| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Jonesboro/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,059 | n/a (estimate) | 3,765 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 6.2 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 84 | n/a | 103.4 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 50 | n/a | 61.5 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 446 | n/a | 548.9 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 585 | n/a (estimate) | 720 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 755 | n/a | 929.2 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,538 | n/a | 1,892.8 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 181 | n/a | 222.8 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,474 | n/a (estimate) | 3,045 | 1,930 | 1,760 |

The Jonesboro crime rates are 77.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 585 violent crimes in Jonesboro (720 per 100,000 people), which is 100.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2474 property crimes (3045 per 100,000 residents) which is 73% higher than average.
Jonesboro ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 720 per 100,000 people, Jonesboro is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 139 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Jonesboro, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
AreaVibes surveyed 52 local residents in Jonesboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 37% of people answered that there was very little crime in Jonesboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Jonesboro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Jonesboro presents a total crime rate that is 78% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Jonesboro experiences an average of 8.38 daily crimes, comprising 1.6 violent incidents and 6.78 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 rates in Jonesboro has increased by 0.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Jonesboro is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 0.5%, while property crime has increased by 1.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Jonesboro.
Jonesboro has a population density of 992.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Jonesboro crime rates.
In Jonesboro, the cost of living is 9.55% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Jonesboro, the average monthly rent stands at $1,182, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Jonesboro | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 160 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Bay, AR | 2,423 | 55 | 721 | 776 |
| Lake City, AR | 2,634 | 147 | 843 | 989 |
| Brookland, AR | 3,615 | 551 | 764 | 1,315 |
| Bono, AR | 2,510 | 103 | 1,926 | 2,030 |
| Egypt, AR | 42 | 780 | 2,600 | 3,380 |
| Sedgwick, AR | 171 | 806 | 2,686 | 3,491 |
| Cash, AR | 327 | 837 | 2,790 | 3,627 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 79,653 | 720 | 3,045 | 3,765 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kendall, FL | 79,660 | 123 | 653 | 776 |
| Waldorf, MD | 79,554 | 450 | 2,196 | 2,646 |
| Rapid City, SD | 79,549 | 719 | 3,792 | 4,511 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 79,542 | 613 | 2,470 | 3,083 |
| Cedar Park, TX | 79,540 | 96 | 1,198 | 1,294 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 79,653 | 720 | 3,045 | 3,765 |