| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pine Bluff/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,669 | n/a (estimate) | 6,749 | 3,097 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 17 | n/a | 43.0 | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 86.0 | 76.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 62 | n/a | 156.8 | 39.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 531 | n/a | 1,342.6 | 519.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 644 | n/a (estimate) | 1,628 | 645 | 370 |
| Burglary | 375 | n/a | 948.2 | 466.4 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,330 | n/a | 3,362.9 | 1,734.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 320 | n/a | 809.1 | 250.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,025 | n/a (estimate) | 5,120 | 2,452 | 1,954 |
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 Pine Bluff crime rate is higher than the national average by 190.4%. Specifically, there were 644 violent crimes in Pine Bluff, equivalent to 1628 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 340.3%. Furthermore, Pine Bluff recorded 2025 property crimes, amounting to 5120 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 162%.
In Pine Bluff, the crime rate stands at 6749 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 190.36%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Pine Bluff that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
With a violent crime rate of 1628 crimes per 100,000 residents, Pine Bluff is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Pine Bluff ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 62 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Pine Bluff has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 17 murders in Pine Bluff, which is 43 murders per 100,000 people.
Every year, one in 20 people fall victim to a property crime in Pine Bluff - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5120 per 100,000 people, Pine Bluff has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
With a total of 320 vehicle thefts last year, Pine Bluff has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 809 per 100,000 people. This lands Pine Bluff in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 124.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Pine Bluff residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 135 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 16% of Pine Bluff 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, 84% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pine Bluff a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Pine Bluff crime rate is 190% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.31 crimes per day - 1.76 violent crimes and 5.55 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Pine Bluff. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Pine Bluff has decreased by 15.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 21.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.9%. 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.
Pine Bluff has a poverty rate that stands at 25.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Pine Bluff crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Pine Bluff crime rates. The population density in Pine Bluff is 957.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Pine Bluff, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.65, 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.
| Item | Pine Bluff | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 177 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 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 |
| White Hall, AR | 5,017 | 215 | 1,111 | 1,326 |
| Altheimer, AR | 772 | 326 | 1,238 | 1,564 |
| Sulphur Springs, AR | 1,320 | 516 | 1,961 | 2,477 |
| Staves, AR | 115 | 554 | 2,108 | 2,662 |
| Sulphur Springs city, AR | 397 | 879 | 3,343 | 4,222 |
| Wabbaseka, AR | 375 | 953 | 3,623 | 4,576 |
| Sherrill, AR | 285 | 1,018 | 3,871 | 4,889 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 42,323 | 1,628 | 5,120 | 6,749 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Babylon, NY | 42,316 | 423 | 1,699 | 2,122 |
| North Fort Myers, FL | 42,315 | 366 | 2,213 | 2,579 |
| Linden, NJ | 42,332 | 323 | 2,994 | 3,317 |
| Edmonds, WA | 42,347 | 243 | 2,620 | 2,863 |
| Odenton, MD | 42,258 | 378 | 1,551 | 1,928 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 42,323 | 1,628 | 5,120 | 6,749 |
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