Neighborhood Profile
Is Bensley a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Richmond, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe104
Medium82
Low59
Other641
161 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape36
Child involved60
Assault38
Other45
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical call for chest pain at an apartment near Chalfont Drive, Berkeley Warwick Place Apartments, Richmond. | Chalfont Dr Apt 72, Richmond, VA 23224 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a general fire alarm at an apartment complex on Richmond Highway in Richmond. A smoke detector was reportedly sounding in a vacant unit. Responding units investigated and initially saw no visible smoke or fire from the apartment windows. | Richmond Hwy N, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are dispatched to a reported fire alarm at a commercial location on Richmond Highway near Chestnut Avenue and Mimosa Street. Multiple engines, a truck, and a battalion chief are responding and operating on tactical channel 2. | Richmond Hwy, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a reported crash involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle near Walmsley Boulevard in Richmond. The address was updated during the call, and Engine 22 reported making patient contact. | Walmsley Blvd, Richmond, VA 23234 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident near Cowardin Avenue and Perry Street in Richmond, Virginia. | Perry St & Cowardin Ave, Richmond, VA 23224 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a child was apparently locked in a vehicle near Hioaks Road. Emergency units responded, and the child was removed from the vehicle. | Hioaks Rd, Richmond, VA 23225 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported fire alarm at an apartment building near McDonough Street and West 14th–15th streets in Richmond. The four-story building was being evacuated while units investigated the interior alarm and sounding detectors. | McDonough St, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, engine 20 is responding non-emergency to assist EMS near Fay Street, by Larrymore Road and Waylight Drive. | Faye St, Richmond, VA 23225 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was dispatched to an apartment at the Arbors at Hull Street near Worthing Way and Linwood Avenue in Richmond. Engine 22 responded and was marked for patient contact. | Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched for a possible person down near the intersection of Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue in Richmond. | Hull St & Cowardin Ave, Richmond, VA 23224 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$296,271
Average Rent
$2,231
Vacancy Rate
7.3%
Overview of Bensley
Bensley is a suburban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, characterized by a mix of medium to small single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The median home price is $296,271, which is more affordable than most neighborhoods in Virginia and the U.S.
Average rents are $2,231, below the majority of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates stand at 7.3%, near the national average.
SuburbanAffordable HousingMixed Owner-RenterEstablished Neighborhood
Quick Facts
| Suburban Neighborhood | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Bensley's housing stock consists mainly of medium-sized to small single-family homes and apartment complexes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Housing Type | Medium (3-4 bedroom) to small (studio-2 bedroom) single-family homes and apartments |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1940 and 1969; some built 1970-1999 |
What buyers will notice right away
Most residences were built mid-20th century, reflecting a well-established community.
Housing is occupied by a balanced mix of owners and renters.
Families & Lifestyle
Bensley has a diverse community with a strong presence of manufacturing and labor occupations and a notable carpooling culture.
The neighborhood's workforce is heavily engaged in manufacturing and labor, reflecting its industrial character.
High carpooling rates suggest strong community commuting patterns.
Occupational Mix — Alongside manufacturing and laborers, 22.2% work in executive, management, and professional roles, with others in sales, service, and clerical jobs.
| Manufacturing & Labor Employment | 51.9% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 23.8% |
Demographics & Diversity
| Income Level | Lower-middle income |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 48.1% |
| English Speaking Households | 57.7% |
| Spanish Speaking Households | 41.2% |
| Mon-Khmer Speaking Households | 0.7% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 27.2% |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (13.0%)","Irish (3.1%)","German (2.8%)","English (2.7%)","Italian (1.8%)"] |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have a relatively short commute, with a strong reliance on private vehicles and carpooling.
Bensley residents benefit from shorter commutes and a high carpooling rate, indicating community-oriented travel habits.
Short Commutes — Nearly half of commuters spend between 15 and 30 minutes traveling to work.
Carpooling Culture — Carpooling is significantly more common here than in most U.S. neighborhoods.
Private Vehicle Use — Most residents drive alone, reflecting typical suburban transportation patterns.
| Main Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 72.2% |
| Carpool Rate | 23.8% |
Homes for sale near 23234
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Bensley?
The median home price in Bensley is $296,271.
How affordable is renting in Bensley?
Average rent is $2,231, which is lower than 59.2% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What types of homes are common in Bensley?
The neighborhood features medium to small single-family homes and apartment complexes.
What is the main language spoken in Bensley?
English is the most common language, spoken by 57.7% of households, followed by Spanish at 41.2%.
What are common occupations in Bensley?
Over half the working population is employed in manufacturing and laborer jobs, with others in executive, sales, service, and clerical roles.