Is Fayetteville or Forrest City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fayetteville is safer than Forrest City (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 4,030 for Forrest City — 31% lower. Fayetteville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fayetteville has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Fayetteville is 8.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fayetteville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Forrest City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fayetteville, AR
Forrest City, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fayetteville | Forrest City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,794.7 | 4,030.2 | -1,235.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 423.7 | 1,175.8 | -752.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 40.5 | -32.9 |
| Rape Rate | 52.8 | 56.8 | -3.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.9 | 24.3 | +2.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.3 | 1,054.2 | -717.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,371.1 | 2,854.4 | -483.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 429.8 | -201.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,944.5 | 2,027.3 | -82.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.9 | 397.3 | -199.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Forrest City safer?
Fayetteville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 4,030 for Forrest City — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fayetteville has a violent crime rate of 423.7 per 100K while Forrest City has 1,175.8. Fayetteville has lower violent crime.
About Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville, Arkansas, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, is home to the University of Arkansas and a vibrant arts scene. Its population of over 95,000 residents enjoys a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 104,089, Fayetteville has a total crime rate of 2,794.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Forrest City, AR
Forrest City, "The Jewel of the Delta," sits in eastern Arkansas along Crowley's Ridge. This St. Francis County seat developed with the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad, and its diverse population reflects the region's agricultural heritage. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 12,332, Forrest City has a total crime rate of 4,030.2 per 100,000 residents.