Is Bensley Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bensley

Bensley, Virginia, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant city life of Richmond. This community, nestled in Chesterfield County, presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance between a relaxed pace of life and urban proximity. Its historical roots as an old village contribute to a distinct character, while its ongoing development ensures it remains a relevant and attractive place to live.

The area boasts a population of approximately 5,949 residents, according to recent data from Data USA. Bensley is characterized by a diverse demographic makeup, with a significant Hispanic population alongside White and Black residents. This diversity contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the community, making it a dynamic place to call home. The town’s size fosters a sense of community, where neighbors often know each other, and local events can bring people together.

Is it Safe to Live in Bensley?

When considering a move to any new location, safety is a paramount concern. Bensley presents a mixed picture regarding crime rates, with some sources indicating higher-than-average figures while others suggest a decrease in crime over time. It’s important to look at specific types of crime and neighborhood variations to get a clearer understanding.

The overall crime rate in Bensley is reported to be higher than the national average by some metrics, with one source noting it as 172% above the national average. However, another analysis suggests that Bensley’s crime rates are 2% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 29% lower. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing more incidents than others. Residents often consider the southern part of the city to be the safest.

The cost associated with crime in Bensley is also a factor to consider. The projected cost of crime per resident is $858 per year, which is higher than both the national and Virginia state averages. Theft rates are also a concern, with Bensley having a theft rate of 21.65 per 1,000 residents. While crime statistics can be concerning, it is worth noting that year-over-year crime in Bensley has decreased by 6%.

Housing and Cost of Living

Bensley offers a housing market that, while competitive, presents opportunities for both buyers and renters. The cost of living in Bensley is generally in line with, or slightly below, national averages, making it an accessible option for many.

The median home value in Bensley was around $218,500 in 2024. Other sources place the median home value slightly higher, at $236,470, and another at $189,000 as of March 2026. These figures suggest a market that may be more affordable than the Virginia average, which is around $323,261. The homeownership rate in Bensley is approximately 38.7%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

For renters, the median rent in Bensley is around $1,151 per month, with some sources indicating an average rent of $1,370 or $1,262. The price range for a one-bedroom apartment is typically between $817 and $960, while two-bedroom apartments can range from $1,245 to $1,539. The cost of living index for Bensley is 99, compared to the national average of 100, indicating it is slightly more affordable than the U.S. average.

Job Market and Economy

Bensley’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with a workforce that is primarily engaged in sectors such as construction, accommodation and food services, and healthcare and social assistance. The average annual salary in Bensley is approximately $53,977 as of April 2026.

Employment in Bensley has seen a slight decline, with a decrease of -0.734% from 2023 to 2024, resulting in approximately 2,974 employed individuals. The most common job sectors for residents include construction, accommodation and food services, and health care and social assistance. The average commute time for residents is around 24.9 minutes, with most people driving alone to work.

While specific major employers within Bensley are not detailed, the broader Richmond metropolitan area benefits from major employers such as Fort Lee, Dominion Resources, Amazon.com, Bon Secours, and Walmart. The University of Virginia is also a significant employer in the wider Central Virginia region. The unemployment rate in Virginia was 3.8% in March 2026, unchanged from the previous month.

Climate and Environment

Bensley experiences a climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are colder with some snowfall. The area offers a comfortable climate for a significant portion of the year, making it appealing for outdoor activities.

Average temperatures in Bensley range from lows in the 20s°F in winter to highs in the 80s°F in summer, with an average annual temperature around 58°F. The annual precipitation averages about 48 inches, with August typically being the wettest month and February the driest. Snowfall averages around 9 to 10 inches per year.

The area experiences a wet season from May to August and a drier season for the remainder of the year. Humidity can be noticeable during the summer months, particularly from July to August. Overall, Bensley has about 137 days per year with comfortable weather, making spring and fall particularly pleasant seasons for visiting or outdoor recreation.

Education and Schools

Bensley is served by the Chesterfield County Public Schools district. The primary educational institution within Bensley is Bensley Elementary School, which caters to students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Bensley Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 581 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. However, the school’s academic performance, based on state test scores in math and reading proficiency, ranks within the bottom 50% of schools in Virginia. Math proficiency is at 48%, and reading proficiency is between 40-44%. Bensley Elementary ranks as the 1071st out of 1110 public elementary schools in Virginia according to SchoolDigger.

The school’s diversity score is also below the state average. For families with older children, nearby middle and high schools within the Chesterfield County Public Schools district include Falling Creek Middle School and Meadowbrook High School.

Demographics and Diversity

Bensley is home to a population of approximately 5,949 people, making it the 184th most populated city in Virginia out of 681 cities, according to the most current US Census data. The community has experienced a slight population change since the 2020 Census, with a minor decrease noted.

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bensley is diverse. Hispanic residents constitute the largest group at 43.9%, followed by White residents at 29.8%, and Black residents at 23.4%. This demographic profile is notably more diverse than Virginia overall. The median age in Bensley was 28.6 in 2024.

Regarding citizenship, approximately 78.7% of Bensley residents are U.S. citizens, which is lower than the national average. A significant portion of the population, about 25.9% as of 2024, was born outside the United States. The median household income in Bensley was reported as $50,547 in 2024. However, 18.9% of Bensley families live in poverty.