| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Helena-West Helena/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 449 | n/a (estimate) | 5,060 | 3,097 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 56.3 | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 124.0 | 76.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 124.0 | 39.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 120 | n/a | 1,352.3 | 519.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 147 | n/a (estimate) | 1,657 | 645 | 370 |
| Burglary | 94 | n/a | 1,059.3 | 466.4 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 180 | n/a | 2,028.4 | 1,734.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 315.5 | 250.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 302 | n/a (estimate) | 3,403 | 2,452 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Helena-West Helena is 117.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Helena-West Helena, there were 147 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1657 per 100,000 individuals, 348% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 302 property crimes, amounting to 3403 per 100,000 residents, 74.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Helena-West Helena has a crime rate of 5060 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 117.7%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Helena-West Helena. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Helena-West Helena ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1657 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Helena-West Helena stand at 1 in every 61 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Helena-West Helena stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Helena-West Helena, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 56 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Helena-West Helena residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 26 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 31% of Helena-West Helena residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 69% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Helena-West Helena is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Helena-West Helena has a total crime rate that is 118% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.23 daily crimes (0.4 violent daily crimes and 0.83 daily property crimes) in Helena-West Helena.
Year-over-year crime rates in Helena-West Helena has decreased by 33.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Helena-West Helena is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 39%, while property crime has decreased by 30.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Helena-West Helena.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Helena-West Helena crime rate. The poverty level in Helena-West Helena is 39.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Helena-West Helena, 70.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Helena-West Helena, there are 3.79 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Helena-West Helena | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Arkansas /100K | National /100K |
| Arkansas | 8,875 | 323 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Friars Point, MS | 1,269 | 128 | 911 | 1,039 |
| Jonestown, MS | 968 | 138 | 981 | 1,118 |
| Lula, MS | 213 | 374 | 2,669 | 3,043 |
| Coahoma, MS | 273 | 378 | 2,698 | 3,076 |
| Tunica, MS | 1,180 | 104 | 4,280 | 4,384 |
| Lexa, AR | 165 | 924 | 3,514 | 4,438 |
| Lake View, AR | 412 | 958 | 3,643 | 4,601 |
| Helena-West Helena, AR | 10,487 | 1,657 | 3,403 | 5,060 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arizona City, AZ | 10,483 | 547 | 2,606 | 3,153 |
| Gunbarrel, CO | 10,494 | 192 | 1,228 | 1,420 |
| Anderson, CA | 10,479 | 629 | 3,486 | 4,115 |
| Hull, MA | 10,478 | 215 | 599 | 815 |
| Celina, OH | 10,498 | 333 | 2,019 | 2,352 |
| Helena-West Helena, AR | 10,487 | 1,657 | 3,403 | 5,060 |
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