Fort Smith, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fort Smith, AR

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Fort Smith crime rate is higher than the national average by 157.6%. Specifically, there were 940 violent crimes in Fort Smith, equivalent to 1044 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 182.4%. Furthermore, Fort Smith recorded 4450 property crimes, amounting to 4944 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 153%.

Fort Smith has a crime rate of 5988 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 157.64%, 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 Fort Smith. 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.

Fort Smith has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1044 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Fort Smith falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 96 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Fort Smith has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4944 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Fort Smith is 1 in 21, which is far higher than the national average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Fort Smith has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Fort Smith reported 424 vehicle thefts, which equates to 471 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Fort Smith is 1 in 213.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fort Smith?

What do the local residents think about crime in Fort Smith? Well, based on a recent survey of 62 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 32% of Fort Smith residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 68% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Fort Smith a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Fort Smith, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Fort Smith presents a total crime rate that is 158% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Fort Smith experiences an average of 14.77 daily crimes, comprising 2.58 violent incidents and 12.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Fort Smith Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fort Smith. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fort Smith has decreased by 8.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 5.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 9.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fort Smith

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 Fort Smith crime rate. The poverty level in Fort Smith is 18.9%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Fort Smith crime rates. For instance, in Fort Smith, the population density stands at 1371.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Fort Smith, 74.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Fort Smith crime map