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Everything You Should Know About Crime Rates in South Carolina

May 19, 2023|

The Palmetto state is known for mild temperatures, beautiful landscapes and, of course, Southern charm. With its relatively low cost of living, South Carolina is understandably a popular relocation spot for retirees. And people of all ages appreciate the state’s reputation for delicious barbeque restaurants and relaxed pace of living.

Even with all its charm, South Carolina also has areas that struggle with crime. For instance, the city with the highest crime rate in South Carolina is Orangeburg. This city has a violent crime rate of 17.3 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 65.6 per 1,000 residents. Both rates are far higher than the state average. As for vehicle theft, the crime rate is 2.80 per 1,000 residents, which puts South Carolina 13th out of all states.

Greenville South Carolina downtown cityscape on the Reedy River at dusk
 

Crime in Greenville

Greenville is a lovely and scenic city that gives residents easy access to sprawling gardens, several historical museums, and picturesque nature trails. This city is also home to the popular Greenville Zoo, which provides families with many intriguing exhibits and dozens of unique species of animals to see.

The crime rates in Greenville are 7.07 violent crimes per 1,000 residents with 37.37 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Some of the safest destinations to live in Greenville include Alta Vista, Montague, and Wade Hampton South.

Crime in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a highly popular vacation resort and city that delivers sandy beaches, fun activities, and delicious restaurants for residents and tourists alike. Beaches stretch along 60 miles of the city for plenty of sand-and-surf fun. If you love to golf, the city hosts several premier courses made with celebrity designs.

Since it's a major tourist destination, the crime rates in Myrtle Beach are high. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 12.16 per 1,000 residents while property crime rates are 82.37 per 1,000 residents. The safest neighborhoods and locations in Myrtle Beach include Carolina Forest, Pine Island, and Osprey Cove.

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Crime in Charleston

Charleston is a historic port city that offers beautiful architecture, scenic gardens, and cobblestone streets. As one of the more walkable cities in South Carolina, Charleston is a great destination for people who don’t have or don’t want a car. You're also minutes away from the beach regardless of where your home is.

The crime rates in Charleston are 4.16 per 1,000 residents for violent crimes and 21.87 per 1,000 residents for property crimes. You'll discover that the safest areas include Moss Creek, Grimball Gates, and The Peninsula.

Crime in Columbia

Columbia is South Carolina's capital city and one of the more populous cities in the state. The largest industries in Columbia include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance information.

The crime rates in Columbia include around 7.05 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 41.50 property crimes per 1,000 residents. A few of the safer areas in this city include Leesburg, Kilbourne Park, and Pontiac.

Columbia South Carolina aerial view of State House
 

Crime in Summerville

Summerville is a smaller town that provides residents with a vibrant downtown area and a relatively safe place to live. You'll find that the city plays host to many parks and recreation areas, the most popular of which include Azalea Park and the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site.

The crime rates in Summerville are 2.60 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 20.87 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Some of the safest neighborhoods and areas to live in include The Ponds, Summerville Farms, and Pinehill Acres.

Crime in Clemson

Although it's a relatively small city, Clemson is home to Clemson University, which is among the more popular colleges in the nation. The city is a peaceful and relaxing place to live with low violent crime rates.

The crime rates in Clemson are 2.28 per 1,000 residents for violent crimes and 27.41 per 1,000 residents for property crimes. Some of the safest areas to live in this city include the Clemson University location and Clemson Southeast.

Benefits of a home security system and home automation in South Carolina

Whether you live in Charleston or Summerville, our home automation system for your property puts the tools you need to stay secure right in your hands while effectively making your life more convenient and boosting your peace of mind.

  • Comfort and savings: Programmable thermostats allow you to keep your home comfortable even when you're not there. The Vivint thermostat will learn your habits and adjust the temperature when you’re not home to save you money.
  • Added convenience: Home automation systems give you complete control over the major systems and appliances that you install like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. All you need to do is connect these devices to your Smart Hub.
  • Extensive security: There are numerous features that bolster your home's security and keep your family safe. From smart door locks to security sensors around your home to prevent people from breaking in, our home security system can help keep your family safe.
  • Better energy efficiency: Home automation systems allow you to remotely turn off your lights and appliances. You'll start using less energy and benefit from lower energy bills.
  • Greater peace of mind: Whenever someone tries to enter your home or break into your vehicle, you will receive an alert instantly. An alert is also sent to Vivint's security team to ensure you always have peace of mind.
Vivint Smart Thermostat set to 72
 

Maintain your home and vehicle's safety with Vivint

Protect your South Carolina home and vehicle with a Vivint system. Contact us today at 855.822.1220 for a free quote and see if a home security system is right for you.

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