Arkadelphia, AR Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Arkadelphia, AR

What is Arkadelphia's overall crime grade?

Arkadelphia earns an overall crime grade of C- based on aggregated crime data. That places it below average compared to similarly sized Arkansas cities. Property crime drives the bulk of that grade — theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offenses account for the majority of reported incidents. Violent crime is present but less dominant. The C- grade reflects real challenges, particularly given a poverty rate of 28% — nearly double the national average — which research consistently links to elevated property crime frequencies. Residents should treat this grade as a prompt to stay informed rather than a reason for alarm, since most neighborhoods experience long stretches without serious incidents.

How does Arkadelphia's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

With a poverty rate of 28% and a median household income of just $31,643, Arkadelphia faces economic pressures that correlate with higher property crime rates nationwide. Median rent sits at $588 per month and median home values average $115,402, signaling an affordable but economically strained housing market. Studies show that communities where more than 20% of residents live in poverty typically see property crime rates 30–50% above the national median. Arkadelphia's C- overall grade is consistent with that pattern. On the positive side, the unemployment rate is a relatively low 3.2%, which helps moderate what could otherwise be a worse crime picture — employment is one of the strongest buffers against property offenses.

What types of crime are most common in Arkadelphia?

Property crimes dominate Arkadelphia's incident reports. Theft — including shoplifting and larceny — is the single most frequently reported category, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft. Vandalism and drug-related offenses round out the mid-tier categories. Violent crimes such as assault do occur, particularly in areas with higher population density, but they represent a smaller share of total incidents. The city's population density of 546 residents per square mile is relatively low, which naturally limits the concentration of crime compared to denser urban cores. Understanding this breakdown helps residents focus preventive energy where it matters most: securing property, locking vehicles, and reporting suspicious activity.

Which areas of Arkadelphia are considered safest?

While granular block-level crime grades vary, certain parts of Arkadelphia consistently show lower incident densities on the crime map. The corridor near Henderson State University benefits from active campus security, higher foot traffic during daylight hours, and engaged community oversight — all factors that suppress opportunistic property crime. The Lakeside community near DeGray Lake tends to report fewer incidents, partly due to lower population density and a more suburban character. The historic downtown district has improved visibility and community presence that deter certain offense types. Conversely, areas with higher concentrations of poverty and lower-density commercial corridors have shown elevated property crime frequencies in recent data. Using the interactive crime map to filter by offense type and time period gives the clearest picture of any specific block's recent history.

Is Arkadelphia safe compared to other Arkansas cities?

Arkadelphia's C- crime grade puts it in the lower-middle tier among Arkansas municipalities of comparable size. Cities with stronger economies and lower poverty rates — generally those with poverty rates under 15% — tend to earn B or A grades. Arkadelphia's 28% poverty rate is a significant headwind. That said, the city's small population of 10,670 means that even a modest uptick in incidents can move the grade noticeably, and the reverse is equally true: sustained community investment and policing improvements can lift the grade relatively quickly. Visitors and prospective residents should weigh the C- grade alongside the city's genuinely low unemployment figure of 3.2% and affordable cost of living when assessing overall livability.

Is Arkadelphia a good place to live given its crime grade?

A C- crime grade is a real data point, but it is not the whole story. Arkadelphia offers median home values of $115,402 — well below the national median — making homeownership accessible for families who might be priced out of larger markets. The unemployment rate of 3.2% suggests a functioning local labor market anchored in part by Henderson State University. The poverty rate of 28% is the most pressing concern and the clearest driver of the below-average crime grade. Residents who take standard precautions — securing vehicles, participating in neighborhood watch programs, and using the crime map to stay aware of emerging hotspots — report reasonable day-to-day safety. For families prioritizing affordability and small-town character alongside manageable crime risk, Arkadelphia can be a viable choice, particularly in lower-incident neighborhoods near the university and DeGray Lake.