West Memphis, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Memphis, AR

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in West Memphis is 217.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 628 violent crimes reported in West Memphis, equivalent to 2638 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 613.3%. Additionally, West Memphis recorded 1131 property crimes, amounting to 4750 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 143.1%.

West Memphis has a crime rate of 7388 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 217.87%, 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 West Memphis. 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.

West Memphis ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 2638 per 100,000 people, West Memphis is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in West Memphis, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. West Memphis is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 12 murders in West Memphis, which equates to 50 murders per 100,000 people. This results in West Memphis being a very dangerous place to live.

West Memphis reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4750 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to property crime in West Memphis, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and West Memphis ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 189 vehicle thefts, amounting to 794 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places West Memphis within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 126.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Memphis?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in West Memphis. Based on the results of the surveys (32 responses), 13% of people felt that there was very little crime in West Memphis and felt safe walking alone at night. While 88% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is West Memphis a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in West Memphis, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Memphis presents a total crime rate that is 218% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Memphis experiences an average of 4.82 daily crimes, comprising 1.72 violent incidents and 3.1 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 West Memphis Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Memphis. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Memphis has increased by 9.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.1%, while property crimes have increased by 18.7%. 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 West Memphis

In West Memphis, 75.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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 impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In West Memphis, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.71, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

In West Memphis, the median home price stands at $86,100, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

West Memphis crime map