| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Memphis/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,554 | n/a (estimate) | 6,580 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 17 | n/a | 72.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 122.8 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 48 | n/a | 203.2 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 360 | n/a | 1,524.3 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 454 | n/a (estimate) | 1,922 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 252 | n/a | 1,067.0 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 710 | n/a | 3,006.3 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 138 | n/a | 584.3 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,100 | n/a (estimate) | 4,658 | 1,930 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in West Memphis is 210.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 454 violent crimes reported in West Memphis, equivalent to 1922 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 435.3%. Additionally, West Memphis recorded 1100 property crimes, amounting to 4658 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 164.6%.
With a total of 6580 crimes per 100,000 people, the West Memphis crime rates stand at 210.49 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in West Memphis, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
West Memphis ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1922 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in West Memphis stand at 1 in every 53 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, West Memphis ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In West Memphis, there were a total of 17 murders, translating to 72 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
West Memphis reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4658 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to property crime in West Memphis, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
With a total of 138 vehicle thefts last year, West Memphis has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 584 per 100,000 people. This lands West Memphis in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 172.
What do the local residents think about crime in West Memphis? Well, based on a recent survey of 34 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 18% of West Memphis residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 82% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether West Memphis 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, West Memphis has an overall crime rate that is 210% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.26 daily occurrences, comprising 1.24 violent crimes and 3.01 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Memphis as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in West Memphis has decreased by 2.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not West Memphis 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 29.9%, while property crime has decreased by 15.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in West Memphis.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. West Memphis currently has an unemployment rate of 6.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 West Memphis, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.71 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.
In West Memphis, the average rental rates are $1,055 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | West Memphis | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 97 | 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 |
| Lynchburg, MS | 2,272 | 54 | 353 | 407 |
| Walls, MS | 1,451 | 77 | 499 | 576 |
| Clarkedale, AR | 507 | 234 | 780 | 1,014 |
| Horn Lake, MS | 28,196 | 110 | 1,399 | 1,509 |
| Jennette, AR | 63 | 440 | 1,465 | 1,905 |
| Crawfordsville, AR | 540 | 521 | 1,737 | 2,258 |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 304 | 2,025 | 2,329 |
| West Memphis, AR | 25,245 | 1,922 | 4,658 | 6,580 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Homer Glen, IL | 25,242 | 16 | 277 | 293 |
| Derby, KS | 25,251 | 357 | 1,590 | 1,947 |
| Selma, CA | 25,254 | 574 | 1,598 | 2,172 |
| Palmetto Bay, FL | 25,232 | 148 | 2,017 | 2,165 |
| Avon Lake, OH | 25,262 | 19 | 290 | 310 |
| West Memphis, AR | 25,245 | 1,922 | 4,658 | 6,580 |
Here are the best places to live in Arkansas
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Arkansas
See the best places to live in West Memphis