| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bethany Beach/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 88 | n/a (estimate) | 8,527 | 2,348 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 96.9 | 22.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 193.8 | 299.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 291 | 384 | 370 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 290.7 | 203.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 82 | n/a | 7,945.7 | 1,591.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 169.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 8,236 | 1,964 | 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 Bethany Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 266.9%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Bethany Beach, equivalent to 291 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 21.4%. Furthermore, Bethany Beach recorded 85 property crimes, amounting to 8236 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 321.4%.
With a crime rate of 8527 per 100,000 residents, Bethany Beach has a crime rate that is 266.88% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Bethany Beach that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
In the latest reported crime year, Bethany Beach 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.
Bethany Beach has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 8236 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Bethany Beach is 1 in 13, which is far higher than the national average.
The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Bethany Beach was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
What do the local residents think about crime in Bethany Beach? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Bethany Beach residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bethany Beach a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bethany Beach crime rate is 267% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.24 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.23 property crimes.
Bethany Beach has a poverty rate of 2.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Bethany Beach 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. Bethany Beach has an unemployment rate of 1.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
The median home price in Bethany Beach is $571,700, compared to the national average of $184,700. 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.
| Item | Bethany Beach | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 10.1 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,637 | 35 | 631 | 666 |
| Millville, DE | 1,484 | 125 | 639 | 763 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 187 | 155 | 793 | 949 |
| South Bethany, DE | 558 | 204 | 816 | 1,020 |
| West Ocean City, MD | 4,661 | 249 | 1,022 | 1,271 |
| Long Neck, DE | 2,869 | 216 | 1,106 | 1,323 |
| Berlin, MD | 4,740 | 325 | 1,336 | 1,661 |
| Bethany Beach, DE | 1,150 | 291 | 8,236 | 8,527 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ninnekah, OK | 1,150 | 0 | 500 | 500 |
| Dunnavant, AL | 1,150 | 158 | 671 | 829 |
| Groveton, TX | 1,150 | 230 | 1,224 | 1,454 |
| Mound City, MO | 1,150 | 206 | 985 | 1,191 |
| Cottage City, MD | 1,150 | 181 | 744 | 926 |
| Bethany Beach, DE | 1,150 | 291 | 8,236 | 8,527 |
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