| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Van Buren/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 846 | n/a (estimate) | 3,595 | 3,097 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.2 | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 23 | n/a | 97.7 | 76.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 17.0 | 39.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 78 | n/a | 331.4 | 519.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 106 | n/a (estimate) | 450 | 645 | 370 |
| Burglary | 224 | n/a | 951.9 | 466.4 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 454 | n/a | 1,929.2 | 1,734.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 62 | n/a | 263.5 | 250.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 740 | n/a (estimate) | 3,145 | 2,452 | 1,954 |
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 Van Buren is 54.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 106 violent crimes reported in Van Buren, equivalent to 450 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.8%. Additionally, Van Buren recorded 740 property crimes, amounting to 3145 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 60.9%.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Van Buren residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Van Buren were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Van Buren 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. Van Buren has a total crime rate that is 55% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.32 daily crimes (0.29 violent daily crimes and 2.03 daily property crimes) in Van Buren.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Van Buren. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Van Buren has increased by 11.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 8.2%, while property crimes have increased by 12.3%. 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.
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 Van Buren crime rates. The population density in Van Buren is 1530.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Van Buren, 78.2% 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Van Buren is $128,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Van Buren | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 56 | 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 |
| Arkoma, OK | 1,841 | 55 | 328 | 382 |
| Pocola, OK | 4,094 | 91 | 727 | 818 |
| Cedarville, AR | 1,688 | 258 | 982 | 1,240 |
| Lavaca, AR | 2,442 | 445 | 849 | 1,293 |
| Kibler, AR | 1,176 | 277 | 1,055 | 1,332 |
| Barling, AR | 4,957 | 490 | 1,206 | 1,696 |
| Bonanza, AR | 509 | 1,830 | 333 | 2,163 |
| Van Buren, AR | 23,600 | 450 | 3,145 | 3,595 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oak Ridge, FL | 23,596 | 402 | 2,433 | 2,836 |
| Cudahy, CA | 23,606 | 720 | 1,330 | 2,050 |
| Stoneham, MA | 23,625 | 212 | 821 | 1,033 |
| Venice, FL | 23,572 | 165 | 997 | 1,161 |
| Belton, MO | 23,568 | 398 | 2,435 | 2,833 |
| Van Buren, AR | 23,600 | 450 | 3,145 | 3,595 |
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