| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 581 | n/a (estimate) | 3,463 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 95.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 35.8 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 51 | n/a | 304.0 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 435 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 49 | n/a | 292.1 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 430 | n/a | 2,563.3 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 172.9 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 508 | n/a (estimate) | 3,028 | 1,570 | 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 63.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 73 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 435 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.2%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 508 property crimes, amounting to 3028 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 72.1%.
In the latest reported crime year, Bristol recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Bristol to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 36% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bristol and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 64% 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.
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 63% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.59 daily occurrences, comprising 0.2 violent crimes and 1.39 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.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bristol has increased by 33.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bristol, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 7.4%, while property crime has increased by 38%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bristol is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bristol crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bristol has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Bristol, 76% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Bristol, the average rental rates are $1,072 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Bristol | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 73 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 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 |
| Bristol, TN | 27,756 | 363 | 1,959 | 2,322 |
| Nickelsville, VA | 368 | 306 | 2,207 | 2,514 |
| Bristol, VA | 17,459 | 435 | 3,028 | 3,463 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ojus, FL | 17,457 | 202 | 1,074 | 1,276 |
| Norwalk, OH | 17,464 | 41 | 612 | 653 |
| Woodmere, NY | 17,452 | 155 | 702 | 857 |
| Boerne, TX | 17,451 | 108 | 1,179 | 1,286 |
| Goodlettsville, TN | 17,430 | 127 | 895 | 1,022 |
| Bristol, VA | 17,459 | 435 | 3,028 | 3,463 |
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