Is Fayetteville or West Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fayetteville is safer than West Memphis (Safety Score 23/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 6,584 for West Memphis — 58% lower. Fayetteville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fayetteville has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Fayetteville is 4.4x 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
West Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fayetteville, AR
West Memphis, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fayetteville | West Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,794.7 | 6,584.2 | -3,789.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 423.7 | 1,926.6 | -1,502.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 72.0 | -64.3 |
| Rape Rate | 52.8 | 122.8 | -70.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.9 | 203.2 | -176.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.3 | 1,524.3 | -1,188.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,371.1 | 4,657.7 | -2,286.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 1,067.0 | -838.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,944.5 | 3,006.3 | -1,061.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.9 | 584.3 | -386.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or West Memphis safer?
Fayetteville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 6,584 for West Memphis — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fayetteville has a violent crime rate of 423.7 per 100K while West Memphis has 1,926.6. 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 West Memphis, AR
West Memphis, Arkansas, a Mississippi River town, historically served as a vital railroad hub. It's situated directly across from Memphis, Tennessee, and has a predominantly African American population. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 23,617, West Memphis has a total crime rate of 6,584.2 per 100,000 residents.