Top 10 Safest Cities in Arkansas to Live in 2026

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 Safe?

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

The current safety landscape in Arkansas is dominated by Northwest Arkansas (NWA), which holds the majority of the top spots. While Bentonville remains a safety icon, smaller towns like Cave Springs and Austin have technically overtaken it in raw per-capita rankings.

1. Cave Springs

Cave Springs is currently the safest city in Arkansas. This Northwest Arkansas gem has seen explosive growth but maintained nearly non-existent crime rates.

• Violent Crime Rate: 0.3 per 1,000 residents.
• Property Crime Rate: 4.1 per 1,000 residents.
• Key Stat: Reported zero murders, rapes, or robberies in the most recent annual data cycle.

2. Austin

Austin is the safest haven in Central Arkansas. It is a top choice for commuters who work in Little Rock but want a secure, rural atmosphere.

Violent Crime Rate: 0.2 per 1,000 residents.
Safety Highlight: Austin reported the lowest violent crime rate in the entire state for 2025.

3. Pottsville

Pottsville is a quiet community in Pope County that consistently ranks in the top three. It offers a "zero-tolerance" environment for crime, supported by a highly active local community.

• Violent Crime Rate: 0.6 per 1,000 residents.
• Key Stat: Total crime in Pottsville is roughly 85% lower than the Arkansas state average.

4. Bella Vista

Known for its "Beautiful Views," Bella Vista is the safest mid-to-large city in the state. Its unique layout—spread across lakes and golf courses—naturally deters through-traffic and opportunistic crime.

• Violent Crime Rate: 1.2 per 1,000 residents.
• Property Crime Rate: 3.9 per 1,000 residents.
• Safety Highlight: It has the lowest property crime rate of any Arkansas city with more than 30,000 residents.

5. Gentry

Gentry is a standout for property security. It is one of the few cities in the region to achieve a nearly perfect record for home security.

• Notable Stat: For two consecutive years, Gentry has reported zero burglaries.

6. Greenwood

Located near Fort Smith, Greenwood remains a "safe harbor" for families. Its police force is highly visible, contributing to a sense of security that residents frequently cite in local polls.

• Violent Crime Rate: 2.0 per 1,000 residents.
• Property Crime Rate: 3.1 per 1,000 residents.

7. Centerton

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Centerton has done a remarkable job of scaling its safety infrastructure alongside its population.

• Violent Crime Rate: 2.2 per 1,000 residents.
• Key Stat: Despite a 20% increase in population, its crime rates remained stable year-over-year.

8. Bentonville

While it has "dropped" in rank simply because smaller towns have lower per-capita numbers, Bentonville remains the safest major economic hub in the state.

• Violent Crime Rate: ~2.5 per 1,000 residents.
• Safety Highlight: 74% of residents report that the police are "very visible and responsive," the highest such rating in the state.

9. Farmington

A neighbor to Fayetteville, Farmington provides the safety of a small town with the amenities of a college town just minutes away.

• Violent Crime Rate: 2.4 per 1,000 residents.
• Trend: Property crime in Farmington dropped by 40% compared to 2023 levels.

10. Vilonia

Vilonia rounds out the list as a top-tier safe zone in Central Arkansas. It is particularly popular with families looking for large plots of land and high-performing, secure schools.

• Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1,000 residents.
• Notable Stat: Reported fewer than five total violent crimes in the latest 12-month reporting period.

Source: FBI

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 We Determine the Safest City in Arkansas?

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.

How to Stay Secure in the Safest Town in Arkansas?

• 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.

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 in Arkansas has the lowest crime rate?

Cave Springs is cited as the town with the lowest crime rate in Arkansas according to the latest data. Its consistently low levels of violent and property crime stand out statewide.

What is the best place to live in Arkansas?

Fayetteville is widely considered the best place to live in Arkansas. It offers a strong balance of job opportunities, education, and quality of life. Home to the University of Arkansas, the city has a vibrant cultural scene, access to outdoor recreation, and a growing economy.

Is Arkansas a low crime state?

Arkansas is not considered a low crime state overall. While many towns and suburbs remain very safe, statewide crime rates tend to be higher than the national average (the Arkansas state average for violent crime is approximately 6.9 per 1,000 residents). This is mainly influenced by higher crime levels in certain urban 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.