Is Fayetteville or Malvern Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fayetteville is safer than Malvern (Safety Score 23/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 3,057 for Malvern — 9% lower. Fayetteville has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Malvern has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Fayetteville is 9.3x 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
Malvern — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fayetteville, AR
Malvern, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fayetteville | Malvern | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,794.7 | 3,056.9 | -262.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 423.7 | 654.4 | -230.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 0.0 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 52.8 | 107.6 | -54.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.9 | 26.9 | +0.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.3 | 520.0 | -183.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,371.1 | 2,402.5 | -31.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 806.8 | -578.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,944.5 | 1,470.2 | +474.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.9 | 125.5 | +72.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Malvern safer?
Fayetteville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 3,057 for Malvern — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fayetteville has a violent crime rate of 423.7 per 100K while Malvern has 654.4. 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 Malvern, AR
Malvern, known as the "Brick Capital of the World," is a Hot Spring County seat in central Arkansas. Its population is approximately 10,000 residents, with a median age of 37. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 11,155, Malvern has a total crime rate of 3,056.9 per 100,000 residents.