Hot Springs, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hot Springs, AR

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Hot Springs crime rate is 174.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Hot Springs, there were 196 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 513 per 100,000 individuals, 38.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Hot Springs recorded 2238 property crimes, amounting to 5863 per 100,000 residents, 200% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 6376 crimes per 100,000 people, the Hot Springs crime rates stand at 174.33 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 Hot Springs, 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.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Hot Springs stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Hot Springs, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Hot Springs reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5863 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to property crime in Hot Springs, 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.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Hot Springs is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Hot Springs reported a total of 188 vehicle thefts, resulting in 492 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 204, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hot Springs?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hot Springs residents. Out of the respondents (89 in total), 27% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hot Springs were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 73% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Hot Springs a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Hot Springs is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Hot Springs has a total crime rate that is 174% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 6.67 daily crimes (0.54 violent daily crimes and 6.13 daily property crimes) in Hot Springs.

Has Crime in Hot Springs Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Hot Springs crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Hot Springs has increased by 14% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 16% and property crime has increased by 13.8%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hot Springs

Hot Springs has a poverty rate that stands at 20.3, 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 Hot Springs 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.

Hot Springs reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Hot Springs crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Hot Springs, there are 3.72 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Hot Springs crime map