| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 2,280 | 1,028 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 60.8 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 60.8 | 62.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 122 | 110 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 121.6 | 48.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 58 | n/a | 1,762.9 | 805.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 273.6 | 64.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 2,158 | 918 | 1,760 |

The Bristol crime rates are 7.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 4 violent crimes in Bristol (122 per 100,000 people), which is 66.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 71 property crimes (2158 per 100,000 residents) which is 22.6% higher than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Bristol per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Bristol crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Bristol experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
To determine if Bristol 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. Bristol has a total crime rate that is 8% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.21 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.19 daily property crimes) in Bristol.
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 increased by 102.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 300% and property crime has increased by 97.2%.
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 Bristol, 82.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Bristol has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.28 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Bristol has a median home price of $288,765, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Bristol | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New London, NH | 1,403 | 42 | 347 | 388 |
| Tilton Northfield, NH | 2,901 | 55 | 457 | 512 |
| Meredith, NH | 2,750 | 103 | 514 | 617 |
| New Hampton, NH | 338 | 41 | 736 | 777 |
| Belmont, NH | 1,306 | 67 | 778 | 845 |
| Franklin, NH | 8,953 | 91 | 1,261 | 1,352 |
| Plymouth, NH | 4,395 | 136 | 1,652 | 1,788 |
| Bristol, NH | 2,032 | 122 | 2,158 | 2,280 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbus, MT | 2,032 | 261 | 1,928 | 2,189 |
| North Hartsville, SC | 2,033 | 151 | 679 | 830 |
| Parma, ID | 2,031 | 277 | 415 | 692 |
| Ridgely, MD | 2,031 | 198 | 967 | 1,165 |
| Munising, MI | 2,033 | 179 | 569 | 748 |
| Bristol, NH | 2,032 | 122 | 2,158 | 2,280 |