| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 844 | n/a (estimate) | 1,391 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 6.6 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 11.5 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 26.4 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 34.6 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 48 | n/a (estimate) | 79 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 118 | n/a | 194.5 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 557 | n/a | 918.3 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 121 | n/a | 199.5 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 796 | n/a (estimate) | 1,312 | 1,494 | 1,954 |
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 40.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 48 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 79 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 78.6%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 796 property crimes, amounting to 1312 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 32.9%.
Bristol distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 79 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Bristol among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
AreaVibes surveyed 20 local residents in Bristol to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 40% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bristol and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 60% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bristol 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 Bristol crime rate is 40% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.31 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 2.18 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bristol has increased by 2.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bristol is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 2%, while property crime has increased by 2.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bristol.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Bristol crime rates. In Bristol, the poverty rate stands at 10.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Bristol, the cost of living is 7.22% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Bristol are $1,093, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| 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 |
| West Simsbury, CT | 3,131 | 25 | 248 | 273 |
| Litchfield, CT | 1,279 | 40 | 400 | 440 |
| Bethlehem Village, CT | 1,792 | 48 | 473 | 521 |
| Weatogue, CT | 2,396 | 50 | 497 | 547 |
| Canton Valley, CT | 1,294 | 51 | 508 | 559 |
| Durham, CT | 3,542 | 53 | 524 | 577 |
| Woodbury Center, CT | 1,153 | 54 | 534 | 588 |
| Bristol, CT | 60,039 | 79 | 1,312 | 1,391 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ocala, FL | 60,021 | 363 | 2,196 | 2,559 |
| Utica, NY | 59,984 | 568 | 3,408 | 3,976 |
| Taylorsville, UT | 59,926 | 306 | 2,393 | 2,699 |
| La Mesa, CA | 60,208 | 305 | 2,082 | 2,387 |
| West Allis, WI | 59,861 | 286 | 2,607 | 2,894 |
| Bristol, CT | 60,039 | 79 | 1,312 | 1,391 |
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