Bennington, VT Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bennington, VT Crime

Is Bennington, VT safe?

Yes — Bennington earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safer communities in Vermont and the broader New England region. With a population of approximately 15,046 spread across a low-density area of just 138 residents per square mile, the town benefits from the kind of familiarity and visibility that naturally deters crime. Violent incidents are infrequent, and property crime rates remain well below national benchmarks. Residents near the Bennington College campus and in the North Bennington corridor consistently report feeling secure. While no community is entirely crime-free, Bennington's A-grade safety profile means the vast majority of residents go about daily life without encountering criminal activity.

What is the crime rate in Bennington, VT?

Bennington's crime profile earns a composite grade of A, reflecting low rates across both violent and property crime categories. To put the city's socioeconomic context in perspective: the median household income is $48,929, the poverty rate sits at 16.1%, and unemployment is 4.8% — figures that are modestly above Vermont's statewide averages but do not translate into elevated crime here. Property offenses such as minor theft and occasional vandalism represent the most commonly reported incident types, concentrated primarily in commercial corridors near downtown Bennington. Violent crimes — including assault and domestic incidents — are tracked closely by the Bennington Police Department but occur at rates that keep the city firmly in A-grade territory. The low population density of 138 people per square mile further limits the clustering of criminal activity that plagues more urban environments.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Bennington, VT?

Based on incident distribution data, the areas around North Bennington and the Bennington College campus consistently show the lowest concentrations of reported crime. The historic Old Bennington district, with its well-maintained residential streets and active community presence, also tends to record fewer incidents. Downtown Bennington sees a higher share of property-related calls — largely petty theft and minor vandalism tied to commercial activity — but even these numbers are modest given the city's A overall grade. Residential neighborhoods away from the Route 9 commercial strip generally report the fewest incidents per capita. Checking the interactive crime map for the most recent 90-day incident overlay is the best way to compare specific blocks before making housing decisions.

Is Bennington, VT a good place to live?

For many households, Bennington represents a compelling value proposition. The median home value of $175,552 is dramatically lower than Vermont's statewide median, and a median rent of $876 makes renting accessible as well. Pair that affordability with an A-grade crime rating and you have a combination that is difficult to find in New England. The 4.8% unemployment rate and 16.1% poverty rate do signal ongoing economic headwinds — roughly one in six residents lives below the poverty line — but community programs, Bennington College's local presence, and a growing arts economy are active counterweights. Families drawn to outdoor recreation, historic architecture, and a genuine small-town character will find Bennington particularly appealing. The safety data strongly supports it as a low-risk environment for raising children, retiring, or simply seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing security.

How does Bennington's crime compare to other Vermont cities?

Bennington's A overall crime grade positions it favorably against Vermont peers. Larger Vermont cities with denser commercial districts and higher population concentrations tend to see more frequent property crime incidents simply by volume. Bennington's combination of low density (138 per sq mi), a tight-knit community culture, and proactive policing keeps its incident rates low relative to its size. The city's $48,929 median household income and moderate poverty rate are typical of rural Vermont towns, yet crime outcomes here outperform what those economic indicators alone might predict — a testament to community engagement and effective local law enforcement. For prospective residents comparing Vermont communities, Bennington's A grade makes it one of the stronger safety performers in Windham and Bennington County.

What types of crime are most common in Bennington, VT?

Property crimes account for the largest share of reported incidents in Bennington, with minor theft, shoplifting, and vehicle break-ins representing the most frequently logged offense types. These incidents are disproportionately concentrated along commercial stretches in downtown Bennington rather than in residential neighborhoods like North Bennington. Vandalism and trespassing appear periodically but at low absolute numbers given the city's 15,046-person population. Violent crimes — including simple assault and domestic disturbances — are monitored actively by local police and occur at rates consistent with an A-grade safety profile, meaning they are statistically uncommon. Drug-related offenses have been a focus of community intervention programs, and their share of total incidents has remained stable rather than growing. Overall, the incident mix in Bennington skews heavily toward lower-severity property offenses, which is the pattern you would expect in a well-functioning small-town safety environment.