| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bella Vista/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 229 | n/a (estimate) | 691 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 30.2 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 56 | n/a | 169.1 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 202 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 48.3 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 140 | n/a | 422.7 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 18.1 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 162 | n/a (estimate) | 489 | 1,930 | 1,760 |

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 Bella Vista is 67.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 67 violent crimes reported in Bella Vista, equivalent to 202 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 43.7%. Additionally, Bella Vista recorded 162 property crimes, amounting to 489 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 72.2%.
With a crime rate of 691, significantly below the national average of 2119, Bella Vista stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Bella Vista maintains a property crime rate of 489 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Bella Vista as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Bella Vista? Well, based on a recent survey of 24 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 88% of Bella Vista residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 13% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bella Vista, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bella Vista presents a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bella Vista experiences an average of 0.63 daily crimes, comprising 0.18 violent incidents and 0.44 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bella Vista. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bella Vista has decreased by 1.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 13.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.9%. 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.
In Bella Vista, the poverty rate currently stands at 3.9%, 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 Bella Vista crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Bella Vista, there are 1.24 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 Bella Vista is $314,940, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Bella Vista | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Highfill, AR | 1,415 | 183 | 146 | 329 |
| Cave Springs, AR | 4,978 | 96 | 256 | 352 |
| Centerton, AR | 15,676 | 145 | 240 | 385 |
| Prairie Creek, AR | 2,253 | 91 | 303 | 394 |
| Gentry, AR | 4,053 | 300 | 257 | 557 |
| Avoca, AR | 2,014 | 153 | 511 | 664 |
| Little Flock, AR | 2,888 | 297 | 462 | 759 |
| Bella Vista, AR | 29,519 | 202 | 489 | 691 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Forest Hills, MI | 29,534 | 187 | 596 | 783 |
| Jacksonville, AR | 29,495 | 950 | 3,961 | 4,911 |
| Lake in the Hills, IL | 29,485 | 70 | 437 | 507 |
| New Iberia, LA | 29,560 | 1,009 | 3,125 | 4,135 |
| Mehlville, MO | 29,470 | 404 | 1,696 | 2,100 |
| Bella Vista, AR | 29,519 | 202 | 489 | 691 |