Is Wynne Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wynne
Wynne, Arkansas, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, nestled between the Arkansas Delta and Crowley’s Ridge. This community is known for its proximity to Village Creek State Park, providing residents with access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Wynne serves as the county seat of Cross County, contributing to its role as a local hub.
The city’s history is intertwined with the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railroad, which played a significant role in its development. Today, Wynne continues to be a place where community ties are strong, and the pace of life is generally more relaxed than in larger metropolitan areas.
Is it Safe to Live in Wynne?
Wynne, Arkansas, faces challenges with its crime rates, which are notably higher than national and state averages. The city experiences a significant number of both violent and property crimes, with specific areas within the city showing higher incident rates. Residents often perceive the southeast part of the city as the safest, while the northeast experiences more incidents.
The overall crime rate in Wynne is considerably higher than the national average, with a substantial increase in both violent and property crimes reported. This trend suggests that while many communities in Arkansas are safer, Wynne’s crime statistics place it in a less favorable percentile for safety. The cost of crime, both for the justice system and for victims, is also a significant factor to consider within the city.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in Wynne is a significant concern, standing at 1023 per 100,000 individuals, which is substantially higher than the national average (as reported by various crime statistics sources). This rate places Wynne within the lower percentiles for safety when compared to other U.S. cities. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wynne is notably higher than in many other communities across the state and nation.
Violent crimes encompass offenses such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder. In Wynne, these incidents contribute to the city’s elevated crime statistics. The data indicates that within Arkansas, a large majority of communities have lower violent crime rates than Wynne. The perceived safety can also vary by neighborhood, with some areas being considered safer than others.
Property Crime
Property crime is also a significant issue in Wynne, with rates that are considerably above the national average. These crimes include offenses like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Wynne has been noted for having a particularly high rate of motor vehicle theft when compared to communities of all sizes across the country.
The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Wynne is substantial, with specific rates per thousand residents highlighting this concern. This elevated property crime rate contributes to the overall perception of safety within the city. NeighborhoodScout data indicates that Wynne has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationally.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wynne, Arkansas, is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. This lower cost extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, transportation, and utilities. The overall economic environment suggests that residents may find their budgets stretching further in Wynne compared to many other parts of the United States.
While overall costs are lower, it’s important to note that specific expenses can fluctuate. The cost of living index is calculated by accumulating expenses such as food, transportation, healthcare services, rent, utilities, and taxes. This comprehensive approach provides a clear picture of the financial landscape for individuals and families considering a move to Wynne.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Wynne present a significant advantage for potential residents, being substantially lower than the national average. The median home value in Wynne is considerably less than the Arkansas state average, making homeownership more accessible. This affordability extends to rental properties as well, with average rents generally falling below the state average.
The median home price in Wynne is reported to be around $141,100 (as of 2024) (Data USA). This figure represents a notable increase from previous years, indicating a growing real estate market. The homeownership rate in Wynne is approximately 59.5%, which is slightly lower than the national average (Data USA).
Average Salary and Income
The average salary in Wynne, Arkansas, offers a different perspective on the city’s economic conditions. While the cost of living is lower, the average income levels are also modest. The median household income provides a benchmark for the financial standing of families in the area.
As of 2024, the median household income in Wynne was $43,250 (Data USA, Point2Homes, Wynne Demographics). This figure is lower than many national averages, but when considered alongside the lower cost of living, it paints a picture of a community where financial resources may be managed effectively. The average salary for an average job in Wynne is approximately $34,000 per year (Zippia).
Job Market and Economy
Wynne’s job market is characterized by a concentration of employment in specific sectors, with healthcare and social assistance being a primary area of employment. Retail trade and manufacturing also provide significant employment opportunities for residents. The local economy is supported by a workforce that is largely engaged in these key industries.
The employment landscape in Wynne shows a slight decline in the number of employed individuals from 2023 to 2024. The most common job groups include those in office and administrative support, sales, and education and library occupations. Understanding these employment trends is crucial for anyone considering relocating to Wynne for career opportunities.
Major Employers
Several key employers form the backbone of Wynne’s economy, providing a substantial number of jobs within the community. The Wynne School District is a major employer, reflecting the importance of education within the town. Healthcare providers and retail giants also play a crucial role in the local job market.
Other significant employers in Wynne include Mueller Copper Tube Products, Walmart Stores, Inc., and NMF, Inc., which focuses on footwear manufacturing. CrossRidge Community Hospital and Hays Food Town are also vital to the local employment scene (Arkansas Economic Development Commission). These diverse employers offer a range of opportunities across various skill levels.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Wynne has been a point of concern, standing at a notable percentage of the labor force. This rate indicates the portion of the workforce that is actively seeking employment but unable to find it. An elevated unemployment rate can have broader implications for the economic stability of a community.
The unemployment rate in Wynne is reported to be around 10.3% (Point2Homes). This figure is higher than the generally accepted healthy rate of 4% to 5%, suggesting potential challenges in the local job market. The labor force participation rate in Wynne is approximately 63.01% (townfolio.co).
Climate and Weather
Wynne, Arkansas, experiences a climate typical of the southeastern United States, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The region has a humid subtropical climate, with distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Understanding these weather patterns is essential for those planning to live in or visit Wynne.
The weather in Wynne can be described as having long, hot, and muggy summers, with short, cold, wet, and windy winters. The city experiences a partly cloudy sky for much of the year. Seasonal changes bring varying conditions, from the warmth of summer to the cooler temperatures of winter.
Temperatures
During the summer months, Wynne can experience significant heat, with July typically being the hottest month. Average high temperatures in July can reach around 90°F, with lows around 72°F (myPerfectWeather). The hot season generally extends from late May through late September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 82°F.
Conversely, winter in Wynne is characterized by cooler temperatures. January is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 32°F and highs near 48°F (myPerfectWeather, U.S. Climate Data). The cool season typically lasts from late November through late February, with daily highs often falling below 56°F.
Rainfall
Wynne receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 51 inches (myPerfectWeather, U.S. Climate Data). The distribution of rain is not uniform, with certain months experiencing significantly more precipitation than others.
April is typically the wettest month in Wynne, with average rainfall reaching around 6 inches (myPerfectWeather). Conversely, August tends to be the driest month, with an average of about 2.1 inches of rain. The period from March to July often sees a higher chance of wet days, with over 31% probability during these months.
Education and Schools
The educational landscape in Wynne, Arkansas, is primarily served by the Wynne School District, which caters to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. While the district faces challenges, including a high rate of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, it strives to provide educational opportunities for its student population.
Wynne Intermediate School has been noted for its strong performance in English Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, and Science, ranking well among elementary schools in the state (SchoolDigger.com). However, Wynne High School has shown a decline in its statewide ranking and proficiency rates in recent years, indicating areas for potential improvement within the district.
School Ratings
School ratings in Wynne present a mixed picture, with some schools performing better than others. Wynne Intermediate School is recognized for its academic achievements and higher statewide ranking compared to other elementary schools in the district (SchoolDigger.com). This indicates a level of quality education at the elementary level.
Wynne High School, on the other hand, ranks within the bottom 50% of schools in Arkansas based on overall test scores. While its graduation rate is strong, proficiency in math and reading is a concern, with math proficiency being particularly low (Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio at Wynne High School is 9:1, which is favorable compared to the state average.
Demographics
Wynne, Arkansas, is a city with a population of approximately 8,120 residents as of 2024 (Data USA). The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population, followed by a significant Black or African American population. Other racial and ethnic groups are represented in smaller percentages.
The median age in Wynne is around 37.6 years (Wynne Demographics). The population distribution shows a notable percentage of residents under 18 and a considerable segment of those aged 65 and older. For every 100 females, there are approximately 85.2 males in the population (Wynne Demographics).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Wynne, AR, is primarily composed of White residents, who constitute the largest demographic group. Black or African American residents form the second-largest group, followed by those identifying with two or more races. Asian residents are also present in smaller numbers.
As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents account for approximately 4,650 individuals, making them the most numerous ethnic group. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents number around 2,100. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a smaller portion of the population, at about 3.76% (Data USA). These figures highlight the primary ethnic and racial composition of Wynne.