Is Hot Springs or Joplin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joplin is safer than Hot Springs (Safety Score 5/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,681 per 100,000 versus 4,703 for Hot Springs — 0% lower. Hot Springs has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joplin has a 100% lower rate.
Hot Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joplin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hot Springs, AR
Joplin, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hot Springs | Joplin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,702.5 | 4,681.2 | +21.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.5 | 560.4 | -20.9 |
| Murder Rate | 15.8 | 0.0 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 113.2 | 89.7 | +23.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.6 | 52.3 | +0.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 352.6 | 418.4 | -65.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,163.1 | 4,120.8 | +42.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 702.6 | 416.6 | +286.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,139.4 | 3,298.9 | -159.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 321.0 | 405.4 | -84.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hot Springs or Joplin safer?
Joplin is safer with a total crime rate of 4,681 per 100K vs 4,703 for Hot Springs — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hot Springs has a violent crime rate of 539.5 per 100K while Joplin has 560.4. Hot Springs has lower violent crime.
About Hot Springs, AR
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is renowned for its thermal waters and Bathhouse Row. Historically a resort town, its population hovers around 38,000, attracting visitors to its natural spring-fed attractions. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 38,001, Hot Springs has a total crime rate of 4,702.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Joplin, MO
Joplin, a city along historic Route 66, sits in Missouri's southwestern corner. Its economy has historically been tied to lead and zinc mining. The population is around 50,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 53,533, Joplin has a total crime rate of 4,681.2 per 100,000 residents.