| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bethlehem/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,247 | n/a (estimate) | 1,575 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 2.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 40.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 27.8 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 107 | n/a | 135.1 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 163 | n/a (estimate) | 206 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 67 | n/a | 84.6 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 911 | n/a | 1,150.3 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 106 | n/a | 133.8 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,084 | n/a (estimate) | 1,369 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
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 Bethlehem crime rate is lower than the national average by 25.7%. Specifically, there were 163 violent crimes in Bethlehem, equivalent to 206 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 42.7%. Furthermore, Bethlehem recorded 1084 property crimes, amounting to 1369 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 22.2%.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Bethlehem residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 65% of Bethlehem residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 35% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bethlehem, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bethlehem presents a total crime rate that is 26% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bethlehem experiences an average of 3.42 daily crimes, comprising 0.45 violent incidents and 2.97 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Bethlehem reports an unemployment rate of 4.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Bethlehem crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Bethlehem, the cost of living is 0.07% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Bethlehem, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.33 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Bethlehem | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 176 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Walnutport, PA | 2,077 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tatamy, PA | 1,078 | 0 | 68 | 68 |
| Freemansburg, PA | 2,705 | 0 | 103 | 103 |
| Macungie, PA | 3,267 | 122 | 0 | 122 |
| Raubsville, PA | 1,276 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Spinnerstown, PA | 1,732 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Old Orchard, PA | 1,871 | 35 | 203 | 238 |
| Bethlehem, PA | 77,503 | 206 | 1,369 | 1,575 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Buckeye, AZ | 77,435 | 167 | 771 | 938 |
| St. Joseph, MO | 77,382 | 729 | 3,851 | 4,579 |
| Missoula, MT | 77,349 | 597 | 3,629 | 4,226 |
| Missouri City, TX | 77,696 | 142 | 1,049 | 1,191 |
| Baytown, TX | 77,698 | 440 | 2,801 | 3,241 |
| Bethlehem, PA | 77,503 | 206 | 1,369 | 1,575 |
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