Arkansas is known as “The Natural State,” so named for its natural wonders including the Ozark Mountains, dense forests, caverns and a multitude of parks. In addition to its impressive wilderness, Arkansas is also home to some of the best eats in the country, from barbecue to fried catfish. Thinking of moving to the state with the only public diamond mine in the world? Take a look at our list of Arkansas’ 10 safest cities.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Arkansas
1. Bella Vista
- Population: 28,798
- Violent Crimes: 53 (0.184 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 193 (0.6702 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary and Aggravated Assault
66.74% Below National Crime Rate, 75.29% Below State Crime Rate
Bella Vista tops our list for safest cities in Arkansas. Originally created as a resort city at the beginning of the 20th century, Bella Vista has undergone many changes in the decades since, transforming from a vacation town to a full-fledged city. Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, the “beautiful views” city offers a number of natural splendors, including seven lakes and 40 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
2. Greenwood
- Population: 9,454
- Violent Crimes: 18 (0.1904 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 37 (0.3914 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
77.35% Below National Crime Rate, 83.17% Below State Crime Rate
Greenwood is second on our list, but its property crime rate comes in at the lowest per capita of all of the cities on the list. With such low crime rates, it’s easy to see why the city’s motto is “Feels Like Home.” Greenwood is as green as its name, with several parks and golf courses. Most notable is the city square in downtown Greenwood that memorializes the city’s servicemen and women.
3. Cabot
- Population: 26,459
- Violent Crimes: 39 (0.1474 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 403 (1.5231 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
34.96% Below National Crime Rate, 51.67% Below State Crime Rate
A suburb of Little Rock, Cabot is the largest city in Lonoke County. With its welcoming small-town feel, Cabot has plenty to offer its residents, including multiple golf courses, parks and a large public library. Although third on the list for overall safety, Cabot has the second lowest violent crime rate per capita, with only 0.15 violent crimes per 100 people.
4. Lowell
- Population: 9,522
- Violent Crimes: 18 (0.189 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 114 (1.1972 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
46.03% Below National Crime Rate, 50.90% Below State Crime Rate
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Lowell is an affluent and growing community where residents enjoy their multiple golf courses and outdoor activities. Just a short distance east of town are several state parks. Originally settled as Bloomington, the town was moved west in 1881 and renamed Lowell.
5. Bentonville
- Population: 51,607
- Violent Crimes: 106 (0.2054 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 705 (1.3661 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
38.81% Below National Crime Rate, 54.54% Below State Crime Rate
Welcome to Bentonville, also known as the birthplace of Walmart! Walmart enthusiasts can check out the downtown Walmart museum, which includes the original store. But Bentonville has much more to offer beyond Walmart historical facts. This booming city has several museums, including a museum of American art and a science museum, not to mention forest trails and sculpture gardens.
6. Farmington
- Population: 7,032
- Violent Crimes: 16 (0.2275 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 86 (1.223 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
43.52% Below National Crime Rate, 58.04% Below State Crime Rate
Farmington resides outside Fayetteville in a Boston Mountains valley, which is a subset of the Ozark Mountains. It started as a small gristmill town along the banks of Farmington Creek in the early 1820s and was eventually named after the creek. What was once a small agricultural community has become the third fastest growing city in Washington County.
7. Prairie Grove
- Population: 5,921
- Violent Crimes: 11 (0.1858 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 141 (2.3814 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
0.05% Below National Crime Rate, 25.73% Below State Crime Rate
Also located in Washington County, Prairie Grove is a little town that has the sixth lowest violent crime rate per capita in the state. One of its most notable features is the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, which is recognized as one of the nation’s most intact Civil War battlefields. Residents can visit the state park and see the famous landmarks, and also enjoy the surrounding nature trails.
8. Maumelle
- Population: 18,356
- Violent Crimes: 47 (0.256 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 326 (1.776 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
20.88% Below National Crime Rate, 41.21% Below State Crime Rate
Maumelle resides northwest of Little Rock in Pulaski County. Created in the early 1970s by Arkansas businessman Jess Odom as a planned “New Town,” Maumelle is home to a strong education system, Lake Willastein Park and several biking trails. Of particular note is the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest pedestrian bridge in the country, spanning an impressive 4,226 feet.
9. Walnut Ridge
- Population: 5,013
- Violent Crimes: 14 (0.2793 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 75 (1.4961 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
30.88% Below National Crime Rate, 48.64% Below State Crime Rate
Walnut Ridge is a small town with a lot of heart. With just over 5,000 residents, Walnut Ridge is the smallest city on Arkansas’ top 10 safety list, but with its agricultural roots, it packs plenty of rural charm. It also has several parks, including the Beatles Park, which commemorates when the Beatles stopped in the city for a few days in 1964. A music festival is held annually in their honor.
10. Centerton
- Population: 14,791
- Violent Crimes: 59 (0.3989 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 130 (0.8789 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
50.25% Below National Crime Rate, 63.03% Below State Crime Rate
Like many Arkansas cities, Centerton started as a railroad and agricultural center, and has grown into a suburban wonder. Although 10th on our safety list, Centerton has the third highest nonviolent safety rating of those on the list, with only 0.9 non-violent crimes per 100 people. Called “The Most Exciting Town in Northwest Arkansas,” Centerton is proud of its high safety ratings and parks, including McKissick Spring.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
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Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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