Safety and crime rates in South Carolina: Crime rates vary by city. South Carolina ranks below national average. Charleston has a lower crime rate. Myrtle Beach experiences higher crime levels. Violent crime rates have been decreasing. Property crimes are more common. Strong community policing efforts. Safety resources available statewide. Neighborhood safety varies significantly. Public safety initiatives ongoing.
Crime rates vary by city.
Crime rates in South Carolina vary significantly by city, with Chester having the highest violent crime rate at 2,566 per 100,000 residents. In contrast, cities such as Travelers Rest, Central, and Tega Cay exhibit the lowest violent crime rates, establishing them among the safest areas in the state. For more comprehensive details on safety statistics across South Carolina, visit the SafeHome website.
South Carolina ranks below national average.
South Carolina does not rank below the national average in terms of safety and crime rates. Instead, the state has higher-than-average rates for both violent and property crimes. The violent crime rate in South Carolina is 29% higher than the national average, and the state ranks 7th nationwide for violent crimes and 10th for property crimes. For an in-depth analysis of these statistics, the state's detailed crime data can be found in the 2022 Crime in South Carolina Report.
Charleston has a lower crime rate.
Charleston, South Carolina, has a violent crime rate of 375 per 100,000 individuals, which is 1.4% higher than the national average but still positions it as relatively safe, with crime rates closely mirroring the national norms. The city also saw a decrease in both violent and property crimes, with a 7.6% drop in violent crime and a 9.3% drop in property crime year-over-year. For more detailed statistics and analysis, visit the Charleston Crime Report.
Myrtle Beach experiences higher crime levels.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has one of the highest crime rates in the U.S., with a total crime rate significantly higher than the national average. The city experiences high levels of both violent and property crimes, making it one of the most dangerous cities in America. The violent crime rate stands at 1,013 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate is 6,698 per 100,000 people. For more detailed statistics and insights on this issue, you can visit AreaVibes.
Violent crime rates have been decreasing.
In South Carolina, violent crime rates have been decreasing, with a 5.8% drop from 2022 to 2023, marking the third consecutive yearly decrease. This includes significant decreases in murder rates by 5.9%, sexual battery rates by 8.8%, and robbery rates by 3.3%. According to a detailed report from the Federal Bureau Investigation, these trends highlight an encouraging movement towards improved safety and reduced violence within communities across the Palmetto State.
Property crimes are more common.
South Carolina experiences high rates of property crimes, ranking 12th in the U.S. for such crimes, with a larceny theft rate of 1,706 per 100,000, a burglary rate of 353, and a motor vehicle theft rate of 249. The cities of Dillon, Walterboro, and Manning have the highest property crime rates, while Due West and Burnettown are among the safest cities.
Strong community policing efforts.
In South Carolina, strong community policing efforts are exemplified by the Greenville Police Department, which focuses on strengthening community relationships through neighborhood-specific teams, partnerships with residents and businesses, and initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods to reduce crime and promote transparency and trust. This approach has contributed to a nearly 20% decrease in violent crime in Greenville and is being replicated across the state through similar community policing programs.
Safety resources available statewide.
South Carolina offers various safety resources, including the South Carolina Hurricane Guide for hurricane preparedness, available online and printed copies at multiple locations statewide. Additionally, the Crime Prevention Unit of the City of Columbia Police Department provides programs such as burglary assessments, fraud awareness, and personal safety tips, while Crimestoppers offers anonymous tip lines and mobile apps for reporting crimes.
Neighborhood safety varies significantly.
Neighborhood safety in South Carolina varies significantly, with cities like Chester and Dillon having some of the highest violent crime rates, while cities such as Travelers Rest, Central, and Tega Cay are considered much safer. This reflects a wide disparity in crime rates across different regions of the state. For more information on these variations, you can explore a detailed report on the safest cities in South Carolina, which provides insights into the factors contributing to these differences.
Public safety initiatives ongoing.
South Carolina is implementing several public safety initiatives, including the 2024 Law Enforcement Target Zero Challenge, which involves stepped-up enforcement of safety belt and child passenger safety laws, DUI enforcement, and speed law enforcement during specific campaigns, along with educational and enforcement efforts to reduce crashes involving vulnerable roadway users.