Benton, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Benton, AR

The Benton crime rates are 35.8% 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 125 violent crimes in Benton (345 per 100,000 people), which is 6.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1020 property crimes (2811 per 100,000 residents) which is 43.9% higher than average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Benton has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 345 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Benton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Benton? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 90% of Benton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 10% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Benton a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Benton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Benton presents a total crime rate that is 36% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Benton experiences an average of 3.14 daily crimes, comprising 0.34 violent incidents and 2.79 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Benton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Benton has decreased by 12.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Benton 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 35.2%, while property crime has decreased by 8.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Benton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Benton

Benton has a poverty rate that stands at 8.1, 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 Benton 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.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Benton, the cost of living is 6.72% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Benton has a median home price of $148,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Benton crime map