What is the Crime Rate in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, is a city with a rich history and culture. However, like many other cities in the United States, Little Rock also faces a significant crime problem. In this article, we will explore the crime rate in Little Rock, Arkansas, and examine the types of crimes that are most common in the city.
Crime Rate in Little Rock
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, Little Rock had a violent crime rate of 544.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020. This is higher than the national average of 379.4 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.
Here is a breakdown of the violent crime rates in Little Rock for 2020:
- Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: 46.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
- Rape: 54.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
- Robbery: 133.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
- Aggravated assault: 210.2 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
Property Crime Rate in Little Rock
In addition to violent crimes, Little Rock also experiences a significant number of property crimes. According to the FBI’s UCR Program, Little Rock had a property crime rate of 4,464.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020. This is higher than the national average of 2,201.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.
Here is a breakdown of the property crime rates in Little Rock for 2020:
- Burglary: 644.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
- Larceny: 3,244.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
- Motor vehicle theft: 574.8 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants
Trends in Crime in Little Rock
Over the past few years, crime rates in Little Rock have been trending downward. According to the FBI’s UCR Program, the violent crime rate in Little Rock decreased by 11.4% between 2018 and 2020, while the property crime rate decreased by 10.2% during the same period.
Here is a breakdown of the crime rates in Little Rock for the past few years:
| Year | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 611.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants | 4,949.4 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants |
| 2019 | 575.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants | 4,443.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants |
| 2020 | 544.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants | 4,464.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants |
Neighborhoods with High Crime Rates in Little Rock
While crime rates in Little Rock are declining, some neighborhoods in the city still experience higher rates of crime than others. According to the Little Rock Police Department’s Crime Data Portal, some of the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in the city are:
- South Main Street: This neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 1,033.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, and a property crime rate of 5,411.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Downtown Little Rock: This neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 642.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, and a property crime rate of 4,264.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.
- SoMa: This neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 554.9 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, and a property crime rate of 3,849.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.
Factors Contributing to Crime in Little Rock
Several factors contribute to the high crime rate in Little Rock. These include:
- Poverty: Little Rock has a high poverty rate, with 24.4% of the population living below the poverty line. Poverty is often a contributing factor to crime, as individuals may feel they have no other choice but to engage in illegal activities to survive.
- Unemployment: Unemployment rates in Little Rock are also high, with 4.6% of the population unemployed. Unemployment can contribute to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, which can lead to criminal behavior.
- Lack of Community Resources: Some neighborhoods in Little Rock lack access to community resources, such as parks, community centers, and job training programs. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection, which can lead to criminal behavior.
- Gang Activity: Gang activity is also a problem in Little Rock, with several gangs operating in the city. Gangs can contribute to a culture of violence and criminal activity, and can be a significant factor in the city’s high crime rate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the crime rate in Little Rock, Arkansas is a significant problem. The city experiences a high rate of violent and property crimes, and some neighborhoods are particularly affected. While crime rates are declining, there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of crime in the city. Addressing poverty, unemployment, and lack of community resources will be key to reducing crime rates in Little Rock.
