You’ll Feel Safe Living In These 12 Arkansas Towns

Of all the 50 wonderful states in the country, Arkansas has our hearts. In addition to being absolutely, spectacularly beautiful, it’s also a safe and sweet state to call home. While, of course, the Natural State has its share of crime, by and large, there are plenty of safe towns in Arkansas. Don’t believe us?

According to the most recent data from Safewise, the safest cities in Arkansas, robbery accounts for just 5% of the violent crime rate. That’s below the state’s average of 9% and the nation’s average of 22%. What’s more, 15 of the safest cities have violent crime rates that are well below the state, regional, and national averages. Add it all up, and the Natural State is a safe and wonderful place to live — and here are the safest places to live in Arkansas.

Please note, the safety of these towns was determined by the most current data from Safewise, as well as schools and crime information from each city, and are listed in no particular order.

1. Rogers, Arkansas

One of the fastest-growing Arkansas cities, Rogers rivals Bentonville as one of the nicest places to live in northwest Arkansas. The Rogers School District continues to perform well and is one of the state's bragging points, too.

2. Magnolia, Arkansas

Known for its excellent network of local volunteer services, Magnolia (located in the southern part of the state with a population under 12,000 residents) also places education in high esteem, being the home of Southern Arkansas University.

https://web.saumag.edu/social/2019/09/24/fun-things-to-do-on-campus/

3. Bentonville, Arkansas

The city of Bentonville, Arkansas, was founded in 1837 with a population of only 30 and incorporated in 1873 with a population of 500. Today, Bentonville remains a safe and welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike.

4. El Dorado, Arkansas

Located in Union County in the southern central portion of the state, El Dorado is one of the larger towns in this part of Arkansas. A highly education focused town, El Dorado is a good place to bring up the kids with more than 400 teachers and administrators working to meet the needs of all students. Over 50 percent of El Dorado's teachers and administrators hold advanced degrees. It's also a beautiful place to live; the South Arkansas Arboretum is nearby and is a can't-miss destination.

5. Prairie Grove, Arkansas

Located in Washington County, Prairie Grove has a small-town vibe that attracts families yet isn't far from the big-town amenities that are popping up all over northwest Arkansas. The town has an amazing parks system and lots of historical attractions of interest, too.

6. Siloam Springs, Arkansas

A mid-sized town in Arkansas, Siloam Springs still maintains its quirky small town charm with a diverse number of shops and restaurants for tourists and locals to safely enjoy. As for education, the town is home to John Brown University and the Siloam Springs School District has earned overall high marks on the GreatSchools ranking system.

7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Widely known as a tourist town, the small population of Eureka Springs is a friendly populace that's practically perfect. Arkansas residents with an open mind and small-town spirit will feel very comfortable in this picturesque mountain town.

8. Mena, Arkansas

Mena, located in the western part of the state in Polk County, has a population under 6,000 residents and is home to picturesque fall colors, outdoor destinations that attract tourists from all over, antique shops, and a friendly hometown feeling. What's not to love?

9. Harrison, Arkansas

Situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Boone County, Harrison is known as a as a lodging, dining, and entertainment center for visitors to the Buffalo National River. Residents of Harrison are very genial and welcoming to tourists and new residents. Every year the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship showcases the wonders of hot air ballooning, putting the charm factor of this lovely Arkansas town over the top!

10. Cotter, Arkansas

Located in Baxter County, the small town of Cotter, Arkansas, only has a population of little over 900 residents. Despite its small-town status and comfortable north-central Arkansas location, Cotter is still strongly connected to travel as it's located near two separate commercial airports, Ozark Regional Airport and Flippin Municipal Airport. Students attend Cotter School District, including Cotter High School and Amanda Gist Elementary School. This small town is an absolute haven for trout fishing with numerous options. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours is a great resource for both beginner and experienced enthusiasts, too.

11. Jasper, Arkansas

One of the Natural State's smallest yet most culturally important towns, Jasper is a dream of a place to visit. This tiny little locale has a population of just over 740 residents, leaving all of the big town worries out of sight and out of mind. Get to know all of your new neighbors at the historic Ozark Cafe while you're there!

12. Norfork, Arkansas

Located in Baxter County, not much is heard about Norfork and the residents (population under 600) like it just fine that way! One of the oldest settlements in northern Arkansas, Norfork is small yet big on education. Norfork High School has been nationally recognized as a Silver Medalist and nationally ranked on the best High Schools Report developed by U.S. News & World Report. A great place to experience some of that history is at the Jacob Wolf House.

So, what do you think of our list of safe towns in Arkansas? Did your locale make the list? If not, no worries — Arkansas is a fantastic place to live that’s full of wonderful places to raise a family and establish a life. The Natural State is a safe and beautiful place to live, and we simply adore it!

For some of the most beautiful places to explore in the Arkansas, be sure to read our nature lovers guide to Arkansas' natural beauty.