Issues With Personal Safety in Arkansas And How To Address Them
Your safety is one of many essential factors to explore before moving to Arkansas. So, let’s dive into this question: why is Arkansas so dangerous?
My niece lives in Little Rock. At the same time, my wife’s family lives in a small north-central Arkansas town. As a result, evaluating the state’s safety risks is critical for my piece of mind.
First, I will address the question head-on so you can quickly assess whether Arkansas is safe for you and your family.
Why Is Arkansas So Dangerous?
Arkansas faces many challenges that impact the safety and well-being of its residents. The state has high crime rates, encounters natural disasters, and has poor healthcare service outcomes. Poverty, severe seasonal weather events, high rates of obesity, and lack of access to medical care in rural counties all create dangers in Arkansas.
What’s behind these problems? Read on to explore these issues in greater detail so you can ensure your safety after moving to Arkansas.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. The Arkansas Crime Rate Is One Of The Highest Of All States In The Country
Living in Arkansas is dangerous because the state’s violent crime rate is nearly twice the U.S. average. The statistics put Arkansas near the bottom of all states in the country. Property crime is similarly high after taking into account crime per 100,000 residents.
Sources: Wisevoter and Review.org
So, is Arkansas a safe state? Crime statistics suggest it is not.
Several of the most dangerous cities in Arkansas include:
- Blytheville
- El Dorado
- Fordyce
- Fort Smith
- Helena-West Helena
- Hot Springs
- Jacksonville
- Little Rock
- Newport
- Osceola
- Pine Bluff
- West Memphis
2. Unhealthy Habits Of Arkansas Residents Make Then Prone To Poor Health
Health habits are the second reason living in Arkansas is so dangerous. Studies show that nearly 40% of the population is obese, representing one of the highest obesity rates in the country.
Source: World Population Review
The poor showing is partly due to excessive high-fat comfort food and physical inactivity.
Are you still wondering why Arkansas is so dangerous? If yes, let’s move on to reason number three.
3. Limited Access To Quality Health Care Services Leads To Poor Health Outcomes For Arkansas Residents
The state’s lower safety evaluation is partly a result of limited access to healthcare facilities and competent service providers. The state’s vast rural areas and small towns can’t support the cost of these facilities and enough providers to staff them.
Furthermore, after receiving health services, a recent study by WalletHub indicates Arkansas is near the bottom of all states for positive healthcare outcomes. Mortality rates, life expectancy, and a high rate of chronic diseases all factor into the poor showing.
As a result, choose your location with access to health care in mind, especially for anyone considering retiring to Arkansas.
4. Poverty And Economic Inequality Contribute To The Dangers Of Living In Arkansas
The dangers of Arkansas are related to the financial circumstances of residents. Most noteworthy, Arkansas is one of the country’s poorest, with nearly 15% of the population living below the poverty line.
Source: Wikipedia
Furthermore, across the United States, there is a close relationship between income levels and personal safety. Poverty and income inequality are frequently related to higher crime areas, reduced affordability of health care services, and higher drug usage.
Each of these factors reduces the safety and increases the dangers of living in Arkansas.
More reading: Comparing Arkansas to living in Missouri
Okay, if you aren’t convinced yet, I have two more reasons why Arkansas is so dangerous. Furthermore, these last two points relate to mother nature.
5. Tornado Activity Makes Arkansas A Dangerous State To Live In
My fifth reason living in Arkansas is so dangerous is tornadoes. For example, on average, nearly 40 tornados hit the state each year.
Source: Wikipedia
Record years include 107 tornadoes in 1999, 81 in 2008, and 75 in 2011.
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
6. Mother Nature’s Creatures And Critters Make Arkansas Living Dangerous
Arkansas is not as safe as other parts of the country because of mother nature’s creatures, big and small.
As a result of the state’s vast wilderness and warm, humid conditions, there are venomous snakes and spiders, disease-carrying mosquitos, black bears, and even some alligators.
Most of the wildlife won’t bother you as long as you don’t bother them. Mosquitos are the exception to the rule.
Okay. That’s all I have for today regarding the dangers of Arkansas living.
Please allow me to wrap up with some parting thoughts. Plus, I have a few tips for making the state safer so you won’t dislike living in Arkansas after you move.
6 Reasons Why Arkansas Is So Dangerous And What To Do About It
The six reasons Arkansas is so dangerous include the following:
- Crime
- Unhealthy habits
- Limited access to healthcare
- Poverty
- Tornadoes
- Critters and creatures
On the other hand, many Arkansas residents lead happy, healthy lives.
Is Arkansas a safe place to live? Yes. My experiences and those of my extended family suggest it is so.
However, here are a few tips for reducing the dangers of living in Arkansas.
Tips For Maximizing Your Safety In Arkansas
Do your research and move to a safe neighborhood. For example, many of the state’s safest cities and small towns have little to no crime. Furthermore, most of northwest Arkansas has lower crime rates.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid certain parts of the most dangerous cities I listed in the article.
Install a security system to protect your home from property crime. Lock your car and never leave valuables visible through the windows.
Do not surprise wildlife while enjoying the state’s natural areas. Furthermore, always hike, bike, or camp with others.
Put emergency preparedness plans in place so you and your family will be ready when a tornado strikes.
Practice good health habits. Eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly.
Buy health care insurance and move in or around one of the state’s more populated areas. For example, UAMS Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital are considered excellent providers in Little Rock.
So, what’s the bottom line?
How Safe Is Arkansas?
Arkansas is a safe place to live, but only when you choose your location wisely, take basic precautions, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Take control of your life. Be part of the solution, and you can make Arkansas a safer place to live.
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.