10 Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas
- West Memphis
- Little Rock
- Helena-West Helena
- Newport
- Fort Smith
- Osceola
- Blytheville
- Hot Springs
- Paragould
- El Dorado
1. West Memphis
The most dangerous city in Arkansas is West Memphis. This rough city is located in eastern Arkansas and is the largest city in Crittenden County. The city’s population is 26,245, and the violent crime rate is 597% above the national average, making it the worst city in Arkansas. Violent crimes such as murder, assault, and robbery are common in West Memphis. Other crimes, such as burglary and vehicle theft happen at high rates. The area surrounding West Memphis struggles with poverty, with the average resident earning 44% below the national average.
2. Little Rock
Little Rock is the capital and most populous city in Arkansas. It’s also one of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas. Little Rock has a population of 204,405, and the local crime rate is 217% above the national average. Violent incidents are common in Little Rock, with shootings, homicides, robberies, and assaults being common. There was a total of 62 murders in Little Rock during the 2022 year. Property crime, such as home and vehicle theft, is rampant in many areas of the city.
3. Helena-West Helena
Situated on the Mississippi River, Helena-West Helena is a dangerous Arkansas town with plenty of colonial history. The town’s population is 9,519, with a total crime rate that is 193% above the national average. Violent crime is especially high, with homicides, robberies, and assaults being common. Property crimes such as burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft are also common. The average resident in Helena-West Helena earns 49% less than the national average.
4. Newport
Newport is also one of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas. Newport is a small city located along the White River in Jackson County. With a population of 7,879, Newport’s total crime rate is 190% above the national average. In 2022, there were 119 violent crimes and 380 thefts recorded in Newport. Of those statistics, there were 102 assaults, five robberies, 98 burglaries, and fifteen vehicle thefts. Much of Newport lives below the poverty line, with much of the area lacking gainful employment and resources.
5. Fort Smith
Fort Smith is the third largest city in Arkansas and is located in Sebastian County. With a population of 89,142, Fort Smith has a crime rate that is 187% above the national average, making it one of the worst cities in Arkansas to live in. There were 996 violent incidents and 4,916 property crimes recorded in 2022. These figures included nine murders, 71 robberies, 821 assaults, and 573 vehicle thefts recorded during the same year.
6. Osceola
Osceola is a dangerous city in eastern Arkansas in Mississippi County. With a population of 6,976, Osceola has a crime rate that is 161% above the national average. Common crimes in Osceola include assault, burglary, and theft. Drug trafficking is a problem in much of the surrounding area. Many residents in Osceola live below the poverty line, with the area lacking a well-funded police force. Schools in the area are also poorly rated.
7. Blytheville
Blytheville is another one of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas. It is located in eastern Arkansas, 60 miles north of West Memphis. With a population of 13,406, Blytheville’s crime rate is 135% above the national average. In 2022, there were 158 violent incidents and 560 property crimes recorded in Blytheville. In addition, there were two murders and eight robberies. Blytheville struggles with poverty, poorly rated schools, and lack of employment. The average resident in Blytheville earns 35% below the national average.
8. Hot Springs
The childhood home of former president Bill Clinton, Hot Springs is a resort city located in Garland County. Hot Springs has a population of 37,930 and a crime rate that is 133% above the national average. Property crime is by far the most common type of crime, with vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny being common. There were five murders and twenty-seven robberies recorded during the 2022 year.
9. Paragould
Located along the Arkansas Delta, Paragould ranks tenth on our list of the state’s most dangerous cities. With a population of 29,537, Paragould’s total crime rate is 112% higher than the national average. Property crime is prevalent, with burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts being common. The most common types of violent crimes in Paragould are robbery and assault. Paragould struggles with poverty and lack of employment, with the average resident earning 27% below the national average.
10. El Dorado
El Dorado is a picturesque southern city and the county of seat of Union County in southern Arkansas. The city’s population is 17,756. However, El Dorado suffers from high crime, with the local crime rate being 103% above the national average. Common crimes include burglary, theft, vehicle theft, robbery, and assault. There were eight homicides in El Dorado during the 2022 year. With so much violent crime, El Dorado is one of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas.