Bristol, VA Crime Rates: Stats & Map

D

32%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

1%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

38%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Bristol_{/100k people}	Virginia_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	519	n/a (estimate)	3,069	1,930	2,324
Murder	2	n/a	11.8	7.3	6.3
Rape	14	n/a	82.8	30.2	40.0
Robbery	5	n/a	29.6	38.4	66.1
Assault	42	n/a	248.4	158.1	268.2
Violent crime	63	n/a (estimate)	373	234	370
Burglary	49	n/a	289.8	124.6	269.8
Theft	361	n/a	2,135.0	1,410.4	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	46	n/a	272.0	160.7	282.7
Property crime	456	n/a (estimate)	2,697	1,696	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bristol, VA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Bristol crime rate is 32.1% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Bristol, there were 63 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 373 per 100,000 individuals, 0.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Bristol recorded 456 property crimes, amounting to 2697 per 100,000 residents, 38% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bristol has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 373 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Bristol stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Bristol, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bristol?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bristol residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 12 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 42% of Bristol residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 58% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bristol a Safe Place to Live?

Is Bristol a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bristol has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 32%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.42 daily incidents, encompassing 0.17 violent crimes and 1.25 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bristol as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Bristol Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bristol. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bristol has increased by 19%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7.4%, while property crime has increased by 23.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bristol.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bristol

Bristol reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Bristol crime rates.

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 1325.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Bristol is $127,900, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Bristol crime map

The Bristol crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bristol as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bristol crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bristol crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Bristol crime rates are 32% higher than the national average
Violent crimes in Bristol are 1% higher than the national average
In Bristol you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Bristol is safer than 22% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Bristol has increased by 22%

Bristol, VA Crime Quiz

Safest Places to Live in and Around Bristol

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Daily Crime In Bristol (per 100,000 people)

The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Bristol, Virginia is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Bristol are 1.59 times more than the Virginia average and 1.32 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Bristol are 1.59 times more than than Virginia and 1.01 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Bristol are 1.59 times more than than Virginia and 1.38 times more than the national average.

How Safe is Bristol (higher is better)

How safe is Bristol, Virginia compared to other cities in Virginia and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Bristol is safer than 16% of the cities in Virginia and 22% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Virginia and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Bristol. Overall, Bristol is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bristol

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bristol is 1 in 269

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bristol is 1 in 38

The chance of being a victim of crime in Bristol is 1 in 33

How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Bristol, Virginia you have a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bristol.

Year Over Year Crime In Bristol (per 100,000 people)

An ideal indicator of whether Bristol is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Bristol has decreased by 5% and the rate of property crime in Bristol has increased by 27%. The total crime rate in Bristol has increased by 22% year to year.

Bristol police department

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

There are a total of 73 Bristol police officers. This results in 4.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 26.4% greater than the Virginia average and 25.1% greater than the National average.

Sex offenders in Virginia

State	Total offenders	Virginia_/100K	National_/100K
Virginia	25,766	352	266

There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

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
Bristol, TN	26,973	502	2,297	2,800
Nickelsville, VA	359	369	2,675	3,044
Bristol, VA	17,059	373	2,697	3,069

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Mount Pleasant, TX	17,058	492	1,708	2,200
Winder, GA	17,054	350	1,634	1,984
East Cleveland, OH	17,047	1,058	2,258	3,316
Camano, WA	17,073	334	2,982	3,316
Pinewood, FL	17,044	365	2,208	2,573
Bristol, VA	17,059	373	2,697	3,069

Source: The Bristol, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.