| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fort Smith/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,073 | n/a (estimate) | 4,527 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 81 | n/a | 90.0 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 59 | n/a | 65.6 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 618 | n/a | 686.8 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 758 | n/a (estimate) | 842 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 420 | n/a | 466.8 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,613 | n/a | 2,904.1 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 282 | n/a | 313.4 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,315 | n/a (estimate) | 3,684 | 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 Fort Smith is 113.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 758 violent crimes reported in Fort Smith, equivalent to 842 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 134.6%. Additionally, Fort Smith recorded 3315 property crimes, amounting to 3684 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 109.3%.
With a total of 4527 crimes per 100,000 people, the Fort Smith crime rates stand at 113.6 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Fort Smith, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Fort Smith has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 842 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Fort Smith falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 119 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Fort Smith reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Fort Smith reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3684 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to property crime in Fort Smith, 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Fort Smith residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 65 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 31% of Fort Smith 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, 69% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Fort Smith a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Fort Smith has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 114%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 11.16 daily incidents, encompassing 2.08 violent crimes and 9.08 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Fort Smith as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fort Smith. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fort Smith has decreased by 31.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 23.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 32.6%. 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 Fort Smith crime rates. The population density in Fort Smith is 1436.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Fort Smith, the cost of living is 8.91% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Fort Smith, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.45 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Fort Smith | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 214 | 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 |
| Bonanza, AR | 529 | 0 | 163 | 163 |
| Greenwood, AR | 9,615 | 216 | 329 | 545 |
| Pocola, OK | 4,181 | 152 | 455 | 607 |
| Cedarville, AR | 1,738 | 207 | 414 | 620 |
| Lavaca, AR | 2,508 | 197 | 434 | 632 |
| Central City, AR | 680 | 0 | 644 | 644 |
| Hackett, AR | 977 | 230 | 461 | 691 |
| Fort Smith, AR | 90,724 | 842 | 3,684 | 4,527 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Newton, MA | 90,578 | 49 | 599 | 648 |
| Reading, PA | 90,906 | 337 | 1,435 | 1,772 |
| Champaign, IL | 90,911 | 502 | 2,279 | 2,781 |
| Ogden, UT | 90,520 | 505 | 1,925 | 2,431 |
| Palm Coast, FL | 91,057 | 235 | 1,250 | 1,484 |
| Fort Smith, AR | 90,724 | 842 | 3,684 | 4,527 |
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