Top 10 Safest Cities in Arkansas to Live in 2025

Arkansas is a great place to live because of its charming small towns, beautiful landscapes, and friendly communities. For those looking for a peaceful life, however, safety is usually at the top of the list.

If you’re thinking about moving or just wondering about crime in the state, check out the safest city in Arkansas in 2024. In this article, we will take a look at what is the safest city in Arkansas, the crime rate in each, as well as Arkansas’s overall safety.

Is Arkansas a Safe State?

The answer is yes. Families and retirees looking for a peaceful life will find Arkansas to be a relatively safe living environment. No state is crime-free, but Arkansas has many safe communities with low crime rates and high-quality public services.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Arkansas

When looking at safety, some cities in Arkansas truly shine. Here’s a closer look at the safest city to live in Arkansas, where residents can enjoy a secure and serene lifestyle.

1. Bentonville

Bentonville is consistently one of the safest cities in Arkansas. It’s a city that’s known as the birthplace of Walmart, and it’s exceptionally safe, with a violent crime rate of 0.7 per 1,000 residents. But there’s much more to Bentonville than just safety: It’s a lively city with all the cultural amenities, parks, and growing tech scene you could hope for. It is the first safest city in Arkansas.

2. Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a small town that boasts a great network of hiking trails, golf courses, and scenic lakes. Bella Vista has a violent crime rate of 0.5 per 1,000 residents, which places it among the safest places in the state.

3. Lowell

Lowell is a small, safe town just north of Bentonville and Rogers, with a violent crime rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents. The town is known for its affordable housing, good schools, and friendly neighborhoods.

4. Maumelle

Another safe and welcoming city in Arkansas is Maumelle, which is just northwest of Little Rock. Maumelle has a crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and is a family-friendly city with lots of parks, recreational facilities, and good schools.

5. Greenwood

A quiet little town near the Oklahoma border, Greenwood is a small town with minimal crime. Greenwood is a safe haven for its 9,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 0.7 per 1,000.

6. Cabot

Cabot, central Arkansas, has a violent crime rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents. Families love the town because of its excellent schools and friendly neighborhoods.

7. White Hall

A small community near Pine Bluff, White Hall has a crime rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents, one of the safest towns in Arkansas. Families are attracted to the town because of its commitment to community involvement and resident safety.

8. Siloam Springs

A town with a violent crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents, a place called Siloam Springs sits near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border and is a peaceful town. Siloam Springs is known for its historic downtown and natural springs, both of which provide safety and scenic beauty.

9. Centerton

Centerton is a fast-growing city near Bentonville that has a crime rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents. The town is known for its affordable housing, good schools, and family-friendly environment.

10. Bryant

Bryant, southwest of Little Rock, rounds out the list. Bryant is a safe city with good schools, parks, and a friendly community, but it has a violent crime rate of 1.5 per 1,000 residents.

Top 5 Safest Places to Live in Arkansas

Finding the safest place in Arkansas is easy. Some cities in Arkansas are well known for having good living conditions, strong educational systems, and a thriving commercial sector. The top five best places to live in Arkansas are:

1. Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a booming city with a reputation for its great educational institutions, including the University of Arkansas. It’s a welcoming, progressive city with great dining, shopping, and cultural options.

2. Little Rock

Little Rock is Arkansas’s capital city, and as such, it’s a combination of urban amenities and suburban charm. The city has a thriving job market, particularly in healthcare, finance, and government.

3. Bentonville

Bentonville is also one of the safest cities, but it’s also a city with a thriving cultural scene, offering art museums, biking trails, and community events. Many corporate headquarters are also located in it, so it’s a perfect place for young professionals who want to grow in their careers.

4. Rogers

Rogers is a very active city with a good sense of community, good schools, and lots of recreational opportunities. The city’s economy is booming, and it’s one of the best places for families and solo workers seeking jobs to live in Arkansas.

5. Conway

The City of Colleges is Conway, home to three major universities. It’s a youthful city with a growing tech sector, but it’s an education-focused city. Parks, local events, and affordable living make the community welcoming and the quality of life better.

How to Determine the Safest City in Arkansas? Key Insights and Trends

Let’s take a recap of the lowest crime rate in Arkansas cities so you can understand which are the Arkansas safest cities.

• Overall Crime Rate: Arkansas ranks fifth-highest in the U.S., with a rate of 671.93 per 100,000 people.
• Violent Crime: Violent crime rate is 6.45 per 1,000 residents, with hotspots in cities like Little Rock and Pine Bluff.
• Property Crime: Property crime rate is 24.52 per 1,000 residents, high in areas like West Memphis and Hot Springs.
• Highest Crime Cities: Cities like West Memphis (73.92 per 1,000), Little Rock (72.08), and Osceola have the highest crime rates in the state.
• Lowest Crime Cities: Safer cities include Bella Vista (4.25), Greenwood, and Greenbrier, all under 10 per 1,000 residents.

Safest Town in Arkansas: Practical Safety Tips for Residents

• Lock doors and windows: A simple but effective deterrent against theft.
• Stay informed about crime trends: Knowledge helps you avoid high-risk areas.
• Engage in community programs: Being part of community initiatives can make neighborhoods safer.
• Install security systems: Consider security cameras for additional safety.
• Stay vigilant in public spaces: Awareness helps reduce vulnerability to crime.

If you are looking for a security camera to monitor your property in Arkansas, check out the new Reolink Altas PT Ultra. This camera features a 20,000 mAh battery and boasts 4K resolution.

Bonus: Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Arkansas

Arkansas has its own safe cities, but there are some of the largest cities in Arkansas that have a higher crime rate. Here are the ten most dangerous cities in Arkansas in 2024.

1. Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff has a high crime rate, especially in violent crime. It is the state’s most dangerous city in Arkansas, and residents often have problems with property and violent crime.

2. Little Rock

Little Rock has many safe neighborhoods, but some parts of the city have higher rates of crime, mostly property crime. In areas where there is a lot of criminal activity, residents are advised to be vigilant.

3. West Memphis

The violent crime rate in West Memphis is higher than in other Arkansas cities. This is one of the more difficult areas to make safe, and community initiatives are trying to deal with it.

4. Helena-West Helena

Over the years, this small city has had high crime rates, both property and violent. There are still local initiatives working to make the streets safer for residents.

5. Texarkana

Property crime is more prevalent in Texarkana. Residents are still advised to be careful, but the city is working on community programs to reduce these rates.

6. Hot Springs

Hot Springs is also a popular tourist destination but has higher than average crime rates in relation to property theft. There is law enforcement in the area, but residents should be careful.

7. El Dorado

In recent years, El Dorado has seen improvements, but crime is still an issue, especially property-related issues. Safety is a goal of community programs, but vigilance is still a good idea.

8. Fort Smith

While a historical and cultural hub, Fort Smith does have areas with higher crime rates. These issues are still being addressed, and the city is being made safer for residents.

9. Forrest City

Property theft has plagued Forrest City. Residents are still cautious, but the community is working to solve these challenges.

10. Blytheville

Blytheville has had a crime rate higher than the state average for both violent and property crimes. There are community engagement programs to help reduce crime rates over time.

FAQs

What is the safest city in Arkansas?

Bentonville consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the state. This city offers a strong sense of community, low violent crime, and a family-friendly environment. Cities like Greenwood and Bella Vista are also recognized for their safety.

What town has the lowest crime rate in Arkansas?

Bella Vista holds one of the lowest crime rates, with minimal incidents reported each year.

What is the best area in Arkansas to live?

Fayetteville stands out as one of the best areas in Arkansas due to its educational institutions, vibrant lifestyle, and job opportunities.

What is the downside of Arkansas?

Arkansas’s challenges include limited public transportation, high humidity in summer, and the presence of tornadoes in certain areas.

Conclusion

Arkansas has a nice mix of safe, vibrant cities for all types of lifestyles. The state has something for everyone, from Bentonville’s low crime rates to Fayetteville’s excellent educational options. Arkansas’s safest cities are good choices if you’re thinking about moving. Would you agree or add another city to the safest list? Share your thoughts on our list.