Bristol, NH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bristol, NH

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 55.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes reported in Bristol, equivalent to 91 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 75.4%. Additionally, Bristol recorded 31 property crimes, amounting to 939 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 52%.

Bristol distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 91 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Bristol among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Bristol recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

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 56% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.09 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bristol Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bristol. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bristol has decreased by 8.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 200%, while property crimes have decreased by 13.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bristol

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bristol, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Bristol has a population density of 491.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Bristol crime rates.

In Bristol, the cost of living is 9.74% 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.

Bristol crime map