| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 629 | n/a (estimate) | 1,016 | 1,502 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.2 | 2.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 8.1 | 17.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 25.9 | 38.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 21.0 | 77.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 58 | 136 | 359 |
| Burglary | 53 | n/a | 85.6 | 117.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 349 | n/a | 563.9 | 1,013.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 191 | n/a | 308.6 | 235.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 593 | n/a (estimate) | 958 | 1,366 | 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 Bristol is 52.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 36 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 58 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 83.8%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 593 property crimes, amounting to 958 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 45.6%.
Bristol shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 58 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Bristol an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Bristol residents. Out of the respondents (22 in total), 45% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Bristol were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 55% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Bristol 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, Bristol has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 52%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.72 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 1.62 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol has decreased by 23.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 26.5% and property crime has decreased by 23.5%.
Bristol has a population density of 2329.4 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Bristol crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Bristol, 84% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Bristol, the cost of living is 9.37% 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.
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 | Bristol | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 138 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weatogue, CT | 2,471 | 25 | 247 | 271 |
| West Simsbury, CT | 3,230 | 26 | 260 | 286 |
| Woodbury Center, CT | 1,194 | 30 | 297 | 327 |
| Litchfield, CT | 1,327 | 31 | 315 | 346 |
| Bethlehem Village, CT | 1,852 | 38 | 379 | 417 |
| Durham, CT | 3,676 | 39 | 387 | 426 |
| Collinsville, CT | 3,849 | 44 | 437 | 481 |
| Bristol, CT | 61,512 | 58 | 958 | 1,016 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Taylorsville, UT | 61,503 | 231 | 1,414 | 1,645 |
| Woodland, CA | 61,522 | 275 | 1,419 | 1,693 |
| Royal Oak, MI | 61,485 | 124 | 802 | 926 |
| San Rafael, CA | 61,485 | 559 | 2,456 | 3,015 |
| West Allis, WI | 61,432 | 257 | 1,978 | 2,234 |
| Bristol, CT | 61,512 | 58 | 958 | 1,016 |
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