| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hot Springs/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,785 | n/a (estimate) | 4,697 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 15.8 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 43 | n/a | 113.2 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 52.6 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 134 | n/a | 352.6 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 203 | n/a (estimate) | 534 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 267 | n/a | 702.6 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,193 | n/a | 3,139.4 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 122 | n/a | 321.0 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,582 | n/a (estimate) | 4,163 | 1,930 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hot Springs is 121.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hot Springs, there were 203 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 534 per 100,000 individuals, 48.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1582 property crimes, amounting to 4163 per 100,000 residents, 136.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4697 per 100,000 residents, Hot Springs has a crime rate that is 121.65% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Hot Springs that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Hot Springs stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Hot Springs, a total of 6 murders were reported, equating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Hot Springs has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4163 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Hot Springs is 1 in 25, which is far higher than the national average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Hot Springs residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 91 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Hot Springs 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, 73% 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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs crime rate is 122% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.89 crimes per day - 0.56 violent crimes and 4.33 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Hot Springs crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Hot Springs has decreased by 16.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 20.1% and property crime has decreased by 19.5%.
In Hot Springs, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Hot Springs crime rates.
In Hot Springs, 79.6% 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.
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 Hot Springs, the cost of living is 8.34% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Hot Springs | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Hot Springs Village, AR | 15,995 | 88 | 189 | 277 |
| Lake Hamilton, AR | 2,226 | 91 | 303 | 394 |
| Rockwell, AR | 4,865 | 154 | 512 | 665 |
| Piney, AR | 4,679 | 376 | 1,253 | 1,629 |
| Fountain Lake, AR | 549 | 551 | 1,838 | 2,390 |
| Rockport, AR | 841 | 575 | 1,918 | 2,493 |
| Lonsdale, AR | 272 | 639 | 2,131 | 2,770 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 39,496 | 534 | 4,163 | 4,697 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pahrump, NV | 39,506 | 456 | 2,492 | 2,948 |
| Hobbs, NM | 39,472 | 790 | 3,751 | 4,542 |
| Clovis, NM | 39,532 | 865 | 3,320 | 4,185 |
| Lynnwood, WA | 39,454 | 264 | 6,065 | 6,329 |
| Florence, SC | 39,448 | 807 | 3,918 | 4,725 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 39,496 | 534 | 4,163 | 4,697 |
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