| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bethel/100k people | Alaska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 245 | n/a (estimate) | 3,901 | 2,435 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 493.6 | 122.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 63.7 | 82.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 1,098.7 | 513.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 104 | n/a (estimate) | 1,656 | 724 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 414.0 | 238.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 85 | n/a | 1,353.5 | 1,227.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 30 | n/a | 477.7 | 245.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 141 | n/a (estimate) | 2,245 | 1,711 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Bethel is 84.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Bethel, there were 104 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1656 per 100,000 individuals, 361.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 141 property crimes, amounting to 2245 per 100,000 residents, 27.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Bethel has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1656 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Bethel falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 61 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In the latest reported crime year, Bethel 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.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Bethel has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Bethel reported 30 vehicle thefts, which equates to 478 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Bethel is 1 in 210.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bethel. Based on the results of the surveys (6 responses), 33% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bethel and felt safe walking alone at night. While 67% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Bethel 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, Bethel has an overall crime rate that is 84% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.67 daily occurrences, comprising 0.28 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Bethel as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bethel has increased by 82.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bethel, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 25.3%, while property crime has increased by 176.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bethel is a safe place to live.
In Bethel, the cost of living is 31.61% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bethel, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.65 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 Bethel, the average rental rates are $2,256 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Bethel | Alaska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 1,171 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alaska /100K | National /100K |
| Alaska | 3,433 | 490 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Napaskiak, AK | 555 | 1,170 | 2,765 | 3,935 |
| Napakiak, AK | 607 | 1,170 | 2,765 | 3,935 |
| Kwethluk, AK | 475 | 1,170 | 2,765 | 3,935 |
| Bethel, AK | 6,743 | 1,656 | 2,245 | 3,901 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Canton, NY | 6,743 | 429 | 1,940 | 2,369 |
| De Queen, AR | 6,743 | 217 | 1,717 | 1,934 |
| Oneonta, AL | 6,743 | 185 | 3,280 | 3,465 |
| Anadarko, OK | 6,746 | 606 | 2,514 | 3,120 |
| Cumming, GA | 6,747 | 178 | 914 | 1,092 |
| Bethel, AK | 6,743 | 1,656 | 2,245 | 3,901 |
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