Bedford, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bedford, VA

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 Bedford is 39.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Bedford, equivalent to 225 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 39.3%. Additionally, Bedford recorded 201 property crimes, amounting to 3009 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 53.9%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Bedford 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bedford?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bedford. Based on the results of the surveys (12 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bedford and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bedford a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Bedford, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bedford presents a total crime rate that is 39% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bedford experiences an average of 0.59 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.55 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford has increased by 237.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 114.3% and property crime has increased by 252.6%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bedford

Bedford has a poverty rate of 27.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

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. Bedford, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Bedford stands at $148,000, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Bedford crime map