“Huge drug problem and uptick lately in violent home invasion. We’ve had a recent influx of thugs it seems. The east side/lake street area is basically a slum for the most part and is getting exponentially worse with each passing year.”
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That said, I understand that Arkansas has something of a “black belt” (as do other states in the deep south). Levon Helm mentioned this in his book, “This Wheel’s On Fire”.
Does Paragould lie within it?
No, the city is overwhelmingly white. Probably 97-98%, maybe even higher. The largest minority I suspect is actually hispanic.
More specific to your question - The racial makeup of the city was 97.87% White, 0.04% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 1.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
A clue might be found in the fact that Paragould is home to Arkansas State University Paragould, Arkansas Northeastern College, Black River Technical College, and Crowley's Ridge College.
Lots of young folks, and perhaps a growing drug problem?
The crime stats show the area to be...'safer' than 3% of the cities in the US. Yes. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ar/paragould/crime/
I'd take a pass at visiting there if you are doing a tour of the Deep South - maybe just go to NO and get mugged in the French Quarter - more scenic after all.