Is Bethel or New Haven Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethel is safer than New Haven (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 538 per 100,000 versus 4,123 for New Haven — 87% lower. Bethel has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethel has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New Haven is 6.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bethel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Haven — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethel, CT
New Haven, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bethel | New Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 538.5 | 4,123.3 | -3,584.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 9.6 | 536.3 | -526.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 10.9 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 32.1 | -22.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 180.7 | -180.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 0.0 | 311.1 | -311.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 528.9 | 3,587.1 | -3,058.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 72.1 | 377.4 | -305.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 432.7 | 2,402.3 | -1,969.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.0 | 807.3 | -783.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel or New Haven safer?
Bethel is safer with a total crime rate of 538 per 100K vs 4,123 for New Haven — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 9.6 per 100K while New Haven has 536.3. Bethel has lower violent crime.
About Bethel, CT
Bethel, Connecticut, a town in Fairfield County, retains its historic charm with a notable Victorian-era downtown. Situated roughly 60 miles northeast of New York City, it is home to a diverse population of approximately 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 20,799, Bethel has a total crime rate of 538.5 per 100,000 residents.
About New Haven, CT
Home to Yale University since 1701, New Haven is a coastal city in south-central Connecticut. Its diverse population is roughly 135,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 137,243, New Haven has a total crime rate of 4,123.3 per 100,000 residents.