Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI 2024 crime data, South Carolina has a total crime rate of 3,163 per 100,000 residents — 15% above the national average — ranking #35 of 50 US states (safest first), in the higher-crime half. Its safest reporting city is Tega Cay.
Limited Data Coverage
Our dataset includes 40 reporting cities covering 1,555,058 of South Carolina's 5,373,555 residents (29%). Crime rates shown are based on reporting cities only and may not represent the full state. This is common in states transitioning to the newer NIBRS reporting system.
Violent Crime Rate
Property Crime Rate
Total Crime Rate
South Carolina Crime Overview
In 2024, South Carolina reported a total crime rate of 3,162.7 per 100,000 residents — 15% above the national average of 2,752.3. This ranks South Carolina #35 out of 50 states (safest first).
The most elevated crime category in South Carolina is larceny-theft at 1.3x the national rate.
Compared to the previous year, South Carolina's crime rate decreased by 9.9%, with violent crime down 7.4%.
Within the state, Tega Cay is the safest city (crime rate: 325), while Orangeburg has the highest rate (7,455) — a 22.9x difference that highlights how much safety can vary within a single state.
For residents, travelers, and those considering a move to South Carolina, these statistics provide a data-driven baseline. Browse the city-level table below to find specific communities, or see how South Carolina compares to its neighboring states. For the full list of safe and high-crime areas, visit safest cities in South Carolina or most dangerous cities in South Carolina.
Crime Breakdown
| Crime Type | Incidents | Rate per 100K | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 7,676 | 493.6 | 473.3 |
| Murder | 125 | 8.0 | 6.2 |
| Rape | 632 | 40.6 | 43.4 |
| Robbery | 921 | 59.2 | 93.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5,985 | 384.9 | 330.0 |
| Property Crime | 41,505 | 2,669.0 | 2,279.1 |
| Burglary | 4,336 | 278.8 | 287.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 33,172 | 2,133.2 | 1,638.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3,997 | 257.0 | 352.4 |
| Arson | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Understanding South Carolina's Crime Profile
Of South Carolina's total crime rate, 15.6% is violent crime and 84.4% is property crime. Nationally, violent crime makes up 17.2% of all crime, meaning South Carolina has a lower-than-average share of violent offenses.
South Carolina's murder rate is 8.0 per 100K, which is 1.3x the national rate of 6.2. Murder is the least common but most serious violent crime, and even small differences in rate can reflect meaningful differences in public safety.
These statistics are compiled from 40 cities across the state that report to the FBI's UCR program. Coverage varies by state — so these numbers represent the best available estimate, not a perfect census. For details, see our methodology page.
Property crime accounts for the bulk of South Carolina's total rate at 2,669 per 100K. This includes burglary, larceny-theft (the most common crime nationwide), motor vehicle theft, and arson. While property crime is less immediately dangerous than violent crime, high rates can affect quality of life, insurance costs, and economic investment in affected areas.
Cities in South Carolina by Crime Rate
Cities ranked from safest to most dangerous (10,000+ residents).
| # | City | Coverage | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tega Cay | 14,456 | 325.1 | 27.7 | 97/100 |
| 2 | North Augusta | 26,377 | 443.6 | 34.1 | 94/100 |
| 3 | Fort Mill | 37,027 | 677.9 | 45.9 | 86/100 |
| 4 | Bluffton | 37,927 | 943.9 | 118.7 | 77/100 |
| 5 | Fountain Inn | 13,996 | 1,057.4 | 78.6 | 72/100 |
| 6 | Mount Pleasant | 96,608 | 1,300.1 | 128.4 | 63/100 |
| 7 | Port Royal | 16,931 | 1,352.6 | 129.9 | 61/100 |
| 8 | Mauldin | 29,180 | 1,600.4 | 219.3 | 53/100 |
| 9 | Hanahan | 22,205 | 1,643.8 | 225.2 | 51/100 |
| 10 | Hardeeville | 13,740 | 1,666.7 | 160.1 | 51/100 |
| 11 | Lexington | 25,359 | 1,683.8 | 118.3 | 50/100 |
| 12 | Goose Creek | 50,294 | 1,721.9 | 256.5 | 49/100 |
| 13 | Irmo | 12,178 | 1,806.5 | 238.1 | 46/100 |
| 14 | Summerville | 52,148 | 1,990.5 | 222.4 | 40/100 |
| 15 | Easley | 27,617 | 2,035.0 | 239.0 | 39/100 |
| 16 | Greer | 47,690 | 2,078.0 | 350.2 | 38/100 |
| 17 | Clemson | 17,867 | 2,149.2 | 162.3 | 37/100 |
| 18 | Moncks Corner | 17,854 | 2,358.0 | 336.1 | 31/100 |
| 19 | Charleston | 156,898 | 2,379.3 | 357.6 | 31/100 |
| 20 | Conway | 29,015 | 2,419.4 | 444.6 | 30/100 |
| 21 | Rock Hill | 75,975 | 2,790.4 | 442.3 | 23/100 |
| 22 | Simpsonville | 28,952 | 2,821.9 | 214.2 | 22/100 |
| 23 | Cayce | 13,628 | 3,514.8 | 733.8 | 12/100 |
| 24 | North Myrtle Beach | 20,790 | 3,583.5 | 360.8 | 12/100 |
| 25 | Forest Acres | 10,309 | 3,695.8 | 291.0 | 11/100 |
| 26 | Newberry | 10,926 | 3,706.8 | 594.9 | 11/100 |
| 27 | Greenwood | 22,478 | 3,812.6 | 489.4 | 10/100 |
| 28 | Columbia | 144,559 | 4,002.5 | 769.9 | 8/100 |
| 29 | Greenville | 73,405 | 4,114.2 | 645.7 | 8/100 |
| 30 | Beaufort | 13,937 | 4,276.4 | 703.2 | 7/100 |
| 31 | Gaffney | 12,399 | 4,403.6 | 225.8 | 6/100 |
| 32 | Aiken | 33,221 | 4,527.3 | 568.9 | 5/100 |
| 33 | Florence | 40,781 | 4,725.2 | 806.8 | 4/100 |
| 34 | North Charleston | 123,511 | 4,767.2 | 811.3 | 4/100 |
| 35 | Sumter | 42,551 | 4,803.7 | 1,097.5 | 4/100 |
| 36 | West Columbia | 18,591 | 5,185.3 | 747.7 | 3/100 |
| 37 | Anderson | 30,150 | 6,265.3 | 560.5 | 1/100 |
| 38 | Spartanburg Department | 39,186 | 6,719.2 | 1,490.3 | 1/100 |
| 39 | Myrtle Beach | 41,022 | 6,767.1 | 1,111.6 | 1/100 |
| 40 | Orangeburg | 13,320 | 7,455.0 | 1,246.3 | 1/100 |
South Carolina Crime Rate Trends
| Year | Coverage | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,555,058 | 3,162.7 | 493.6 | 2,669.0 |
| 2023 | 1,424,753 | 3,509.6 | 533.1 | 2,976.5 |
| 2022 | 1,464,904 | 3,594.8 | 537.0 | 3,057.7 |
| 2021 | 1,440,193 | 3,947.3 | 602.4 | 3,344.9 |
| 2020 | 1,411,286 | 4,347.8 | 638.6 | 3,709.2 |
| 2019 | 1,387,523 | 4,538.6 | 580.4 | 3,958.2 |
South Carolina Crime Trends: 6-Year Analysis
Over the 6-year period from 2019 to 2024, South Carolina's total crime rate decreased by 30.3%, moving from 4,539 to 3,163 per 100,000 residents. This long-term trajectory provides important context beyond any single year's snapshot.
In the most recent year-over-year comparison, South Carolina's crime rate decreased by 9.9%, with violent crime specifically declining 7.4%. Short-term changes don't always indicate a lasting trend, but consecutive years of movement in the same direction are worth noting.
Many factors can influence year-over-year changes, including shifts in policing strategies, economic conditions, population growth, and changes in how agencies report data to the FBI. For the most reliable picture, focus on the multi-year trend rather than any single year's change.
South Carolina vs Neighboring States
How does South Carolina's crime rate compare to its neighbors?
| State | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | vs South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 3,162.7 | 493.6 | 2,669.0 | — |
| Georgia | 2,286.1 | 345.0 | 1,941.1 | -27.7% |
| North Carolina | 3,508.0 | 556.7 | 2,951.3 | +10.9% |
Among neighboring states, Georgia has the lowest crime rate (2,286 per 100K). North Carolina has the highest (3,508 per 100K).
South Carolina in Regional Context
South Carolina is safer than 1 of its 2 neighboring states based on total crime rate. Nationally, it ranks #35 out of 50 states (ranked safest first), placing it in the higher-crime half of all US states.
Regional comparisons are valuable because neighboring states often share economic conditions, climate, and demographic patterns. If South Carolina differs significantly from its neighbors, it may point to state-specific factors such as policing policy, drug legislation, or economic programs. Visit individual state pages above for detailed comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Carolina's crime rate?
South Carolina's total crime rate in 2024 is 3,162.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% above the national average of 2,752. This includes both violent crime (493.6 per 100K) and property crime (2,669.0 per 100K).
How safe is South Carolina compared to other states?
South Carolina ranks #35 out of 50 states (safest first), placing it in the higher-crime half nationally. Visit our all states page for the complete ranking.
What is the safest city in South Carolina?
The safest city in South Carolina is Tega Cay with a crime rate of 325 per 100,000 residents. View the full list at safest cities in South Carolina.
More South Carolina Crime Data
Dive deeper into South Carolina's crime statistics with our specialized ranking pages, or compare South Carolina cities against cities in other states using our comparison tool.