Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of South Carolina, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Within the diverse landscape of South Carolina, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in South Carolina. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is South Carolina Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 28,078 | 163,090 | 57,764 |
| Rate per 1000 | 5.49 | 31.9 | 11.3 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in South Carolina. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
South Carolina’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
South Carolina has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In South Carolina, the rate of violent crimes is 5.49 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: South Carolina vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rate in South Carolina compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in South Carolina in relation to the broader national landscape.
South Carolina’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 584 | 2,342 | 21,496 | 2,516 | 1,032 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.11 | 0.46 | 4.2 | 0.51 | 0.2 |
| Population | 5,112,587 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in South Carolina
- South Carolina’s murder crime rate is 0.11, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 57%.
- On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.46, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 5%.
- The assault crime rate of the state stands at 4.2, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 48%.
- Robbery is not a concern in South Carolina, with a crime rate of 0.51, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 19%.
- The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.2, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 82%.
South Carolina’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
South Carolina has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In South Carolina, the rate of property crimes is 31.9 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: South Carolina vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in South Carolina compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
South Carolina’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 18,353 | 677 | 34,272 | 269 | 93,193 | 13,937 | 2,389 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.59 | 0.13 | 6.7 | 0.05 | 18.23 | 2.73 | 0.47 |
| Population | 5,112,587 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in South Carolina
- South Carolina experiences a burglary crime rate of 3.59, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 32%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.13, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 63%.
- Vandalism is a significant concern in South Carolina, with a crime rate of 6.7, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 70%.
- The blackmail crime rate is 0.05, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 25%.
- Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 18.23 in South Carolina, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 31%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.73, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 2%.
- South Carolina faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.47, which is 46% lower than the national average of 0.87.
South Carolina’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 48,001 | 9,285 | 99 | 379 |
| Rate per 1000 | 9.39 | 1.82 | 0.02 | 0.07 |
| Population | 5,112,587 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
South Carolina’s Other Crimes Data Insights
- Drug offenses are a significant concern in South Carolina, with a rate of 9.39, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 141%.
- Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.82, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 125%.
Conclusion
South Carolina has a murder crime rate slightly higher than the national average but lower rates of rape and robbery. The assault rate is slightly higher than the national average, while kidnapping, burglary, and motor vehicle theft rates are higher. Vandalism is a concern, but blackmail and identity theft rates are lower. Drug offenses and weapon law violations are challenges for the state. Targeted efforts are needed to address specific areas of concern in South Carolina’s crime rates.