Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina

Southern charm, lovely coastlines, and sunny weather make South Carolina popular. However, there are cities in the country with high crime rates. It is causing many people and tourists to worry about their safety.

In this article, we will discuss the most dangerous cities in SC, the factors behind their danger, and some tips to protect yourself.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina

Check out South Carolina crime rate ranking with 10 most dangerous cities. The following statistics cover crimes that involve violence as well as crimes involving property. Below you will find a summary of the ten most dangerous cities in South Carolina with the highest crime rates per 1,000 residents.

Quick Comparison

Union

There are 92.45 crimes per 1,000 people in Union, making it the state's top offender. Though Union is not big, it still deals with violence and property crime. Both theft and burglary are important issues to deal with.

Walterboro

The rate of violent crime in Walterboro stands at 87.48 per 1,000 people. The area has various property crimes, such as burglaries and cars getting stolen. Even though it has a deep background, Rock Hill became known as a very unsafe place in South Carolina.

Spartanburg

Per 1000 people, the crime rate in Spartanburg is 81.85, which puts it among the top of our list. More crime happens because the population is growing. People worry about their safety as well as that of their belongings. The local police have started working on these matters, but the problems are unresolved.

Orangeburg

In Orangeburg, about 79 out of every 1,000 people become victims of crime. Crime is getting worse partly because people are having difficulty making ends meet. There's not enough money to pay for things like the police. Since so many property crimes happen, people should do their best to keep their homes and belongings safe.

Hartsville

This place has a crime rate of 78.49 per 1000 residents. While Hartsville is mostly famous for its college and community events, concerns about property crimes are increasing. Many families in the area deal with the effects of common crimes such as home break-ins and theft.

Darlington

Darlington has 70.32 crimes per 1,000 residents. Despite its reputation for its track record and friendly communities, crime is still an issue in the city. Many areas in the town are still affected by drug-related activity and theft.

Dillon

Dillon reports 70.11 crimes per 1,000 people. Dealing with gangs and not enough police has made it hard for this city to bring down its crime rate. People are concerned with safety when they don't feel safe in their homes.

Myrtle Beach

Although Myrtle Beach has seen quite a bit of crime at over 68%, it is still a big tourist destination. Property crime rates are higher in the city, mostly when there are a lot of tourists visiting. People visiting and living in Patong are asked to be careful with their belongings. They need to ensure they only go to busy and lit areas where there are many other people.

Lancaster

The city's crime rate right now is 66 per 1,000 people. Like the other cities mentioned, it has to deal with poverty and issues involving drugs. The city is taking steps to make the community safer through programs with the police and outreach efforts.

Marion

Marion shows up in 10th place with 64.36 crimes for every 1,000 individuals. Despite being considered a peaceful place, it has property crime issues that threaten the community's safety. Community members collaborate with the police to make their neighborhoods safer.

Crime Rate in South Carolina

South Carolina has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to the national level. In 2024, the state recorded 437 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 1,966 property crimes per 100,000 people, resulting in an overall crime rate of about 2,403 offenses per 100,000 residents. Compared to the U.S. average, this means violent crime is about 21.6% higher, while property crime is 11.7% higher, indicating a relatively elevated safety risk in the state.

In terms of crime composition, aggravated assault accounts for 81.8% of violent crimes, while larceny-theft makes up 74.7% of property crimes, showing that most incidents are concentrated in a few key categories. Despite these high levels, recent trends are improving: between 2023 and 2024, the overall crime rate decreased by 11.1%, with violent crime dropping 8.5% and property crime falling 11.6%. Overall, South Carolina remains a relatively high-crime state, but current data suggests a clear downward trend across major crime categories

How to Determine the Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina?

You can consider multiple factors to determine which cities are the most dangerous in SC, including the following.

• Check the crime rate in different cities. Pay attention to different violent crimes like assault along with property crime rates.
• Check the population size and the earning. Cities with lower earnings and an increasing population will have higher crime rates and, hence, be more dangerous.
• See the crime rate trends over the years. Sometimes a city has a bad reputation but it improves its reputation over the years. Decreasing annual crime rates tell that the city is becoming safer.
• Research the local security resources including police presence and community programs. If a city lacks these, it will most probably be among the dangerous ones.
• The unemployment and poverty levels also have their fair share in increasing the number of crimes. The cities with higher poverty and unemployment rates will have higher crime rates, making them dangerous.

Considering the above-listed factors, you can easily determine the most dangerous cities in SC.

How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Cities in South Carolina?

Staying safe in higher-crime areas in South Carolina is mainly about awareness, preparation, and avoiding risky situations. Whether you are a resident or visitor, simple precautions can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a target.

First, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods or at night. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, and try to travel in groups whenever possible. Keep valuables out of sight, such as phones, wallets, and jewelry, to reduce the risk of theft. When parking, choose well-lit and secure areas, and always lock your vehicle doors and windows.

To enhance your security at home, consider installing a wireless security camera. A reliable security camera, such as the Reolink TrackMix, you can get notified about activity on your property and scare away any unwelcome intruders. You get smart tracking, a dual lens, and the ability to use night vision.

It is also important to stay updated on local safety conditions and follow guidance from local authorities or community alerts. If you are visiting cities with higher crime rates, plan your routes in advance and prefer busy, populated areas. By combining situational awareness with basic safety habits, including the use of a security camera, you can significantly improve personal security even in higher-risk urban areas.

FAQs

What City in South Carolina Has the Highest Crime Rate?

Union is the most dangerous city in SC. It faces 92.45 crimes per 1000 and is therefore the most dangerous city in the state.

What is the Safest City in SC?

Lexington is often listed as the safest in South Carolina for low crime and hard work in keeping its communities safe, with 0.2 violent and 1.0 property crimes.

What is the deadliest road in South Carolina?

Reports show that I-95 experiences a high number of serious accidents each year—around 30 traffic deaths annually on average in South Carolina alone—making it the top hotspot for fatal crashes

Conclusion

South Carolina is a pleasant place, but some of its cities are known for experiencing more crime. If you are planning to move to or visit SC you should know about the safety problems people are facing right now.

If you pay attention to the most dangerous cities in South Carolina and use some basic safety tips, you can stay safe and enjoy everything the state offers.