| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bennington/100k people | Vermont/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 568 | n/a (estimate) | 3,712 | 1,893 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 13.1 | 3.4 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 13.1 | 36.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 45.7 | 13.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 82 | n/a | 535.9 | 168.5 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 93 | n/a (estimate) | 608 | 222 | 370 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 222.2 | 152.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 435 | n/a | 2,842.9 | 1,425.5 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 39.2 | 93.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 475 | n/a (estimate) | 3,104 | 1,671 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bennington crime rate is higher than the national average by 59.7%. Specifically, there were 93 violent crimes in Bennington, equivalent to 608 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 64.4%. Furthermore, Bennington recorded 475 property crimes, amounting to 3104 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 58.8%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Bennington stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Bennington, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Bennington residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Bennington residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Bennington is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bennington has a total crime rate that is 60% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.56 daily crimes (0.25 violent daily crimes and 1.3 daily property crimes) in Bennington.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bennington. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bennington has increased by 109.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 144.7%, while property crime has increased by 103.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bennington.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Bennington crime rates. For instance, in Bennington, the population density stands at 1768.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bennington, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.91 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bennington, the average monthly rent stands at $866, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Bennington | Vermont | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 30 | 632 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Vermont /100K | National /100K |
| Vermont | 1,201 | 188 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arlington, VT | 1,483 | 71 | 537 | 609 |
| Williamstown, MA | 4,565 | 75 | 648 | 723 |
| North Bennington, VT | 1,551 | 91 | 688 | 779 |
| Old Bennington, VT | 218 | 95 | 714 | 809 |
| Cambridge, NY | 2,274 | 208 | 835 | 1,043 |
| Hoosick Falls, NY | 3,361 | 296 | 1,187 | 1,483 |
| South Shaftsbury, VT | 459 | 310 | 2,332 | 2,642 |
| Bennington, VT | 8,539 | 608 | 3,104 | 3,712 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Booneville, MS | 8,539 | 265 | 4,391 | 4,657 |
| Montvale, NJ | 8,538 | 24 | 545 | 569 |
| Wyoming, OH | 8,540 | 23 | 578 | 601 |
| Fallon, NV | 8,540 | 171 | 1,442 | 1,613 |
| Morrisville, PA | 8,540 | 214 | 1,134 | 1,348 |
| Bennington, VT | 8,539 | 608 | 3,104 | 3,712 |
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