| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Paragould/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,175 | n/a (estimate) | 3,813 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.2 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 87.6 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 26.0 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 246 | n/a | 798.3 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 282 | n/a (estimate) | 915 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 108 | n/a | 350.5 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 723 | n/a | 2,346.3 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 62 | n/a | 201.2 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 893 | n/a (estimate) | 2,898 | 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 Paragould crime rate is higher than the national average by 79.9%. Specifically, there were 282 violent crimes in Paragould, equivalent to 915 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 154.9%. Furthermore, Paragould recorded 893 property crimes, amounting to 2898 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 64.7%.
Paragould 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 915 per 100,000 people, Paragould is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 110 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Paragould, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Paragould to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 44% of people answered that there was very little crime in Paragould and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 56% 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.
Is Paragould 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, Paragould has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 80%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.22 daily incidents, encompassing 0.77 violent crimes and 2.45 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Paragould as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Paragould has decreased by 20% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Paragould 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 22.1%, while property crime has decreased by 19.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Paragould.
Paragould has a poverty rate of 17.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Paragould, the cost of living is 12.3% 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.
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 Paragould, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.92 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 | Paragould | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 51 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Oak Grove Heights, AR | 1,268 | 191 | 638 | 829 |
| Rector, AR | 2,015 | 271 | 902 | 1,173 |
| Marmaduke, AR | 1,429 | 160 | 1,042 | 1,202 |
| Brookland, AR | 3,615 | 551 | 764 | 1,315 |
| Leachville, AR | 2,566 | 582 | 847 | 1,429 |
| Monette, AR | 1,567 | 306 | 1,347 | 1,653 |
| Black Oak, AR | 205 | 690 | 2,300 | 2,990 |
| Paragould, AR | 29,773 | 915 | 2,898 | 3,813 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fuquay-Varina, NC | 29,773 | 70 | 580 | 649 |
| Port Chester, NY | 29,796 | 284 | 1,286 | 1,570 |
| Summerlin South, NV | 29,750 | 174 | 949 | 1,123 |
| Ridgecrest, CA | 29,800 | 676 | 1,074 | 1,750 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
| Paragould, AR | 29,773 | 915 | 2,898 | 3,813 |
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