| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bethany Beach/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 108 | n/a (estimate) | 9,881 | 2,107 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 91.5 | 15.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 548.9 | 292.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 640 | 361 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 175.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 100 | n/a | 9,149.1 | 1,361.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 91.5 | 208.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 9,241 | 1,746 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Bethany Beach crime rate is 366.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Bethany Beach, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 640 per 100,000 individuals, 78.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Bethany Beach recorded 101 property crimes, amounting to 9241 per 100,000 residents, 425% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 9881 crimes per 100,000 people, the Bethany Beach crime rates stand at 366.26 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Bethany Beach, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
In the most recently reported crime year, Bethany Beach 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.
Every year, one in 11 people fall victim to a property crime in Bethany Beach - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 9241 per 100,000 people, Bethany Beach has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bethany Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 44% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bethany Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 56% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bethany Beach 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 Bethany Beach crime rate is 366% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.3 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.28 property crimes.
Bethany Beach reports an unemployment rate of 1.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Bethany Beach crime rates.
Bethany Beach has a population density of 1037.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Bethany Beach crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Bethany Beach, the cost of living is 49.32% higher than the national average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Bethany Beach | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 10.1 | 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 Pines, MD | 13,245 | 33 | 327 | 360 |
| Millville, DE | 1,515 | 75 | 362 | 437 |
| South Bethany, DE | 569 | 0 | 577 | 577 |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,718 | 66 | 560 | 626 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 191 | 146 | 705 | 851 |
| Frankford, DE | 731 | 110 | 773 | 884 |
| Berlin, MD | 4,920 | 73 | 900 | 974 |
| Bethany Beach, DE | 1,195 | 640 | 9,241 | 9,881 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Timberlane, IL | 1,195 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| La Cygne, KS | 1,195 | 204 | 908 | 1,111 |
| Mahnomen, MN | 1,195 | 137 | 855 | 992 |
| Collinwood, TN | 1,195 | 276 | 946 | 1,222 |
| Silverado Resort, CA | 1,196 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Bethany Beach, DE | 1,195 | 640 | 9,241 | 9,881 |