C
39%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
39%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBedford/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime216n/a (estimate)3,2331,9302,324
Murder0n/a0.07.36.3
Rape8n/a119.730.240.0
Robbery1n/a15.038.466.1
Assault6n/a89.8158.1268.2
Violent crime15n/a (estimate)225234370
Burglary10n/a149.7124.6269.8
Theft181n/a2,709.21,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft10n/a149.7160.7282.7
Property crime201n/a (estimate)3,0091,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bedford, VA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bedford is 39.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Bedford, equivalent to 225 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 39.3%. Additionally, Bedford recorded 201 property crimes, amounting to 3009 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 53.9%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Bedford experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bedford?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bedford. Based on the results of the surveys (12 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bedford and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bedford a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Bedford, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bedford presents a total crime rate that is 39% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bedford experiences an average of 0.59 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.55 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Bedford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bedford crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bedford has increased by 237.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 114.3% and property crime has increased by 252.6%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bedford

Bedford has a poverty rate of 27.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bedford, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Bedford stands at $148,000, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Bedford crime map



The Bedford crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bedford as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bedford crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bedford crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bedford crime rates are 39% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bedford are 39% lower than the national average
      • In Bedford you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bedford is safer than 33% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bedford has increased by 236%

      Bedford, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Bedford

        See all the best places to live around Bedford
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Bedford?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Bedford?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Bedford poll results

        Daily Crime In Bedford (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Bedford, VA per 100,000 people. In Bedford, the total number of daily crimes is 1.68 times more than the Virginia average and 1.39 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Bedford is 1.04 times less than the Virginia average and 1.65 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Bedford has a daily crime rate that is 1.77 times more than the Virginia average and 1.54 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Bedford (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Bedford, Virginia compared to other areas of Virginia, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Bedford safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Bedford is safer than 33% of Virginia cities, and 33% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Virginia, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Bedford. At this time, Bedford sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bedford

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bedford is 1 in 446
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bedford is 1 in 34
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bedford is 1 in 31
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Bedford, Virginia? If you reside in Bedford, then there is a 1 in 446 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 34. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 31 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Bedford.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bedford (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Bedford is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Bedford violent crime rates have increased by 114%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 251% year over year. Total crimes for Bedford has increased by 236% in the same time frame.

        Bedford police department

        Item Bedford Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)248,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.83.23.3
        There are a total of 24 Bedford police officers. This results in 3.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 19.3% greater than the Virginia average and 18.1% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Buchanan, VA1,172110797907
        Forest, VA11,0752461,7852,031
        Altavista, VA3,4392992,3002,599
        Big Island, VA1743352,4272,762
        Montvale, VA4863462,5102,856
        Bedford, VA6,5992253,0093,233

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Desert Palms, CA6,5993451,6191,964
        Marion, SC6,5981,0115,4086,418
        Atlantic, IA6,6004611,7692,230
        Anadarko, OK6,6009383,9224,859
        Torrington, WY6,5971462,2462,392
        Bedford, VA6,5992253,0093,233
        Source: The Bedford, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.