Is Little Rock or Van Buren Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren is safer than Little Rock (Safety Score 28/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100,000 versus 6,887 for Little Rock — 63% lower. Little Rock has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Little Rock 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.
Little Rock — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Van Buren — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Little Rock | Van Buren | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,886.8 | 2,519.8 | +4,366.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,672.5 | 474.5 | +1,198.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.6 | 0.0 | +17.6 |
| Rape Rate | 115.1 | 49.1 | +66.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 217.9 | 16.4 | +201.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,321.4 | 409.1 | +912.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,214.3 | 2,045.3 | +3,169.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 937.1 | 580.9 | +356.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,823.8 | 1,362.2 | +2,461.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 453.4 | 102.3 | +351.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Rock or Van Buren safer?
Van Buren is safer with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100K vs 6,887 for Little Rock — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Little Rock has a violent crime rate of 1,672.5 per 100K while Van Buren has 474.5. Van Buren has lower violent crime.
About Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, Arkansas, a city along the Arkansas River, is notable as the site of the 1957 Central High School desegregation crisis. Its population is approximately 203,000, serving as the state capital and a regional hub for commerce and transportation. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 204,247, Little Rock has a total crime rate of 6,886.8 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.