Bridgeport, CT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bridgeport, CT

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 Bridgeport is 29% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 606 violent crimes reported in Bridgeport, equivalent to 408 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 10.4%. Additionally, Bridgeport recorded 1843 property crimes, amounting to 1242 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 36.5%.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bridgeport maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 408 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Bridgeport shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Bridgeport stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Bridgeport, there were a total of 15 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bridgeport?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bridgeport residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 94 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 19% of Bridgeport 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, 81% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bridgeport a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Bridgeport 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. Bridgeport has a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 6.71 daily crimes (1.66 violent daily crimes and 5.05 daily property crimes) in Bridgeport.

Has Crime in Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport has decreased by 17.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 24.3% and property crime has decreased by 15.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bridgeport

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bridgeport crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bridgeport has an unemployment rate of 7.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

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 Bridgeport crime rates. For instance, in Bridgeport, the population density stands at 9027 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Bridgeport, the cost of living is 9.61% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Bridgeport crime map