Arkansas, a state known for its diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage, has its share of cities that offer a high quality of life. However, not all cities in the state are created equal. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., which utilized a weighted index of twenty-four social and economic metrics, Helena-West Helena has been designated as the least desirable place to live in Arkansas.
What is Helena-West Helena?
Helena-West Helena is a small municipality in Phillips County, situated in the eastern region of Arkansas. The city was formed by the merger of two pre-existing cities, Helena and West Helena, in 2006. With a population of approximately 10,000, it is one of the smaller cities in the state. The city’s location along the Mississippi River highlights its historical significance as a pivotal port and trade center for cotton and other agricultural commodities.
Why is Helena-West Helena Considered Unfavorable?
High Crime Rate
One of the most alarming issues facing Helena-West Helena is its high crime rate. According to FBI data from 2019, the city reported 1,590 violent crimes and 3,304 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This equates to a 1 in 63 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim of property crime. The city also has a high murder rate, with 18 homicides reported in the same year.
Low Quality of Life
The city’s quality of life is significantly lower compared to other cities in Arkansas and the national average. The poverty rate in Helena-West Helena stands at a staggering 38.4%, more than double the state’s average of 17.2% and significantly higher than the national average of 12.3%. The median household income is just $24,441, less than half of the state median and well below the national median.
Limited Economic Opportunities
Helena-West Helena lags in educational attainment and job growth. Only 14.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the state’s 23.4% and the nation’s 32.1%. The city also faces a high unemployment rate of 9.4%, almost double the state and national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Helena-West Helena: The Least Desirable Place to Live in Arkansas
Q1: What makes Helena-West Helena the least desirable place to live in Arkansas?
Answer: Helena-West Helena has been designated as the least desirable place to live in Arkansas due to a combination of factors such as high crime rates, low quality of life, and limited economic opportunities.
Q2: How was this designation determined?
Answer: The designation was made by 24/7 Wall St., which used a weighted index of twenty-four social and economic metrics to evaluate the desirability of living in various cities across the state.
Q3: What are the crime statistics for Helena-West Helena?
Answer: According to FBI data from 2019, the city reported 1,590 violent crimes and 3,304 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The city also has a high murder rate, with 18 homicides reported in the same year.
Q4: How does the quality of life in Helena-West Helena compare to other cities?
Answer: The quality of life in Helena-West Helena is significantly lower than other cities in Arkansas and the national average. The city has a poverty rate of 38.4% and a median household income of just $24,441.
Q5: What are the economic prospects for residents of Helena-West Helena?
Answer: Economic prospects are bleak, with a high unemployment rate of 9.4% and slow job growth. Only 14.8% of adults in the city hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Q6: What is the population of Helena-West Helena?
Answer: Helena-West Helena has a population of approximately 10,000 residents.
Q7: What is the historical significance of Helena-West Helena?
Answer: The city is located along the Mississippi River and has historical significance as a pivotal port and trade center for cotton and other agricultural commodities.
Q8: What are some of the challenges that Helena-West Helena needs to address?
Answer: The city needs to address its high crime rates, improve the quality of life, and create economic opportunities to attract both people and businesses.
Q9: Are there any initiatives to improve the conditions in Helena-West Helena?
Answer: The article does not specify any current initiatives to improve conditions, indicating that significant challenges remain to be addressed.
Conclusion
Helena-West Helena faces a multitude of challenges, including high crime rates, a low quality of life, and limited economic opportunities. Until these issues are effectively addressed, the city will continue to bear the unfortunate title of the least favorable place to live in Arkansas.