Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and low cost of living. However, not all towns in the state are equally attractive to residents and visitors. Some towns are plagued by high crime rates, poor economic prospects, or environmental issues that make them undesirable places to live. Here are seven Arkansas towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff is the most dangerous city in Arkansas, with a violent crime rate of 1,993 per 100,000 residents, according to FBI data. The city also has a high poverty rate of 28.6%, and a low median household income of $31,944. Pine Bluff has been losing population for decades, and is projected to shrink by another 8.5% by 2025.
2. West Memphis
West Memphis is another crime-ridden city in Arkansas, with a violent crime rate of 1,880 per 100,000 residents. The city is located across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, and suffers from the spillover of drug trafficking and gang violence. West Memphis also has a high poverty rate of 27.9%, and a low median household income of $33,508. The city’s population has declined by 11.4% since 2010, and is expected to drop by another 4.4% by 2025.
3. Blytheville
Blytheville is a small city in northeastern Arkansas, near the border with Missouri. The city was once a thriving industrial hub, but has fallen into decline since the closure of several factories and military bases. Blytheville has a high poverty rate of 32.5%, and a low median household income of $28,513. The city also has a high unemployment rate of 9.1%, and a low educational attainment rate of 14.2% for bachelor’s degree or higher. Blytheville’s population has decreased by 15.6% since 2010, and is projected to lose another 6.9% by 2025.
4. Helena-West Helena
Helena-West Helena is a consolidated city-county in eastern Arkansas, along the Mississippi River. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, especially its blues music scene. However, the city also faces many challenges, such as high crime, poverty, and unemployment. Helena-West Helena has a violent crime rate of 1,566 per 100,000 residents, a poverty rate of 38.9%, and a median household income of $24,540. The city’s population has fallen by 12.8% since 2010, and is forecasted to decline by another 7.6% by 2025.
5. Camden
Camden is a city in southern Arkansas, near the Ouachita River. The city was once a prosperous center of trade and manufacturing, but has suffered from the loss of many businesses and jobs. Camden has a poverty rate of 35.4%, and a median household income of $29,645. The city also has a high unemployment rate of 8.6%, and a low educational attainment rate of 13.4% for bachelor’s degree or higher. Camden’s population has dwindled by 16.4% since 2010, and is estimated to decrease by another 8.1% by 2025.
6. El Dorado
El Dorado is a city in south-central Arkansas, near the Louisiana border. The city was once a booming oil town, but has seen its fortunes decline since the oil bust of the 1980s. El Dorado has a poverty rate of 23.8%, and a median household income of $37,506. The city also has a high unemployment rate of 7.9%, and a low educational attainment rate of 16.9% for bachelor’s degree or higher. El Dorado’s population has dropped by 10.5% since 2010, and is predicted to fall by another 5.6% by 2025.
7. Forrest City
Forrest City is a city in eastern Arkansas, near the Mississippi River. The city is known for its agricultural production, especially rice and soybeans. However, the city also struggles with high crime, poverty, and unemployment. Forrest City has a violent crime rate of 1,261 per 100,000 residents, a poverty rate of 32.7%, and a median household income of $27,864. The city also has a high unemployment rate of 9.3%, and a low educational attainment rate of 12.9% for bachelor’s degree or higher. Forrest City’s population has shrunk by 9.4% since 2010, and is expected to decrease by another 5.3% by 2025.
Conclusion
These seven Arkansas towns are examples of places that people are fleeing as soon as possible, due to various factors such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and environmental issues. These towns have been losing population for years, and are likely to continue to do so in the near future. While some of these towns may have potential for revival, they will need significant investment, innovation, and collaboration to overcome their challenges and attract new residents and visitors.