Arkansas is called the Natural State because it has lots of forests, lakes, and wildlife. But, there’s a downside when it comes to crime.
According to the newest FBI crime info, Arkansas is the third most dangerous state in the U.S. The violent crime rate is 1,833 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate is 5,348 per 100,000 people.
Now, which city in Arkansas has the highest crime rate? It might surprise you. It’s not Little Rock, the capital and biggest city. It’s not West Memphis, known for two notorious murders in 1993. It’s not even Pine Bluff, where a recent shooting left four people dead.
The Arkansas City That Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
Helena, a small town in Arkansas, has the highest crime rate in the state. It used to be part of Helena-West, but in 2010, Helena-West was merged into Helena. Unfortunately, this merger didn’t make the town safer.
Helena has a violent crime rate of 2,585 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 7,823 per 100,000 people. These numbers are over four times higher than the statewide averages, making Helena the most dangerous city in Arkansas.
The high crime rate in Helena is due to both violent and property crimes, with common violent crimes being assault and robbery, and common property crimes being burglary and theft. Most of these crimes happen within close proximity to each other.
Helena has been grappling with a crime issue for decades, earning it a spot on the list of most dangerous cities in America in 2019, as reported by The Crime Report. Contributing factors include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and a lack of law enforcement resources.
Despite these challenges, some Helena residents are optimistic and actively working towards positive change. They’ve formed neighborhood watch groups, community gardens, youth programs, and faith-based organizations.
Their goal is to build trust and cooperation among themselves and with local authorities, aiming to reduce crime and enhance the overall quality of life in their community.
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How Does Helena Compare to Other Cities in Arkansas?
Helena has the highest crime rate in Arkansas, according to online search results. It has a violent crime rate of 2,585 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 7,823 per 100,000 people. These numbers are over four times higher than the statewide averages, making Helena the most dangerous city in Arkansas.
Other Arkansas cities experience varying levels of crime influenced by factors like population size, economic status, social environment, and law enforcement resources.
Cities with high crime rates include Hot Springs, Little Rock, Jacksonville, Blytheville, Pine Bluff, Forrest City, North Little Rock, Fort Smith, Stuttgart, and Osceola. These places grapple with issues like poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and insufficient public safety infrastructure.
Conversely, some Arkansas cities maintain low crime rates or are improving safety. Examples include Bentonville (considered the safest city in America by SafeWise), Rogers (ranked the second safest city in America by SafeWise), Fayetteville (ranked the third safest city in America by SafeWise), and Little Rock (ranked the fourth safest city in America by SafeWise).
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Final Words
Arkansas faces challenges with high crime rates, but it is not destined for failure. The state possesses various strengths that can counterbalance its weaknesses.
With a strong cultural emphasis on family and community pride, along with a resilient spirit capable of overcoming hardships, Arkansas holds the potential for recovery and growth. Its optimistic vision can pave the way for a brighter future.
Crime is a complex issue impacting all aspects of society. Comparing crime rates between different cities or states is challenging, but data analysis can reveal patterns to understand the causes and effects of crime.
Utilizing evidence-based strategies can help prevent or decrease crime, leading to enhanced public safety and a more secure and prosperous environment for individuals and communities.
