Neighborhood Profile
Is Bensley South 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
$285,289
Average Rent
$2,096
Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Overview
Bensley South is a suburban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, characterized by a mix of medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
The median home price is $285,289, which is more affordable than most neighborhoods in Virginia and the U.S.
Average rents are $2,096, also below the majority of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates are low at 4.2%, indicating steady demand.
SuburbanAffordable HousingDiverse Housing Types
Quick Facts
| Suburban Neighborhood | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Bensley South's housing stock includes a notable concentration of small apartment buildings alongside single-family homes built mostly between 1970 and 1999.
| Small 2-4 Unit Apartment Buildings | 38.6% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (Built 1970-1999) | Majority |
| Mixed Owner and Renter Occupancy | Yes |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood offers a mix of small apartments and single-family homes suitable for various household sizes.
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, reflecting a mature residential area.
Families & Lifestyle
Bensley South has a distinctive community character with a notably high share of same-sex households and a diverse cultural fabric.
The high proportion of same-sex couples suggests a welcoming and inclusive environment.
A mix of housing types supports different family and household structures.
Community Character — The neighborhood's visual and cultural character is shaped by its housing style and diverse residents.
| Same-Sex Couple Households | 3.4% |
|---|
Demographics
| Income Level | Low income |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 38.0% |
| Occupations - Manufacturing & Labor | 37.3% |
| Occupations - Sales & Service | 24.8% |
| Occupations - Clerical & Tech Support | 23.0% |
| Occupations - Executive & Professional | 14.9% |
| African Ancestry | 6.4% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 18.0% |
| Top Languages Spoken | English (69.2%), Spanish, Italian |
| Top Ancestries | Sub-Saharan African (6.7%), English (6.3%), Irish (3.9%), German (3.8%) |
Commute
Most residents have relatively short commutes, with a strong preference for driving alone or carpooling.
Bensley South residents benefit from manageable commute times and a high rate of carpooling, reflecting community connectivity and transportation preferences.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend between 15 and 30 minutes commuting to work.
Carpooling Popularity — Carpooling is a common mode of transport, exceeding rates in nearly all U.S. neighborhoods.
Car Ownership — Driving alone remains the primary commute method, indicating reliance on personal vehicles.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 58.0% |
| Carpool Rate | 27.9% |
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 South?
The median home price is $285,289, which is more affordable than 76.7% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What types of housing are common in Bensley South?
The neighborhood features a mix of small 2-4 unit apartment buildings and single-family homes built mostly between 1970 and 1999.
How diverse is Bensley South?
Bensley South has a diverse population with significant African ancestry residents and multiple languages spoken including English, Spanish, and Italian.
What are typical commute patterns in Bensley South?
Most residents have commutes between 15 and 30 minutes, with 58% driving alone and 27.9% carpooling.