| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 780 | n/a (estimate) | 2,800 | 2,924 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.6 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 57.4 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 14.4 | 67.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 120 | n/a | 430.7 | 507.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 502 | 622 | 370 |
| Burglary | 85 | n/a | 305.1 | 319.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 479 | n/a | 1,719.2 | 1,620.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 76 | n/a | 272.8 | 362.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 640 | n/a (estimate) | 2,297 | 2,302 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bristol crime rate is higher than the national average by 20.5%. Specifically, there were 140 violent crimes in Bristol, equivalent to 502 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 35.9%. Furthermore, Bristol recorded 640 property crimes, amounting to 2297 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 17.5%.
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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Bristol? Well, based on a recent survey of 27 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 81% of Bristol residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 19% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Bristol is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Bristol has an overall crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.14 daily occurrences, comprising 0.38 violent crimes and 1.75 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Bristol as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bristol has decreased by 7.6% 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 16.7%, while property crime has decreased by 5.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bristol.
Bristol has a poverty rate of 19.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Bristol, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.33 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
The median home price in Bristol is $135,800, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| 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 | 2,534 | 248 | 918 | 1,165 |
| Blountville, TN | 3,387 | 287 | 1,061 | 1,348 |
| Bluff City, TN | 2,093 | 385 | 1,154 | 1,538 |
| Abingdon, VA | 7,936 | 194 | 1,537 | 1,730 |
| Oak Grove, TN | 4,353 | 465 | 1,722 | 2,187 |
| Nickelsville, VA | 359 | 369 | 2,675 | 3,044 |
| Bristol, VA | 17,059 | 373 | 2,697 | 3,069 |
| Bristol, TN | 26,973 | 502 | 2,297 | 2,800 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Belmont, CA | 26,963 | 152 | 1,412 | 1,564 |
| Marshalltown, IA | 26,957 | 658 | 1,757 | 2,415 |
| Maryland Heights, MO | 26,996 | 306 | 2,673 | 2,979 |
| West Chicago, IL | 26,998 | 280 | 1,639 | 1,919 |
| New London, CT | 27,001 | 239 | 1,688 | 1,926 |
| Bristol, TN | 26,973 | 502 | 2,297 | 2,800 |
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