| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bennington/100k people | Vermont/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 433 | n/a (estimate) | 2,855 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 6.6 | 34.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 19.8 | 14.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 55 | n/a | 362.7 | 166.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 59 | n/a (estimate) | 389 | 219 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 217.6 | 130.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 334 | n/a | 2,202.4 | 1,433.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 46.2 | 63.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 374 | n/a (estimate) | 2,466 | 1,628 | 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 Bennington crime rate is higher than the national average by 34.7%. Specifically, there were 59 violent crimes in Bennington, equivalent to 389 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 8.3%. Furthermore, Bennington recorded 374 property crimes, amounting to 2466 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 40.1%.
The violent crime rate in Bennington closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 389 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Bennington as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the latest reported crime year, Bennington recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
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 35% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.19 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 1.02 daily property crimes) in Bennington.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bennington. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bennington has increased by 59.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 55.3%, while property crimes have increased by 60.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bennington crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bennington has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Bennington crime rates. The population density in Bennington is 1838.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Bennington, 82.6% 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.
| 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 | 1,538 | 83 | 618 | 701 |
| North Bennington, VT | 1,594 | 87 | 648 | 735 |
| Old Bennington, VT | 224 | 88 | 658 | 746 |
| Williamstown, MA | 4,701 | 95 | 872 | 967 |
| Cambridge, NY | 2,333 | 193 | 873 | 1,066 |
| Hoosick Falls, NY | 3,491 | 235 | 1,064 | 1,300 |
| South Shaftsbury, VT | 475 | 211 | 1,565 | 1,775 |
| Bennington, VT | 8,880 | 389 | 2,466 | 2,855 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Berthoud, CO | 8,879 | 301 | 1,642 | 1,943 |
| Whitehouse, TX | 8,878 | 70 | 379 | 448 |
| Clayton, NJ | 8,878 | 141 | 751 | 892 |
| Midway City, CA | 8,883 | 419 | 1,791 | 2,209 |
| Elsmere, KY | 8,876 | 98 | 832 | 930 |
| Bennington, VT | 8,880 | 389 | 2,466 | 2,855 |
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