| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bolivar/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 192 | n/a (estimate) | 3,751 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 39.1 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 97.7 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 58 | n/a | 1,133.0 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 1,270 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 390.7 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 87 | n/a | 1,699.6 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 20 | n/a | 390.7 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 127 | n/a (estimate) | 2,481 | 2,032 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bolivar is 77% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 65 violent crimes reported in Bolivar, equivalent to 1270 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 253.6%. Additionally, Bolivar recorded 127 property crimes, amounting to 2481 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 41%.
Bolivar ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1270 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Bolivar stand at 1 in every 79 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
In the latest reported crime year, Bolivar 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.
To determine if Bolivar is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bolivar has a total crime rate that is 77% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.53 daily crimes (0.18 violent daily crimes and 0.35 daily property crimes) in Bolivar.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bolivar. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bolivar has decreased by 2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 33%, while property crimes have decreased by 28.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Bolivar, 72.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Bolivar, there are 3.91 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bolivar, the average monthly rent stands at $1,033, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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 | Bolivar | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Whiteville, TN | 4,620 | 44 | 263 | 307 |
| Silerton, TN | 147 | 678 | 2,326 | 3,003 |
| Medon, TN | 269 | 698 | 2,397 | 3,096 |
| Grand Junction, TN | 400 | 729 | 2,501 | 3,230 |
| Hickory Valley, TN | 90 | 729 | 2,504 | 3,233 |
| Hornsby, TN | 437 | 764 | 2,622 | 3,386 |
| Middleton, TN | 913 | 768 | 2,637 | 3,406 |
| Bolivar, TN | 5,108 | 1,270 | 2,481 | 3,751 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Imperial, MO | 5,109 | 258 | 1,083 | 1,340 |
| Oak Park Heights, MN | 5,107 | 389 | 2,076 | 2,465 |
| Falmouth, VA | 5,107 | 100 | 723 | 824 |
| Paulden, AZ | 5,110 | 295 | 1,252 | 1,547 |
| Wildwood, NJ | 5,110 | 391 | 4,885 | 5,275 |
| Bolivar, TN | 5,108 | 1,270 | 2,481 | 3,751 |