A+
80%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
93%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
77%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBristol/100k peopleVermont/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime16n/a (estimate)4251,8472,119
Murder0n/a0.03.45.0
Rape0n/a0.034.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.014.260.6
Assault1n/a26.6166.8256.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)27219359
Burglary1n/a26.6130.6229.2
Theft13n/a345.51,433.31,272.1
Vehicle theft1n/a26.663.5258.8
Property crime15n/a (estimate)3991,6281,760

Bristol crime map

Get this widget

The Bristol crime map by CrimeoMeter 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.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bristol, VT

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.

Is Bristol a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Bristol Increased Since Last Year?

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%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bristol

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.

Compare Bristol, VT Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bristol crime rates are 80% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bristol are 93% lower than the national average
      • In Bristol you have a 1 in 236 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bristol is safer than 88% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bristol has increased by 14%

      Bristol, VT Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Bristol

        See all the best places to live around Bristol
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Bristol?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Bristol?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Bristol poll results

        Daily Crime In Bristol (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Bristol (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bristol

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bristol is 1 in 3764
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bristol is 1 in 251
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bristol is 1 in 236

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

        Bristol police department

        Item Bristol Vermont National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3632558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents0.82.23.3
        There are a total of 3 Bristol police officers. This results in 0.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 65.5% less than the Vermont average and 76.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Vermont

        State Total offenders Vermont /100K National /100K
        Vermont1,201188266
        There are a total of 1,201 sex offenders in Vermont. This yields a total of 188 sex offenders in Vermont per 100,000 residents which is 29% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Vergennes, VT2,677117700817
        Waitsfield, VT244110820930
        Hinesburg, VT6121079591,066
        Middlebury, VT7,1811421,3301,472
        East Middlebury, VT3941941,4401,634
        Bristol, VT2,14227399425

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Weyers Cave, VA2,14287625712
        Terry, MS2,14269447516
        Oakley, KS2,1412018951,096
        Morgan, GA2,1432051,0511,256
        Southmont, PA2,14392539631
        Bristol, VT2,14227399425
        Source: The Bristol, VT crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.