F
60%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
59%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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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.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBennington/100k peopleVermont/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime568n/a (estimate)3,7121,8932,324
Murder2n/a13.13.46.3
Rape2n/a13.136.840.0
Robbery7n/a45.713.366.1
Assault82n/a535.9168.5268.2
Violent crime93n/a (estimate)608222370
Burglary34n/a222.2152.1269.8
Theft435n/a2,842.91,425.51,401.9
Vehicle theft6n/a39.293.5282.7
Property crime475n/a (estimate)3,1041,6711,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bennington, VT

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 Bennington crime rate is higher than the national average by 59.7%. Specifically, there were 93 violent crimes in Bennington, equivalent to 608 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 64.4%. Furthermore, Bennington recorded 475 property crimes, amounting to 3104 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 58.8%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Bennington stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Bennington, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 13 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 Bennington?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bennington residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Bennington 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, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bennington a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Bennington is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bennington has a total crime rate that is 60% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.56 daily crimes (0.25 violent daily crimes and 1.3 daily property crimes) in Bennington.

Has Crime in Bennington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bennington. 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 Bennington has increased by 109.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 144.7%, while property crime has increased by 103.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bennington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bennington

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Bennington crime rates. For instance, in Bennington, the population density stands at 1768.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bennington, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.91 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bennington, the average monthly rent stands at $866, while the national average is $949 per month.

Bennington crime map



The Bennington crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bennington 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 Bennington crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bennington 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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Compare Bennington, VT Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bennington crime rates are 60% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bennington are 64% higher than the national average
      • In Bennington you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bennington is safer than 11% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bennington has increased by 103%

      Bennington, VT Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bennington (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Bennington on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Vermont and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Bennington (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Vermont, are 1.96 times more than the state average and 1.60 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Bennington on a daily basis are 2.74 times more than than Vermont average and 1.64 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Bennington are 1.86 times more than the daily state average and 1.59 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Bennington (higher is better)

        How safe is Bennington, Vermont compared to other cities in Vermont and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Bennington is safer than 18% of the cities in Vermont and 11% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Vermont and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Bennington. Overall, Bennington is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bennington

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bennington is 1 in 165
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bennington is 1 in 33
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bennington is 1 in 27
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Bennington? In Bennington, you have a 1 in 165 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 33. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Bennington, VT is 1 in 27.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Bennington, VT is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Bennington has increased by 137%, while the property crime rate in Bennington has increased by 97% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Bennington has increased by 103% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Bennington police department

        Item Bennington Vermont National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)30632558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.23.3
        There are a total of 30 Bennington police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 14.5% less than the Vermont average and 41.2% 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
        Arlington, VT1,48371537609
        Williamstown, MA4,56575648723
        North Bennington, VT1,55191688779
        Old Bennington, VT21895714809
        Cambridge, NY2,2742088351,043
        Hoosick Falls, NY3,3612961,1871,483
        South Shaftsbury, VT4593102,3322,642
        Bennington, VT8,5396083,1043,712

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Booneville, MS8,5392654,3914,657
        Fallon, NV8,5401711,4421,613
        Morrisville, PA8,5402141,1341,348
        Montvale, NJ8,53824545569
        Wyoming, OH8,54023578601
        Bennington, VT8,5396083,1043,712
        Source: The Bennington, VT 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.