Bethel, AK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bethel, AK

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 Bethel is 34.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 78 violent crimes reported in Bethel, equivalent to 1245 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 236.6%. Additionally, Bethel recorded 17 property crimes, amounting to 271 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 86.1%.

Bethel ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1245 per 100,000 people, Bethel is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bethel, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Bethel stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Bethel, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Bethel maintains a property crime rate of 271 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Bethel as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bethel?

What do the local residents think about crime in Bethel? Well, based on a recent survey of 6 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 33% of Bethel residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 67% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bethel a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bethel 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 Bethel crime rate is 35% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.26 crimes per day - 0.21 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bethel Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bethel. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bethel has decreased by 29.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 6%, while property crime has decreased by 66.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bethel.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bethel

Bethel has a poverty rate that stands at 17.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Bethel crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Bethel reports an unemployment rate of 6.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. 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 Bethel crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Bethel are $1,490, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Bethel crime map