 2.2 times greater than the national average and 1.5 times higher than the average for Arkansas.
Regarding property crimes, Barling sees a rate of 1,497 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is a bit below the national average but higher than the average for the state of Arkansas.
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Greenwood
Greenwood, a small city in Sebastian County, lies to the south of Fort Smith. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 9,498 and serves as the county seat for the southern district of Sebastian County. It’s a favored spot for families and retirees, offering various amenities and attractions.
However, it faces a notable issue with property crime, particularly theft and car theft. According to CrimeGrade.org, Greenwood’s property crime rate stands at 3,378 per 100,000 residents. This is slightly above the national average and 1.4 times higher than the average in Arkansas.
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Lavaca
Lavaca is a small town in Sebastian County, situated to the southeast of Fort Smith. In 2020, it had a population of 2,443. The town is recognized for its close-knit community and welcoming residents.
Unfortunately, Lavaca experiences a significant number of property crimes, particularly burglaries and thefts. According to CrimeGrade.org, the property crime rate in Lavaca is 3,062 per 100,000 residents. This is a bit higher than the national average and 1.3 times greater than the Arkansas average.
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Final Words
Here are the five neighborhoods in Sebastian County with the highest reported crime rates, according to available data and statistics. It’s crucial to note that this doesn’t automatically make these areas unsafe or unwelcoming for residents or visitors.
Various elements contribute to the crime rate in a locality, including economic factors, the presence of law enforcement, community engagement, and individual conduct. It’s advised to be cautious and use good judgment when living in or visiting any neighborhood or city in Sebastian County or beyond.
