| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Bethany/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 1,020 | 2,348 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 204.1 | 299.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 204 | 384 | 370 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 203.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 4 | n/a | 816.3 | 1,591.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 169.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 816 | 1,964 | 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 South Bethany crime rate is lower than the national average by 56.1%. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes in South Bethany, equivalent to 204 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 44.8%. Furthermore, South Bethany recorded 4 property crimes, amounting to 816 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 58.2%.
In the most recently reported crime year, South Bethany registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, South Bethany stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
Determining whether South Bethany 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, South Bethany has an overall crime rate that is 56% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.01 daily occurrences, comprising 0 violent crimes and 0.01 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of South Bethany as a potential place to establish residency.
In South Bethany, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall South Bethany crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In South Bethany, the cost of living is 82.87% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In South Bethany, the median home price stands at $522,200, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | South Bethany | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 13.0 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,637 | 35 | 631 | 666 |
| Millville, DE | 1,484 | 125 | 639 | 763 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 187 | 155 | 793 | 949 |
| West Ocean City, MD | 4,661 | 249 | 1,022 | 1,271 |
| Long Neck, DE | 2,869 | 216 | 1,106 | 1,323 |
| Berlin, MD | 4,740 | 325 | 1,336 | 1,661 |
| Ocean Pines, MD | 12,950 | 382 | 1,570 | 1,952 |
| South Bethany, DE | 558 | 204 | 816 | 1,020 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ipava, IL | 558 | 419 | 2,455 | 2,874 |
| Hartman, AR | 558 | 958 | 3,641 | 4,598 |
| Good Thunder, MN | 558 | 376 | 2,632 | 3,008 |
| Elephant Head, AZ | 558 | 445 | 2,122 | 2,567 |
| Teachey, NC | 558 | 515 | 2,626 | 3,142 |
| South Bethany, DE | 558 | 204 | 816 | 1,020 |
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