| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Little Rock/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 14,065 | n/a (estimate) | 6,886 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 36 | n/a | 17.6 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 235 | n/a | 115.1 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 445 | n/a | 217.9 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2,699 | n/a | 1,321.4 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3,415 | n/a (estimate) | 1,672 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,914 | n/a | 937.1 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7,810 | n/a | 3,823.8 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 926 | n/a | 453.4 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 10,650 | n/a (estimate) | 5,214 | 1,930 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Little Rock crime rate is higher than the national average by 225%. Specifically, there were 3415 violent crimes in Little Rock, equivalent to 1672 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 365.6%. Furthermore, Little Rock recorded 10650 property crimes, amounting to 5214 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 196.3%.
With a crime rate of 6886 per 100,000 residents, Little Rock has a crime rate that is 224.95% 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 Little Rock 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.
Little Rock has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1672 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Little Rock falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 60 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.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Little Rock stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Little Rock, there were a total of 36 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Every year, one in 20 people fall victim to a property crime in Little Rock - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5214 per 100,000 people, Little Rock has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Little Rock is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Little Rock reported a total of 926 vehicle thefts, resulting in 453 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 221, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Little Rock. Based on the results of the surveys (132 responses), 19% of people felt that there was very little crime in Little Rock and felt safe walking alone at night. While 81% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Little Rock 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, Little Rock has an overall crime rate that is 225% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 38.53 daily occurrences, comprising 9.36 violent crimes and 29.18 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Little Rock as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Little Rock. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Little Rock has decreased by 4.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 16.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 0.1%. 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.
Little Rock is a large urban city with at least 27 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Little Rock include: Heights, Rock Creek and River Mountain. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: South End, Stephens and Briarwood.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Little Rock, 87.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Little Rock, there are 3.24 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Little Rock stands at $317,288, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
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.
| Item | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 636 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Cammack Village, AR | 919 | 0 | 268 | 268 |
| McAlmont, AR | 1,759 | 216 | 720 | 936 |
| Shannon Hills, AR | 4,030 | 253 | 696 | 949 |
| Natural Steps, AR | 580 | 234 | 780 | 1,014 |
| Roland, AR | 871 | 234 | 780 | 1,014 |
| Landmark, AR | 3,734 | 296 | 986 | 1,282 |
| Wrightsville, AR | 1,739 | 297 | 991 | 1,288 |
| Little Rock, AR | 202,086 | 1,672 | 5,214 | 6,886 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbus, GA | 201,240 | 604 | 2,236 | 2,839 |
| Akron, OH | 203,042 | 820 | 2,955 | 3,775 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 203,094 | 289 | 1,535 | 1,823 |
| Glendale, CA | 204,037 | 287 | 2,027 | 2,314 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 204,117 | 910 | 2,481 | 3,391 |
| Little Rock, AR | 202,086 | 1,672 | 5,214 | 6,886 |
Here are the best places to live in Arkansas
These are the largest cities in Arkansas
Safest Cities In The US
See the best places to live in Little Rock