| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bessemer City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 111 | n/a (estimate) | 1,953 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 88.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 70.4 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 35.2 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 263.9 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 457 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 35 | n/a | 615.7 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 42 | n/a | 738.8 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 140.7 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 1,495 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

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.
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? 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.
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%.
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.
| Item | Bessemer City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McAdenville, NC | 1,080 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| Lake Wylie, SC | 14,454 | 166 | 749 | 915 |
| Belwood, NC | 1,156 | 156 | 815 | 971 |
| Ranlo, NC | 3,780 | 318 | 764 | 1,082 |
| Clover, SC | 6,497 | 144 | 984 | 1,128 |
| Stanley, NC | 3,846 | 183 | 959 | 1,142 |
| Patterson Springs, NC | 1,042 | 184 | 965 | 1,150 |
| Bessemer City, NC | 5,750 | 457 | 1,495 | 1,953 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Willow Park, TX | 5,749 | 205 | 1,123 | 1,328 |
| Brookshire, TX | 5,752 | 528 | 1,415 | 1,943 |
| Swartz Creek, MI | 5,754 | 354 | 1,126 | 1,480 |
| Berryville, AR | 5,744 | 277 | 2,473 | 2,750 |
| Apple Valley, OH | 5,744 | 173 | 911 | 1,084 |
| Bessemer City, NC | 5,750 | 457 | 1,495 | 1,953 |