F
139%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
354%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
95%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHelena-West Helena/100k peopleArkansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime426n/a (estimate)5,0692,5092,119
Murder8n/a95.27.35.0
Rape12n/a142.869.937.5
Robbery4n/a47.638.660.6
Assault113n/a1,344.6463.5256.1
Violent crime137n/a (estimate)1,630579359
Burglary110n/a1,308.9352.7229.2
Theft143n/a1,701.61,400.01,272.1
Vehicle theft36n/a428.4176.8258.8
Property crime289n/a (estimate)3,4391,9301,760

Helena-West Helena crime map

Get this widget

The Helena-West Helena crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Helena-West Helena as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Helena-West Helena crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Helena-West Helena crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Helena-West Helena, AR

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Helena-West Helena crime rate is 139.2% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Helena-West Helena, there were 137 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1630 per 100,000 individuals, 354% higher than the national average. Additionally, Helena-West Helena recorded 289 property crimes, amounting to 3439 per 100,000 residents, 95.4% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 5069 crimes per 100,000 people, the Helena-West Helena crime rates stand at 139.19 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 Helena-West Helena, 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.

With a violent crime rate of 1630 crimes per 100,000 residents, Helena-West Helena is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Helena-West Helena 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. Helena-West Helena 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 8 murders in Helena-West Helena, which is 95 murders per 100,000 people.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Helena-West Helena faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 36 vehicle thefts, translating to 428 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Helena-West Helena in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 234.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Helena-West Helena?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Helena-West Helena. Based on the results of the surveys (29 responses), 31% of people felt that there was very little crime in Helena-West Helena and felt safe walking alone at night. While 69% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Helena-West Helena a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Helena-West Helena is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Helena-West Helena has an overall crime rate that is 139% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.17 daily occurrences, comprising 0.38 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Helena-West Helena as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Helena-West Helena Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Helena-West Helena has decreased by 37%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Helena-West Helena, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 43.2%, while property crime has decreased by 33.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Helena-West Helena is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Helena-West Helena

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Helena-West Helena crime rates. Helena-West Helena registers a population density of 819.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Helena-West Helena, there are 3.79 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 Helena-West Helena, the median home price stands at $138,883, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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.

Compare Helena-West Helena, AR Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Helena-West Helena crime rates are 139% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Helena-West Helena are 354% higher than the national average
      • In Helena-West Helena you have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Helena-West Helena is safer than 2% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Helena-West Helena has increased by 1%

      Helena-West Helena, AR Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Helena-West Helena

        See all the best places to live around Helena-West Helena
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Helena-West Helena?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Helena-West Helena?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Helena-West Helena poll results

        Daily Crime In Helena-West Helena (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Helena-West Helena, AR per 100,000 people. In Helena-West Helena, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 2.02 times more than the Arkansas average and 2.39 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Helena-West Helena is 2.81 times more than the Arkansas average and 4.54 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Helena-West Helena has a daily crime rate that is 1.78 times more than the Arkansas average and 1.95 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Helena-West Helena (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas compared to other areas of Arkansas, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Helena-West Helena safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Helena-West Helena is safer than 4% of Arkansas cities, and 2% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Arkansas, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Helena-West Helena. At this time, Helena-West Helena sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Helena-West Helena

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Helena-West Helena is 1 in 62
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Helena-West Helena is 1 in 30
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Helena-West Helena is 1 in 20
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Helena-West Helena? In Helena-West Helena, you have a 1 in 62 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 30. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Helena-West Helena, AR is 1 in 20.

        Year Over Year Crime In Helena-West Helena (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Helena-West Helena is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Helena-West Helena has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 34% in Helena-West Helena, while property crimes in Helena-West Helena have decreased by 10%. Total crime has not changed year over year.

        Helena-West Helena police department

        Item Helena-West Helena Arkansas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)465,164558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.82.93.3
        There are a total of 46 Helena-West Helena police officers. This results in 3.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 28.4% greater than the Arkansas average and 16.4% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Arkansas

        State Total offenders Arkansas /100K National /100K
        Arkansas8,875323266
        There are a total of 8,875 sex offenders in Arkansas. This yields a total of 323 sex offenders in Arkansas per 100,000 residents which is 21% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Tunica, MS1,218116581697
        Friars Point, MS1,294110715825
        Lula, MS2172601,6861,946
        North Tunica, MS9642861,8592,145
        Jonestown, MS9953242,1002,424
        Coahoma, MS2823392,2012,540
        Lexa, AR1686572,1892,845
        Helena-West Helena, AR10,7021,6303,4395,069

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Palatka, FL10,7012683,7354,003
        Pine Hill, NJ10,7012271,3511,578
        Sebring, FL10,7103221,7102,032
        Arizona City, AZ10,6944782,0282,506
        Granbury, TX10,6902273,5083,735
        Helena-West Helena, AR10,7021,6303,4395,069
        Source: The Helena-West Helena, AR crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.