F
366%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
78%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
425%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBethany Beach/100k peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime108n/a (estimate)9,8812,1072,119
Murder0n/a0.05.75.0
Rape1n/a91.515.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.047.060.6
Assault6n/a548.9292.4256.1
Violent crime7n/a (estimate)640361359
Burglary0n/a0.0175.1229.2
Theft100n/a9,149.11,361.91,272.1
Vehicle theft1n/a91.5208.8258.8
Property crime101n/a (estimate)9,2411,7461,760

Bethany Beach crime map

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The Bethany Beach crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bethany Beach 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 Bethany Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bethany Beach 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Bethany Beach, DE

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bethany Beach?

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.

Is Bethany Beach a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bethany Beach

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.

Compare Bethany Beach, DE Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bethany Beach crime rates are 366% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bethany Beach are 78% higher than the national average
      • In Bethany Beach you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bethany Beach is safer than 5% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bethany Beach has not changed

      Bethany Beach, DE Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Bethany Beach

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        Daily Crime In Bethany Beach (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Bethany Beach (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bethany Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bethany Beach is 1 in 157
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bethany Beach is 1 in 11
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bethany Beach is 1 in 11

        Year Over Year Crime In Bethany Beach (per 100,000 people)

        Bethany Beach police department

        Item Bethany Beach Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)11962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents10.15.43.3
        There are a total of 11 Bethany Beach police officers. This results in 10.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 88.3% greater than the Delaware average and 210.7% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Delaware

        State Total offenders Delaware /100K National /100K
        Delaware4,039505266
        There are a total of 4,039 sex offenders in Delaware. This yields a total of 505 sex offenders in Delaware per 100,000 residents which is 90% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ocean Pines, MD13,24533327360
        Millville, DE1,51575362437
        South Bethany, DE5690577577
        Ocean View, DE2,71866560626
        Henlopen Acres, DE191146705851
        Frankford, DE731110773884
        Berlin, MD4,92073900974
        Bethany Beach, DE1,1956409,2419,881

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Timberlane, IL1,19541241281
        La Cygne, KS1,1952049081,111
        Mahnomen, MN1,195137855992
        Collinwood, TN1,1952769461,222
        Silverado Resort, CA1,19668292360
        Bethany Beach, DE1,1956409,2419,881
        Source: The Bethany Beach, DE crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.