D
8%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
27%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
15%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBessemer City/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime111n/a (estimate)1,9532,3442,119
Murder5n/a88.07.55.0
Rape4n/a70.428.037.5
Robbery2n/a35.250.260.6
Assault15n/a263.9290.1256.1
Violent crime26n/a (estimate)457376359
Burglary35n/a615.7323.9229.2
Theft42n/a738.81,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft8n/a140.7254.1258.8
Property crime85n/a (estimate)1,4951,9681,760

Bessemer City crime map

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The Bessemer City crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bessemer City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bessemer City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bessemer City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Bessemer City, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Bessemer City crime rate is 7.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Bessemer City, there were 26 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 457 per 100,000 individuals, 27.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Bessemer City recorded 85 property crimes, amounting to 1495 per 100,000 residents, 15.1% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Bessemer City per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Bessemer City crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Bessemer City has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 5 murders in Bessemer City, which is 88 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bessemer City?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Bessemer City residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 73% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Bessemer City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 27% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Bessemer City a Safe Place to Live?

Is Bessemer City a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bessemer City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 8%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.3 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.23 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bessemer City as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Bessemer City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bessemer City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bessemer City has decreased by 15.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 4% and property crime has decreased by 20.6%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bessemer City

Bessemer City has a poverty rate that stands at 13.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Bessemer City crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Bessemer City, the cost of living is 8.39% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Bessemer City, there are 0 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Compare Bessemer City, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bessemer City crime rates are 8% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bessemer City are 27% higher than the national average
      • In Bessemer City you have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bessemer City is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bessemer City has increased by 83%

      Bessemer City, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bessemer City (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Bessemer City on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of North Carolina and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Bessemer City (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to North Carolina, are 1.20 times less than the state average and 1.09 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Bessemer City on a daily basis are 1.22 times more than than North Carolina average and 1.27 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Bessemer City are 1.32 times less than the daily state average and 1.18 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Bessemer City (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Bessemer City in comparison to other North Carolina communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Bessemer City safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Bessemer City being safer than 38% of cities in North Carolina and 20% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking North Carolina cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Bessemer City. In conclusion, Bessemer City ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bessemer City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bessemer City is 1 in 219
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bessemer City is 1 in 67
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bessemer City is 1 in 52
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Bessemer City? In Bessemer City, you have a 1 in 219 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 67. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Bessemer City, NC is 1 in 52.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bessemer City (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Bessemer City, NC is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Bessemer City has increased by 84%, while the property crime rate in Bessemer City has increased by 83% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Bessemer City has increased by 83% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Bessemer City police department

        Item Bessemer City North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a14,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a4.83.3

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        McAdenville, NC1,08053276329
        Lake Wylie, SC14,454166749915
        Belwood, NC1,156156815971
        Ranlo, NC3,7803187641,082
        Clover, SC6,4971449841,128
        Stanley, NC3,8461839591,142
        Patterson Springs, NC1,0421849651,150
        Bessemer City, NC5,7504571,4951,953

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Willow Park, TX5,7492051,1231,328
        Brookshire, TX5,7525281,4151,943
        Swartz Creek, MI5,7543541,1261,480
        Berryville, AR5,7442772,4732,750
        Apple Valley, OH5,7441739111,084
        Bessemer City, NC5,7504571,4951,953
        Source: The Bessemer City, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.