Arkansas is a landlocked state in the South Central United States, flanked by the Mississippi River. This beautiful destination is widely known for its stunning parks and wilderness areas, with terrain encompassing rivers, hot springs, and mountains.
However, like all other states in the country, Arkansas does have certain downsides that travelers should be mindful of before planning their trip. Here, we have listed the top 10 dangerous cities in Arkansas. While you cannot completely drop these towns and cities from your itinerary, you must be very careful and alert when visiting there.
What are the dangers of living in Arkansas?
Arkansas is one of the dangerous US states to live in. From serial killers to natural disasters, there are many dangers that residents of Arkansas should be aware of.
Some of the biggest risks you might face living in this state include street crime, home invasion, Tornado destruction, hunting accident, drowning, theft, and other violent crimes. This state has a long history of crime and violence. Before you check the best things to do in Rogers, AR today, it is recommended to know about the risks of living in this state to ensure maximum safety.
Are there a lot of black people in Arkansas?
Arkansas is home to a majority of races, be it White or Black Americans. According to the Arkansas demographics and census data, the racial composition of the population is 77% white and 15.4% Black or African American, and the rest are other races. It is a relatively diverse state, with people from many different backgrounds living there. Black people still make up the second-largest race population in this US state.
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11 Dangerous Cities in Arkansas
Here is a quick rundown of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas to live in. It is recommended to learn more about them here before you find the cheap land for sale in Arkansas. So, without further ado, let the tour begins.
1. Hot Springs
Hot Springs is one of the five metros in Arkansas to rank among the 50 most dangerous cities in the United States. A recent study claims that there were 583 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 people in this city in 2020, which is well above the national average.
However, this city offers a high quality of life with living expenses lower than the country’s average. The cost of living in Hot Springs is 14.82% lower than the US average with a median household income of $44,743.
Is it worth visiting Hot Springs Arkansas?
Yes. Hot Springs Arkansas is a beautiful place to visit. It has many attractions, including Hot Springs National Park, which is home to 47 natural hot springs.
What is so special about Hot Springs Arkansas?
The best thing about Hot Springs, Arkansas is the Ouachita Mountains that surround Hot Springs. It is known to produce quartz crystals, including mammoth-size specimens.
2. Jacksonville
Counted among the most dangerous cities in Arkansas, Jacksonville has one of the highest crime rates in America, compared to all communities of all sizes. According to the reports, Jacksonville’s crime rate for 2018 was 1160.18 per 100,000 population.
While the crime rate in this city is high, Jacksonville is still considered one of the best places to live in Arkansas. The city has a lot to offer, including a diverse array of cultural attractions, excellent educational opportunities, and plenty of jobs.
What is Jacksonville AR known for?
Jacksonville is primarily known for historical museums, cultural attractions, and multiple parks. The city is also home to some of the best golf courses in Arkansas.
What is Jacksonville Arkansas Crime Rate?
According to Best Places, Jacksonville’s violent crime rate is 41.1 and the property crime rate is around 65.0, well above the country’s average.
3. Fort Smith
The third-largest city in Arkansas, Fort Smith attracts historic buffs from all around the world. It is home to a variety of National Historic Sites and age-old mansions. This city received 93 out of 100 for public safety and 60 out of 100 for financial safety.
However, the good rankings don’t make Fort Smith a safe place to live in Arkansas. According to Best Places, the city’s violent crime rate is 40.5 and the property crime rate is 75.6, which is well above the US average. The 2019 crime rate in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was 2.1 times higher than the country’s average.
What is special about Fort Smith Arkansas?
This city is famous for the Fort Smith National Historic Site, including the Federal Court, where the hangin’ judge, Parker has sentenced 160 people to death.
Is Fort Smith AR a nice place to live?
Yes. Fort Smith is referred to as one of the best places to live in Arkansas. It is located in Sebastian County and offers residents a dense suburban feel.
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4. Osceola
Located along the Mississippi River, Osceola is one of the highly dangerous cities in Arkansas. The city’s violent crime rate is 89.9 while the country’s average is 22.7. Hence, your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Osceola is 1 in 36 and property crime is 1 in 24.
What is Osceola Arkansas famous for?
The city of Osceola Arkansas is popular for its role in the development of blues music. A majority of blues musicians either belong to Osceola or performed there. This city also hosts the Osceola Heritage Festival to celebrate the legacy of blues music.
How did Osceola AR get its name?
It was named after Osceola, Seminole Indian chief, who came to this region in the 1830s to study the exchange of Arkansas land for Seminole in Florida.
5. El Dorado
El Dorado is the economic engine, cultural center, and educational hub of southern Arkansas. It was first recognized as the heart of the 1920s oil boom and is now referred to as the entertainment capital of the south.
Counted among the most dangerous cities in Arkansas, the violent crime rate in El Dorado is 49.9, way higher than the national average.
What is El Dorado Arkansas known for?
El Dorado is famous for oil production and refining. This city was once known as the Queen City of South Arkansas and was the heart of the 1920s oil boom.
Is El Dorado Arkansas a good place to live?
Yes. A majority of people consider El Dorado as the best city for families, owing to the revised school district that has grown out of a unique scholarship program.
What towns are close to El Dorado Arkansas?
There are plenty of cities and towns close to El Dorado, including Camden, Magnolia, Ruston, Minden, West Monroe, Monticello, and Bastrop.
6. West Memphis
Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, West Memphis is ranked the state’s 18th largest city. Owing to the high violent and property crime rate, it is referred to as one of the most dangerous places in Arkansas to live in. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Memphis is 1 in 40 and property crime is 1 in 22. The violent crime rate in this town is around 80.9, well above the country’s average of 22.7.
How poor is West Memphsis Arkansas?
West Memphis is currently declining at a rate of -1.06% annually and its population has decreased by -9.94%. The average household income in this city is around $49.224, with a poverty rate of 26.27%.
What is West Memphis AR known for?
It is the largest town in Crittenden County and is primarily known as one of the largest trucking centers in the country. West Memphis is referred to as the crossroads or mid-point of the US.
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7. Helena-West Helena
It is the largest city within Phillips County and is famous for being the birthplace of several famous people in the country. The town is famous for hosting the longest-running daily radio program in the country, known as the King Biscuit Time.
Helena-West has one of the highest overall crime rates of any US city. Its overall crime rate is around 118% higher than the state’s average and 179% higher than the national average.
What city is Helena Arkansas close to?
Helena Arkansas is close to Clarksdale MS, Forrest City AR, West Memphis AR, Southaven MS, Stuttgart AR, Marion AR, Horn Lake MS, and Memphis TN.
Why is it called Helena-West Helena?
Helena-West is the collective name given to the place when different cities consolidated into one.
8. Little Rock
The capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock is located on the Arkansas River and is known for its Greek Revival Buildings, Museums, and Arkansas Arts Center. This city is famous for its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and decent job market. However, you should be very careful as this city has a high crime rate. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Little Rock is 1 in 55.
What was Little Rock famous for?
It is best known for its crucial role in American Civil Rights History. In addition, it is also home to William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
Why is Little Rock called Little Rock?
This city gets its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River.
Is it nice living in Little Rock?
Yes. Little Rock is a great place to live, especially for those who love enjoying outdoor activities. Moreover, the cost of living in Little Rock, Arkansas is slightly lower, making it one of the most affordable places to own a home in the US.
9. Paragould
Located in northeastern Arkansas, Paragould is the 19th largest city in the state. It is ranked #9 out of 10 in terms of the best cities in the state to live in. However, its high crime rate is a matter of concern for residents.
The study claims that Paragould’s Overall Crime Rate is 148% higher than the national average and its violets crime rate is 233% higher than the US average.
What is Paragould AR famous for?
Paragould AR is situated atop Crowley’s Ridge and is known for being a community of excellence.
Is Paragould Arkansas a good place to live?
Yes. This city is counted among the top 10 cities to live in Arkansas and the ranking was based on several aspects, such as quality of life, education, and employment.
10. Newport
Situated in Northeast Arkansas, Newport offers a high quality of life in small-town America. It lies on the White River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and is located approximately 90 miles northeast of Little Rock.
This city is in the 7th percentile for safety, which means that 93% of the city is safe while 7% of Newport is extremely dangerous to live in.
What is Newport Arkansas known for?
Newport is well-known for being the town where the famous Sam Walton (owner of Walmart) started the Ben Franklin store. It is home to ten properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How did Newport Arkansas get its name?
This charming town was founded in 1835 by White River ferry operator Rolland Tidwell. In 1837, its name was changed from Tidwell’s Landing to Newport.
How old is Newport Arkansas?
The median age of people in Newport is around 37 years, with 37.9 years for females and 35.9 years for males.
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11. Blytheville
It is the largest city in Mississippi County, Arkansas, and is located approximately 60 miles north of West Memphis. The crime rate in Blytheville is 50.60 per 1000 residents during a standard year. The violent crime rate in the city is 71.2 (the country’s average is 22.7) and the property crime rate is 95.1 (the US average is 35.4).
What is Blytheville AR known for?
Blytheville is the highest cotton-producing county in Arkansas and sits near ten cotton gins. The area is also covered with rice and soybean fields.
Is Blytheville AR a good place to live?
Yes. Blytheville AR is a good starter town for those who are low on funds. It has a low cost of living and good job opportunities, making it one of the reasons why move to Arkansas.
Is Blytheville in Missouri or Arkansas?
Blytheville is located in Northeastern Arkansas, along Interstate 55, which lies between Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis Missouri.
Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas FAQs
What should I avoid in Arkansas?
There are a few things that people must avoid in Arkansas at any cost, including practicing intolerance, getting arrested, visiting overpriced chain restaurants, visiting Tiger Stadium without wearing red, settling into unemployment, early morning traffic, holiday shopping lines, and getting attacked.
In addition to these, you should avoid excessive debate of religion and spirituality as it is best to agree or disagree. Also, you should avoid discussing politics in a formal setting to avoid any dispute.
What is the blackest city in Arkansas?
The US state of Arkansas is one of the most diverse regions in the country, in terms of ethnicity and race. Although White Americans are in the majority, Black people still make up the second-largest race population in the state.
The regions with an African-American majority include Pine Bluff with 65.9% and West Memphis with 55.9%.
Conclusion
That’s all about the list of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas. This US state is rated as the 4th most dangerous state in the nation, following Alaska, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Hence, you should be very careful and alert when visiting there.
It has the 4th highest violent crime rate and the 8th-highest property crime rate in the country. Thinking about why is Arkansas so dangerous? Well, it is another poor state in the south. Its high poverty rate is one of the major reasons contributing to its crime index.
So, if you plan to visit Arkansas, make sure you follow all safety measures to protect yourself from any sort of crime.
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