If you seek a tranquil and secure residence in South Carolina, being aware of cities to steer clear of is crucial. Despite the state’s flourishing economy, picturesque beaches, and southern hospitality, certain areas exhibit higher crime rates.
Top 11 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina (2023)
- Myrtle Beach
- Orangeburg
- Florence
- Spartanburg
- North Charleston
- Georgetown
- Columbia
- Sumter
- Greenville
- Summerville
- Charleston
1. Myrtle Beach
With a population of 36,000, Myrtle Beach exhibits a crime rate 330% higher than the national average, registering 10,096 crimes per 100,000 individuals. Residents face a 1 in 10 chance of encountering any type of crime, with 458 violent crimes and 3,056 property crimes recorded in 2022.
2. Orangeburg
Situated 37 miles from Columbia, SC, Orangeburg contends with one of the state’s highest rates of violent crime, marking it as one of the least favorable cities for residency. The year 2022 witnessed 2,035 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, posing a significant challenge for the community.
3. Florence
The city’s crime rate spikes at an alarming 7,648 per 100,000 individuals, marking a 226% increase compared to the national average. Residents in Florence grapple with a 1 in 14 chance of falling victim to any form of crime.
4. Spartanburg
The city reports a crime rate of 7,639 per 100,000 people, exceeding the national average by 225%. This translates to residents facing a 1 in 14 chance of falling victim to crime.
5. North Charleston
North Charleston earns a reputation as one of South Carolina’s most violent cities, hosting a population of 106,113 and boasting a crime rate of 6,249 per 100,000 people. This crime rate surpasses the national average by 166%, leading residents to have a 1 in 17 chance of experiencing any crime.
6. Georgetown
With a population of 9,163, the city reports a crime rate of 5,712 per 100,000, exceeding the national average by 141%. The violent crime rate is particularly troubling, more than double the state average at 1,441 per 100,000 people.
7. Columbia
The city currently records a crime rate of 5,228 per 100,000 people, surpassing the state average and exceeding the national average by 123%. Columbia faces challenges related to violent crimes like robbery and assault, as well as property crimes including burglary and vehicle theft.
8. Sumter
In 2021 alone, the city reported 8 murders, 38 robberies, and 298 assaults, resulting in residents having a 1 in 123 chance of falling victim to violent crime.
9. Greenville
Residents in Greenville face a 1 in 21 chance of becoming victims of crime, with prevalent occurrences of violent crimes like robbery and assault, alongside instances of burglary and theft.
10. Summerville
While its crime rate is slightly lower than the state average, it still exceeds the national average by 33%. On average, Summerville experiences 3,128 incidents per 100,000 people, leading residents to have a 1 in 32 chance of being a victim of any type of crime.
11. Charleston
Charleston has a crime rate 18% higher than the US average. This ranks Charleston as the eighth most dangerous city in South Carolina.
