Is Bedford or Manchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bedford is safer than Manchester (Safety Score 79/100 vs 41/100), with a total crime rate of 871 per 100,000 versus 1,985 for Manchester — 56% lower. Bedford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bedford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Manchester is 4.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bedford, NH
Manchester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bedford | Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 870.6 | 1,985.0 | -1,114.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 8.4 | 336.9 | -328.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.7 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 52.0 | -52.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 58.0 | -58.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 8.4 | 224.3 | -215.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 862.2 | 1,648.1 | -786.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 4.2 | 92.7 | -88.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 820.3 | 1,404.8 | -584.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 37.7 | 150.7 | -113.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford or Manchester safer?
Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 871 per 100K vs 1,985 for Manchester — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 8.4 per 100K while Manchester has 336.9. Bedford has lower violent crime.
About Bedford, NH
Bedford, NH, a town of over 23,000 residents, boasts a history tied to agriculture, with farms still dotting its landscape. Situated along the Merrimack River, it offers a mix of suburban living and natural beauty. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 23,893, Bedford has a total crime rate of 870.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Manchester, NH
Manchester, once a mill town powered by the Merrimack River, is New Hampshire's largest city. Its historic Amoskeag Millyard now houses businesses and a university, reflecting a shift towards a service-based economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 115,464, Manchester has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 per 100,000 residents.