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D+

Is West Memphis, Arkansas Safe?

Population 23,336 · Safer than 20% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

West Memphis has a crime problem that shows up in the data. The D+ safety grade reflects a violent crime rate below the national average and an overall rate of 255.5 per 1,000 residents. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,404 per 100K.

West Memphis Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricWest MemphisArkansas AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate285.6333.1363.8
Property Crime Rate2269.42019.01,832.3
Murder Rate4.0--5.7
Assault Rate193.0--268.2
Theft Rate1404.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate521.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD+

255.5 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeC+

286/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD

2269/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for West Memphis

Violent crime in West Memphis is below the national average. The rate of 285.6 per 100K falls below the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2269.4 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,404 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

West Memphis Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder4
070% of avgAvg: 5.7
Assault193
072% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery45
071% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary270
01.0x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,404
01.0x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft521
01.6x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How West Memphis Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

West Memphis
285.6
State
333.1
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

West Memphis
2269.4
State
2019.0
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Memphis Safety

Is West Memphis safe?
Not especially. West Memphis earns a D+ with a crime rate of 255.5 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs below the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in West Memphis?
255.5 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 285.6 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2269.4 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is West Memphis safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. West Memphis's D+ grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,404 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in West Memphis?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in West Memphis generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the West Memphis police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in West Memphis?
Yes, there's been an uptick. West Memphis's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D+ grade overall.
How does West Memphis compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Below average for the state. West Memphis ranks behind about 76% of Arkansas cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.2x the national rate.
How safe is West Memphis to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is below the national average, which is encouraging. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in West Memphis?
Bad. A D+ grade and 255.5 per-thousand rate put West Memphis below 80% of US cities. Violent crime at 286 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in West Memphis?
285.6 per 100,000, which is 21% below the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (193), robbery (45), and murder (4.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

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View all Arkansas city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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