| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bedford/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 120 | n/a (estimate) | 1,760 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 88.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 102.7 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 191 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 161.3 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 91 | n/a | 1,334.5 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 73.3 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 1,569 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
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 Bedford crime rate is lower than the national average by 17%. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes in Bedford, equivalent to 191 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 46.9%. Furthermore, Bedford recorded 107 property crimes, amounting to 1569 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 10.9%.
In the most recently reported crime year, Bedford registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
In the most recent release, Bedford reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Bedford, there were 1569 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Bedford to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 57% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bedford and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 43% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Bedford 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. Bedford has a total crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.33 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.29 daily property crimes) in Bedford.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bedford has increased by 87.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bedford, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 85.7%, while property crime has increased by 87.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bedford is a safe place to live.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Bedford currently has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Bedford, 78.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Bedford, the cost of living is 6.96% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Bedford | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Buchanan, VA | 1,214 | 103 | 745 | 848 |
| Forest, VA | 11,470 | 190 | 1,367 | 1,556 |
| Big Island, VA | 178 | 298 | 2,148 | 2,446 |
| Montvale, VA | 502 | 300 | 2,157 | 2,457 |
| Altavista, VA | 3,531 | 271 | 2,955 | 3,227 |
| Bedford, VA | 6,790 | 191 | 1,569 | 1,760 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Vernon, IN | 6,789 | 333 | 808 | 1,140 |
| Oak View, CA | 6,791 | 269 | 1,150 | 1,419 |
| Southgate, FL | 6,789 | 89 | 474 | 563 |
| Desert Palms, CA | 6,788 | 239 | 1,021 | 1,259 |
| Pikeville, KY | 6,794 | 191 | 1,444 | 1,634 |
| Bedford, VA | 6,790 | 191 | 1,569 | 1,760 |
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