West Memphis, AR Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 94% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is West Memphis Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average
Choosing the right neighborhood is critical for personal safety.
West Memphis has a crime rate that is 81% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 147.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 147
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
79% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 24
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
131% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
West Memphis Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
186 | +86% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
187 | +87% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
191 | +91% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
217 | +117% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
212 | +112% | High | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
West Memphis Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
West Memphis Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific West Memphis zip codes.
West Memphis Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis, AR has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 81% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 147 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 24 chance for property crime. West Memphis has higher crime than 94% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is West Memphis, AR safe to live in?
West Memphis has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting West Memphis is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in West Memphis?
The estimated violent crime rate in West Memphis is 680.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 79% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 147 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.3 per 100K (86% above average); aggravated assault at 502.8 per 100K (87% above average); robbery at 110.3 per 100K (49% above average).
What is the property crime rate in West Memphis?
The estimated property crime rate in West Memphis is 4,238.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 131% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 24 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 514.7 per 100K (91% above average); larceny/theft at 3,046.7 per 100K (117% above average); vehicle theft at 677.0 per 100K (112% above average).
How does West Memphis crime compare to the national average?
West Memphis's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (117% above average), while robbery is 49% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, West Memphis has higher crime than 94% of them.
Is West Memphis safe to visit?
Visitors to West Memphis should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 131% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.
How does West Memphis crime compare to the rest of Arkansas?
Arkansas as a whole has crime that is 21% above the national average. West Memphis's crime rate is 81% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Arkansas city.
What type of crime is most common in West Memphis?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in West Memphis, with an estimated rate of 3,046.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 117% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,238 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (680 per 100K) in West Memphis, which is consistent with national trends.