| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mena/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 206 | n/a (estimate) | 3,645 | 3,097 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 17.7 | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 88.5 | 76.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 17.7 | 39.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 247.7 | 519.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 372 | 645 | 370 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 406.9 | 466.4 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 155 | n/a | 2,742.4 | 1,734.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 123.8 | 250.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 185 | n/a (estimate) | 3,273 | 2,452 | 1,954 |
The Mena crime rates are 56.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 21 violent crimes in Mena (372 per 100,000 people), which is 0.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 185 property crimes (3273 per 100,000 residents) which is 67.5% higher than average.
The violent crime rate in Mena closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 372 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Mena as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Mena stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Mena, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Mena residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 62% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Mena were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 38% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Mena, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Mena presents a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Mena experiences an average of 0.56 daily crimes, comprising 0.06 violent incidents and 0.51 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Mena. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Mena has increased by 6.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 162.5%, while property crime has increased by 0.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Mena.
In Mena, the poverty rate currently stands at 30%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Mena crime rates.
In Mena, the median home price stands at $87,200, 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Mena, the average monthly rent stands at $651, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Mena | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Cove, AR | 299 | 884 | 3,360 | 4,244 |
| Hatfield, AR | 571 | 901 | 3,424 | 4,325 |
| Mena, AR | 5,524 | 372 | 3,273 | 3,645 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boothwyn, PA | 5,525 | 229 | 1,212 | 1,441 |
| Big Flats, NY | 5,523 | 436 | 1,751 | 2,187 |
| Wellston, OH | 5,522 | 296 | 2,148 | 2,444 |
| Nashville, NC | 5,521 | 368 | 1,873 | 2,241 |
| Waterford, WI | 5,520 | 211 | 984 | 1,195 |
| Mena, AR | 5,524 | 372 | 3,273 | 3,645 |
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