Is Fayetteville or Van Buren Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren is safer than Fayetteville (Safety Score 28/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100,000 versus 2,795 for Fayetteville — 10% lower. Fayetteville has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Fayetteville is 4.3x 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
Van Buren — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fayetteville, AR
Van Buren, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fayetteville | Van Buren | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,794.7 | 2,519.8 | +274.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 423.7 | 474.5 | -50.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 0.0 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 52.8 | 49.1 | +3.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.9 | 16.4 | +10.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.3 | 409.1 | -72.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,371.1 | 2,045.3 | +325.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 580.9 | -352.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,944.5 | 1,362.2 | +582.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.9 | 102.3 | +95.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Van Buren safer?
Van Buren is safer with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100K vs 2,795 for Fayetteville — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fayetteville has a violent crime rate of 423.7 per 100K while Van Buren has 474.5. 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 Van Buren, AR
Van Buren, Arkansas, a city of around 25,000 in Crawford County, sits on the Arkansas River's north bank. It's known for its historic downtown, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 24,446, Van Buren has a total crime rate of 2,519.8 per 100,000 residents.