South Carolina is renowned for its sunny climate, stunning sandy beaches, picturesque parks, and exciting festivities. However, it is the state’s esteemed southern hospitality, thriving culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle that has long enticed people to consider moving to South Carolina. This lifestyle has been around for a while, well before the “slow living” movement became popular.
Even though South Carolina boasts of its stunning beaches and friendly locals, it is among the top 10 states in the US with high crime rates.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina: A Closer Look
Here are the top 10 cities in this state that are considered to be the most dangerous.
1. Orangeburg
Orangeburg, a city with a population of 12,779 residents, currently has a crime index of 0. This indicates that all other communities in the state are safer than Orangeburg.
According to statistics, Orangeburg has one of the highest rates of violent crimes in the country, which includes offences like rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and assault.
A considerable chunk of the criminal activities taking place in Orangeburg is associated with property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
In Orangeburg, the likelihood of falling prey to a property crime is 1 in 17.
2. Darlington
According to statistics, Darlington, a city with a population of less than 7000 people, has been ranked as the second most dangerous city in South Carolina.
According to the crime index, the city is considered to be quite unsafe as it only ranks at 1 out of 100. This indicates that it is safer than only 1% of other communities in the state.
Located in the heart of England, Darlington has a crime rate of 65 per 1000 residents. This means that there is a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of a crime in the area. Despite this, the town remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its charming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
As per the locals, the northwest area of the city is considered to be the safest, whereas the northern neighborhoods have a reputation for being the most hazardous.
3. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, a city with a population of 38,253 residents, falls in the 15th percentile for safety. This means that only 15% of cities are more dangerous than Myrtle Beach.
The city of Myrtle Beach has an average crime rate of 51.08 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Myrtle Beach is highly dependent on the specific neighbourhood in which you reside.
It’s worth noting that crime rates can vary greatly depending on which part of the city you’re in. For instance, in some eastern neighbourhoods, the chances of falling victim to a crime may be as high as 1 in 7, while in the southwest, it could be as low as 1 in 43. It’s crucial to be aware of these differences and take appropriate precautions no matter where you are.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime in this city is quite high, with a 1 in 82 chance.
4. Florence
Florence, with a population of 40,751, has a high crime rate of 65 per 1,000 residents, which ranks among the top in the nation.
Compared to other cities and towns around the country, the crime rate in this city is significantly higher, resulting in a D- crime grade.
It has been suggested that Florence is among the 100 most perilous cities in the United States.
According to local residents, the southwest region of the city is deemed the most secure, where the likelihood of getting caught up in criminal activity is as low as 1 in 33.
In contrast, the likelihood of encountering such situations significantly rises in the central areas, where the odds are 1 in 7.
5. Spartanburg
This particular city, home to around 39,248 people, has been given a crime grade of D. On average, a crime takes place here approximately every hour and 32 minutes.
In terms of safety, Spartanburg falls in the 23rd percentile, meaning that the chances of falling victim to a crime in this area are fairly high, with approximately a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim.
Spartanburg has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country. Sadly, the murder rate in the city is disproportionately high when compared to the number of residents living there. It’s a concerning issue that needs to be addressed.
In Spartanburg, the rate of property crime is alarmingly high. This category includes offenses such as larceny, grand theft auto, and arson and occurs at a rate of 1 in 16 incidents.
As per the locals and statistics, the safest area of the city is in the northwest region, where the likelihood of falling victim to a crime is as low as 1 in 374.
6. Greenwood
Greenwood, with a population of 22,541, has a crime index of 2 which indicates that the city is safer than only 2% of the total cities in the country.
On an average, a crime occurs every 4 hours and 15 minutes in this city, which has resulted in a crime grade score of D+.
According to the latest statistics, Greenwood has a crime rate of 57 per 1,000 residents. This means that one has a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to a crime in this area. It’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
According to statistics, the city is known for having one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country. These offences include rape, burglary, car theft, and assault. Shockingly, the odds of falling victim to one of these crimes can be as high as 1 in 84.
The likelihood of the situation may vary depending on the specific area of the city.
As per the locals, the likelihood of falling prey to criminal activities is lower in the southwestern region of the city, whereas it is comparatively higher in the central neighbourhoods.
7. Georgetown
According to statistics, this area experiences a crime every 6 hours and 16 minutes. Shockingly, the chances of your home being burglarized or robbed increase by 300% if you do not have a reliable home security system in place. It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property from potential criminal activity.
Georgetown’s crime index is alarmingly low at just 2 out of 100, indicating that it is safer than just 2% of all cities in the United States.
According to statistics, the crime rate in Georgetown is one of the highest in the United States, with 57 crimes per 1000 residents.
In Georgetown, the likelihood of falling prey to violent or property crime is relatively high, with a statistical chance of one in 18.
The metropolis is notorious for having one of the highest rates of violent crime, while property crime is a close runner-up.
8. Hartsville
Hartsville, a city with a population of 7,350, has been ranked in the 13th percentile for safety, which is not very reassuring. It has been given an overall crime grade of D, which is a matter of concern.
According to statistics, a crime occurs in this area every 5 hours and 33 minutes, with an overall crime rate of 57 per 1,000 residents.
It’s a fact that the probability of being a victim of a crime is 1 in 14. However, the odds can fluctuate significantly depending on the location you are in within the city.
As an illustration, the likelihood of falling prey to criminal activity in the western part of the city is significantly lower, with odds as low as 1 in 43, in contrast to the central neighbourhoods, where the probability is much higher at 1 in 14.
Based on statistical data, it has been observed that the central parts of the city experience the highest number of crimes, with approximately 564 cases reported annually. Conversely, the southeast part of the city has the lowest number of crimes reported, with roughly 65 cases per year.
9. West Columbia
West Columbia, with a population of 18,145, has been ranked as one of the least safe cities in the country, with only 1% of the cities being considered less safe than it.
According to statistics, West Columbia experiences a crime every 13 minutes, leading to a dismal crime grade of D for the city.
In terms of safety, the Columbia Metro area is positioned in the 16th percentile, which implies that there are only 16% of metro areas that are more perilous.
According to statistics, West Columbia is ranked as one of the cities in the United States with the highest rates of violent crimes. Shockingly, the chances of being a victim of such crimes in this city are as high as 1 in 35.
Residents of the Columbia metro area generally agree that the northwest region of the area is the safest.
The chances of falling prey to a crime can vary greatly based on the particular locality you reside in.
As an example, the likelihood of falling prey to criminal activity can vary greatly, with Central neighborhoods having a 1 in 11 chance, while the Northwest area has a significantly lower risk at 1 in 41.
10. Beaufort
Beaufort is home to around 13,982 people, and unfortunately, the crime index in this city is 5, with an overall crime rating of D. This indicates that Beaufort has a higher crime rate compared to other cities.
According to statistics, a crime occurs every 8 hours and 31 minutes on average. The likelihood of experiencing a home invasion in this city is 300% higher than in other cities across the country. These figures highlight the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of one’s home and belongings.
The city of Beaufort has a crime rate of 41 per 1000 residents, which means that there is a possibility of becoming a victim of a crime around 1 in 24.
Residents have shared that the northeast region has been identified as the safest area, with a significantly lower risk of becoming a victim of crime compared to the northern neighbourhoods. The chances of falling prey to a crime drop from 1 in 14 to 1 in 50 in the northeast, as per the locals’ observations.
South Carolina Safety Overview
You can access the complete report on the South Carolina Safety Review by following the link provided.
Tips to Ensure Your Safety While Traveling
Contact Your Bank
It’s always important to take precautions to prevent theft while traveling. One such precaution is to get in touch with your bank and credit card companies before embarking on your journey. Inform them of your travel plans so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your accounts. This can help flag any unauthorized charges and prevent any potential theft of your hard-earned money.
Use bank ATMs.
The likelihood of tampering with these types of devices is lower because they require the involvement of bank employees to access and adjust their settings, such as the personal identification number or PIN.
In addition, it is advisable to choose ATMs that appear to be properly maintained and are situated in safe locations, such as lobbies.
Ensure Your Purse is Always Within Reach
To prevent theft, it’s important to keep your bag within close proximity and even consider placing it on your lap while riding on a bus or train.
Be Vigilant Against Scammers
In many instances, they work in teams, with one individual diverting the target’s attention while another pilfers their belongings.
Protecting Your Drinks at Clubs and Bars
When you’re out at a club or bar, it’s essential to keep your drinks safe. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will take advantage of your vulnerability and slip something into your beverage when you’re not looking. To avoid falling victim to this, it’s crucial to take measures to protect yourself.
One of the easiest ways to protect your drink is to keep it with you at all times. If you need to use the restroom or step outside for a moment, finish your drink first or ask a trusted friend to watch it for you. Never leave your drink unattended, as it only takes a few seconds for someone to slip something into it.
Another important step to take is to keep an eye on your drink as it’s being made. If you’re at a bar, watch the bartender as they pour your drink and make sure they don’t add anything suspicious. If you’re at a club, try to order drinks that are already pre-made to reduce the risk of tampering.
It’s also a good idea to avoid accepting drinks from strangers. While it may seem like a friendly gesture, you never know what someone may have added to your drink. Stick to drinks that you’ve ordered and that you’ve seen being made.
Finally, trust your instincts. If you feel like something is off or that someone is acting suspiciously, don’t be afraid to speak up or leave the situation. Your safety is the most important thing, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Remember, it’s up to you to protect yourself when you’re out at clubs and bars. By taking these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to drink tampering and enjoy your night out with peace of mind.
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