| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Benton/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 1,406 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 83.9 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 84 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 230.9 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 48 | n/a | 1,007.3 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 83.9 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 1,322 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
The Benton crime rates are 33.7% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 4 violent crimes in Benton (84 per 100,000 people), which is 76.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 63 property crimes (1322 per 100,000 residents) which is 24.9% lower than average.
Benton distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 84 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Benton among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Benton 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.
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 34% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.18 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.17 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 data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Benton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Benton has decreased by 8.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 300%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.5%. 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.
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. Benton, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 0%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
The median home price in Benton is $238,639, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Benton are $1,081, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| 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 | 1,783 | 85 | 540 | 625 |
| Reidland, KY | 4,437 | 114 | 722 | 836 |
| Kuttawa, KY | 524 | 127 | 803 | 930 |
| Symsonia, KY | 551 | 150 | 952 | 1,102 |
| Grand Rivers, KY | 433 | 161 | 1,021 | 1,182 |
| Farley, KY | 4,588 | 184 | 1,163 | 1,347 |
| Calvert City, KY | 2,568 | 0 | 1,986 | 1,986 |
| Benton, KY | 4,641 | 84 | 1,322 | 1,406 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Poplar Grove, IL | 4,641 | 166 | 985 | 1,151 |
| Montgomery, NY | 4,641 | 243 | 1,101 | 1,345 |
| Aurora, NE | 4,642 | 64 | 360 | 424 |
| Wamego, KS | 4,642 | 257 | 1,144 | 1,400 |
| South Greeley, WY | 4,643 | 200 | 1,211 | 1,410 |
| Benton, KY | 4,641 | 84 | 1,322 | 1,406 |
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