| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 652 | n/a (estimate) | 2,322 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 32.0 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 21.4 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 87 | n/a | 309.8 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 363 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 87 | n/a | 309.8 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 424 | n/a | 1,509.9 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 138.9 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 550 | n/a (estimate) | 1,959 | 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 Bristol is 9.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 102 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 363 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 1.2%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 550 property crimes, amounting to 1959 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 11.3%.
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.
Bristol exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 363 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Bristol as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
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.
In the most recent release, Bristol reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Bristol, there were 1959 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bristol. Based on the results of the surveys (31 responses), 84% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bristol and felt safe walking alone at night. While 16% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
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 10% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.79 daily crimes (0.28 violent daily crimes and 1.51 daily property crimes) in Bristol.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bristol. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bristol has decreased by 22.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 39.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 18.6%. 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.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Bristol crime rates. Bristol registers a population density of 851.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Bristol, 76% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 12.39% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Bristol | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 90 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Walnut Hill, TN | 2,594 | 230 | 788 | 1,018 |
| Blountville, TN | 3,513 | 284 | 976 | 1,261 |
| Oak Grove, TN | 4,499 | 320 | 1,098 | 1,418 |
| Abingdon, VA | 8,159 | 132 | 1,564 | 1,697 |
| Bluff City, TN | 2,140 | 433 | 1,679 | 2,113 |
| Nickelsville, VA | 368 | 306 | 2,207 | 2,514 |
| Oak Grove CDP (Sumner County), TN | 221 | 687 | 2,357 | 3,043 |
| Bristol, TN | 27,756 | 363 | 1,959 | 2,322 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ramsey, MN | 27,748 | 62 | 517 | 580 |
| Dodge City, KS | 27,746 | 251 | 1,090 | 1,341 |
| Shoreview, MN | 27,771 | 135 | 842 | 976 |
| West Chicago, IL | 27,740 | 184 | 613 | 797 |
| Carrollton, GA | 27,734 | 156 | 1,771 | 1,927 |
| Bristol, TN | 27,756 | 363 | 1,959 | 2,322 |
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