| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bristol/100k people | Vermont/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 425 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 34.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 14.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 26.6 | 166.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 27 | 219 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 26.6 | 130.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 13 | n/a | 345.5 | 1,433.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 26.6 | 63.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 399 | 1,628 | 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 79.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 27 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 92.6%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 15 property crimes, amounting to 399 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 77.4%.
With a crime rate of 425, significantly below the national average of 2119, Bristol stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Bristol has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 27 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bristol ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
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.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Bristol records a property crime rate of 399 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Bristol as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bristol a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bristol crime rate is 80% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.04 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.
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 45.5% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has increased by 50%.
Bristol reports an unemployment rate of 4.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. 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.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Bristol, the cost of living is 11.14% higher than the national average.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Bristol, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0.77, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

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| Item | Bristol | Vermont | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 632 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Vermont /100K | National /100K |
| Vermont | 1,201 | 188 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Vergennes, VT | 2,677 | 117 | 700 | 817 |
| Waitsfield, VT | 244 | 110 | 820 | 930 |
| Hinesburg, VT | 612 | 107 | 959 | 1,066 |
| Middlebury, VT | 7,181 | 142 | 1,330 | 1,472 |
| East Middlebury, VT | 394 | 194 | 1,440 | 1,634 |
| Bristol, VT | 2,142 | 27 | 399 | 425 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weyers Cave, VA | 2,142 | 87 | 625 | 712 |
| Terry, MS | 2,142 | 69 | 447 | 516 |
| Oakley, KS | 2,141 | 201 | 895 | 1,096 |
| Morgan, GA | 2,143 | 205 | 1,051 | 1,256 |
| Southmont, PA | 2,143 | 92 | 539 | 631 |
| Bristol, VT | 2,142 | 27 | 399 | 425 |