South Carolina is located in the southeastern US and is known for its coastal beaches, the Blue Ridge mountains, and rich history. It consists of 71 cities and 200 towns and has a total population of 5.118 million.
Whether you are visiting or planning to relocate, it is better to know about the safety and crime in the state.
We have compiled this guide and listed the top 10 safest cities in South Carolina, along with their recent crime statistics. It will help in selecting a safe city and understanding the common crimes and how you can safeguard yourself.
Is South Carolina Safe?
Whether South Carolina is safe or not depends on the city you live in. Some cities like Fort Mill, Lyman, and Tega Cay are extremely safe with a low crime rate. However, some cities like Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and Hartsville have elevated crime rates.
According to the recent crime rate published by the South Carolina State Law and Enforcement Division, there has been a decrease in the violent and property crime rates for the three consecutive years (2020-2023).
The total crime rate of the state is 26.64 per 1,000 residents. Which includes a 4.71 Violent Crime Rate (VCR) and 21.93 Property Crime Rate (PCR). Both rates are elevated compared to the national median of 4 (VCR) and 19 (PCR), respectively.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 212, and the property crime rate is 1 in 46. And if you choose a safe city, it could reduce it to a great extent.
Source: South Carolina State Law and Enforcement Division,NeighborhoodScout
Top 10 Safest Cities in South Carolina
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant ranks top in the safest cities in South Carolina because of its low crime rate. It's safer than 72% of the US cities.
The violent crime rate is 0.57, and the property crime rate is 4 per 1,000 residents. There was only one violent crime, and 7 property crimes were reported in the recent FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
The city is quite safe, and one of the primary reasons is its low population, which is just 1,700.
Fort Mill
Fort Mill is safer than 58% of the US cities. Its low crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in South Carolina.
The violent crime rate of the city is 0.83, and the property crime rate is 6.01 per 1,000 residents. Both rates are extremely low compared to the state (VCR=4.71 & PCR=21.93) and national crime rate (VCR=4 & PCR=19).
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1,201, and property crime is 1 in 166. It's important to note that "0" murders were reported in the recent FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
Tega Cay
Tega Cay's total crime rate is 9.25, with a total of 130 reported cases.
Its violent crime rate is only 0.21, with only 3 crimes per year. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 4,486. There were "0" murders, "0" rapes, and "0" robberies. Which makes it an extremely safe city in South Carolina.
The property crime rate is 9.03, with a total of 127 reported cases. It includes 119 thefts, 5 burglaries, and 3 motor vehicle thefts. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Tega Cay are 1 in 111.
Lyman
Lyman's violent crime rate is even lower than Tega Cay's. It's 0.15 per 1,000 residents with only "1" violent crime per year.
There was only one assault case reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 6,709, which is incredible.
The property crime rate is 10.88 per 1,000 residents. There were 73 cases reported in a year. The low crime rate of the city makes it safer than 41% of the US cities.
Bluffton
Bluffton's total crime rate is 11.12 per 1,000 residents. It includes a 0.82 violent crime rate and a 10.30 property crime rate. It's safer than 40% of the US cities.
There were 29 violent crimes reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). Out of which, there is "1" murder, "4" rapes, "4" robberies, and "20" assaults. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are 1 in 1,215.
Despite the high population of around 35,200 residents, the crime rate is still low.
Clover
The violent crime rate of Clover is 1.89 per 1,000 residents, with only 14 reported cases. It includes "1" murder, "2" rapes, "1" robbery, and "10" assaults. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 528.
The property crime rate is 10.01 per 1,000 residents. There were 74 cases reported, including "62" thefts, "8" burglaries, and "4" motor vehicle thefts. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 100.
Port Royal
Port Royal is safer than 33% of the US cities, with a total crime rate of 13.57 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 1.41 per 1,000 residents. There were "0" murder cases in a year. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 708.
The property crime rate is 12.16 per 1,000 residents. Which includes "173" thefts, "16" burglaries, and "9" motor vehicle thefts. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 82.
Hanahan
Hanahan has a total crime rate of 16.47 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1.97, with 43 reports in total. Which includes "4" murders, "5" rapes, "5" robberies, and "29" assaults. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 507.
The property crime rate of the city is 14.50 per 1000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 69.
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is safer than 23% of the US cities. Its total crime rate is 18.08 per 1,000 residents.
It's a city with a small population of 4,300. Its violent crime rate is 3.43, with 15 reported cases. There are "0" murder, "1" rape, "1" robbery, and "13" assault cases. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 291.
The property crime rate is 14.65, with a total of 64 cases. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 68.
Duncan
Duncan also has a small population of around 4,400 residents. The overall crime rate of the city is 18.73 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 3.16 per 1,000 residents with a total of 14 reported cases. It includes "0" murders, "0" rapes, "3" robberies, and "11" assaults. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 317.
The property crime rate is 15.57 per 1,000 residents. It includes "52" thefts, "12" motor vehicle thefts, and "5" burglaries.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
Common Crimes in South Carolina
Violent Crimes
Assault: It's the highest violent crime with a rate of 3.86 per 1,000 residents. A total of 20,764 cases were reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
Robbery: Its rate is 0.39 per 1,000 residents with a total of 2,108 cases in a year.
Rape: The number of rape cases is also around the number of robberies. Its rate is 0.36 with a total of 1,958 cases.
Murder: 482 murder cases were reported, and the crime rate is 0.09.
Property Crimes
Theft: 86,930 theft cases were reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). Its crime rate is 16.18 per 1,000 residents.
Burglary: The second most common property crime is burglary, with a rate of 3.21 per 1,000 residents. 17,263 cases were reported in a year.
Motor Vehicle Theft: 13,653 cases were reported. Its crime rate is 2.54.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
How Residents Can Ensure Safety in South Carolina?
Install a Security Camera System
Every South Carolina home needs a robust security system to keep an eye on the house, collect evidence, and deter crimes. It's the need of the hour to protect your assets and loved ones.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is an all-in-one solution for home security. It's an uninterrupted video alarm system with 24/7 expert monitoring. You can secure your house with cameras, alarm systems, doorbell sensors, etc. Not only does it protect you from crimes, but it also senses fire & smoke and flood & freezing. Plus, the professional monitoring quickly responds if there is any issue.
If you are looking for only a security camera system, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max could be an excellent choice. It consists of triple-lens security cameras that capture intricate details and dual views. With auto-tracking, local AI agent, and real-time alerts, it takes security to the next level. It can identify threats and also ensure tailored responses.
Invest in Smart Gadgets
Other than security cameras, you can also invest in smart locks, windows/door sensors, alarm systems, motion sensors, etc. They enhance the security of your house. Also, spend on automated lighting.
Engage with Your Neighbor
Talk to your neighbors and build a healthy relationship. They could help you understand the city issues and reach out quickly when needed.
Participate in Community Events
Watch programs and community events engage with the local police and residents. It's helpful in getting the updated knowledge about the crimes and reducing them.
Be Vigilant When Outdoors
When you are outdoors, stay confident and alert. Keep your valuables hidden and part in well-lit and public areas. Do not choose unknown routes and talk to strangers.
FAQs
What city in South Carolina has the lowest crime rate?
Mount Pleasant has the lowest crime rate. The violent crime rate is 0.57, and the property crime rate is 4 per 1,000 residents, but its population is also low (1,700). Fort Mill is a low-crime city with a higher population. Its violent crime rate is 0.83, and its property crime rate is 6.01 per 1,000 residents.
What is the biggest risk of living in South Carolina?
The biggest risk of living in South Carolina is natural disasters. Its long coastline increases the risk of hurricanes and tornadoes. Other than that, its violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
What city has the worst crime rate in SC?
Union has the worst crime rate in SC. Its total crime rate is 91.99 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 10.40, and the property crime rate is 81.59.
