| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mena/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 166 | n/a (estimate) | 2,947 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 177.5 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 195.3 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 373 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 177.5 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 130 | n/a | 2,307.8 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 88.8 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 145 | n/a (estimate) | 2,574 | 1,930 | 1,760 |
The Mena crime rates are 39.1% 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 21 violent crimes in Mena (373 per 100,000 people), which is 3.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 145 property crimes (2574 per 100,000 residents) which is 46.3% higher than average.
The violent crime rate in Mena closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 373 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Mena as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the latest reported crime year, Mena recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Mena residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 62% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Mena were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 38% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Mena 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, Mena has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 39%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.45 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Mena as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Mena has decreased by 14.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Mena, 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 increased by 162.5%, while property crime has decreased by 22%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Mena is a safe place to live.
Mena has a poverty rate that stands at 30, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Mena crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Mena, 75.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Mena, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.44 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 | Mena | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 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 |
| Hatfield, AR | 585 | 698 | 2,328 | 3,026 |
| Cove, AR | 309 | 781 | 2,602 | 3,383 |
| Vandervoort, AR | 184 | 809 | 2,697 | 3,506 |
| Mena, AR | 5,638 | 373 | 2,574 | 2,947 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Coraopolis, PA | 5,637 | 379 | 947 | 1,326 |
| Old Bethpage, NY | 5,640 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Jonesboro, GA | 5,641 | 359 | 1,847 | 2,206 |
| Eureka, IL | 5,635 | 275 | 1,634 | 1,909 |
| Creswell, OR | 5,632 | 258 | 1,861 | 2,119 |
| Mena, AR | 5,638 | 373 | 2,574 | 2,947 |
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