| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Benton/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 1,614 | 1,663 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 21.0 | 33.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 21.0 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 42 | 214 | 370 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 230.6 | 244.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 55 | n/a | 1,152.8 | 989.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 188.6 | 214.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 1,572 | 1,449 | 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 Benton crime rate is lower than the national average by 30.6%. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes in Benton, equivalent to 42 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 88.7%. Furthermore, Benton recorded 75 property crimes, amounting to 1572 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 19.6%.
Benton stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 42 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Benton secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Benton reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Determining whether Benton is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Benton has an overall crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.21 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Benton as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Benton has increased by 5.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Benton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 4.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Benton.
Benton has a population density of 892.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Benton crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Benton, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.84, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Benton, the average rental rates are $702 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Benton | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kentucky /100K | National /100K |
| Kentucky | 9,099 | 222 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ledbetter, KY | 1,720 | 91 | 616 | 707 |
| Reidland, KY | 4,334 | 120 | 811 | 931 |
| Grand Rivers, KY | 421 | 153 | 1,034 | 1,187 |
| Kuttawa, KY | 514 | 173 | 1,174 | 1,347 |
| Farley, KY | 4,458 | 189 | 1,281 | 1,470 |
| Symsonia, KY | 529 | 223 | 1,510 | 1,733 |
| Calvert City, KY | 2,513 | 198 | 1,547 | 1,745 |
| Benton, KY | 4,498 | 42 | 1,572 | 1,614 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Royal Pines, NC | 4,499 | 196 | 1,000 | 1,196 |
| Louisburg, KS | 4,499 | 239 | 1,414 | 1,652 |
| Poplar Grove, IL | 4,497 | 177 | 1,039 | 1,216 |
| New Roads, LA | 4,500 | 432 | 1,887 | 2,319 |
| Whiteland, IN | 4,495 | 0 | 869 | 869 |
| Benton, KY | 4,498 | 42 | 1,572 | 1,614 |
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