Forrest City, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Forrest City, AR

The Forrest City crime rates are 171.8% 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 283 violent crimes in Forrest City (2210 per 100,000 people), which is 497.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 526 property crimes (4107 per 100,000 residents) which is 110.2% higher than average.

Forrest City has a crime rate of 6317 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 171.79%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Forrest City. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Forrest City ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 2210 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 Forrest City stand at 1 in every 46 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Forrest City is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 12 murders in Forrest City, which equates to 94 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Forrest City being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 4107 crimes per 100,000 people, Forrest City unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Forrest City is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 25, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Forrest City is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Forrest City reported a total of 60 vehicle thefts, resulting in 468 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 214, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Forrest City?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Forrest City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 22 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 9% of Forrest City residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 91% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Forrest City a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Forrest City a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Forrest City crime rate is 172% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.22 crimes per day - 0.78 violent crimes and 1.44 property crimes.

Has Crime in Forrest City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Forrest City has decreased by 10.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Forrest City 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 increased by 13.7%, while property crime has decreased by 19.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Forrest City.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forrest City

Forrest City has a population density of 694.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Forrest City crime rates.

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 Forrest City, the cost of living is 23.52% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Forrest City, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.75 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Forrest City crime map