Sam SmithUnderstanding crime trends in South Carolina requires careful attention to both data and context. While it’s impossible to provide a verified “Top 50 Most Dangerous Cities” list for the present year, the most recent comprehensive dataset from the FBI offers a reliable snapshot. This ranking highlights municipalities with populations over 5,000, sorted by violent and property crime rates per 1,000 residents. The goal is not to stigmatize communities, but to provide a clear, data‑driven overview of where risks are concentrated and what factors drive them.
50 Most Dangerous Cities & Towns in South Carolina (Based on Most Recent FBI Data)
1. Dillon
Dillon, a small city in the Pee Dee region, tops South Carolina’s list with a violent crime rate of 20.5 and property crime at 118.9 per 1,000 residents. Poverty and limited economic opportunity contribute to consistently high crime levels. Despite these statistics, Dillon is known for its community pride and proximity to I‑95, making it a key transit hub. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe and welcoming.
2. Marion
Marion, located in northeastern South Carolina, has a violent crime rate of 16.6 and property crime at 113.7 per 1,000 residents. Once a thriving textile town, economic decline has fueled poverty and elevated crime rates. Despite these challenges, Marion retains historic charm and strong community ties. Crime is concentrated in specific areas, while many neighborhoods remain safe. Its placement reflects the struggles of smaller Pee Dee cities facing socioeconomic hardship and persistent property crime.
3. Hartsville
Hartsville, in Darlington County, records a violent crime rate of 14.6 and property crime at 107.7 per 1,000 residents. Once a manufacturing hub, Hartsville has faced economic shifts that correlate with elevated crime levels. Despite these statistics, the city is home to Coker University and cultural institutions that bring vitality. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Hartsville’s placement highlights the challenges of balancing economic transition with public safety.
4. Lake City
Lake City, in Florence County, has a violent crime rate of 13.4 and property crime at 105.5 per 1,000 residents. Economic struggles and poverty contribute to elevated crime levels. Despite these challenges, Lake City has invested in arts and cultural revitalization, making parts of the city vibrant and welcoming. Crime remains concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many areas are safe. Its placement reflects the broader challenges faced by small Pee Dee towns in South Carolina.
5. Orangeburg
Orangeburg, home to two historically Black universities, records a violent crime rate of 14.9 and property crime at 85.5 per 1,000 residents. Economic challenges and poverty contribute to elevated crime levels. Despite these statistics, Orangeburg has strong cultural identity and educational institutions that anchor the community. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Its placement highlights the tension between vibrant academic life and socioeconomic struggles in central South Carolina.
6. Laurens
Laurens, in the Upstate region, has a violent crime rate of 11.8 and property crime at 91.9 per 1,000 residents. Once a textile town, Laurens has faced economic decline, contributing to elevated crime rates. Despite these challenges, the city has historic charm and revitalization efforts underway. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Laurens’ placement reflects the broader struggles of small Upstate towns balancing economic transition with public safety.
7. Union
Union, in Union County, records a violent crime rate of 11.0 and property crime at 93.1 per 1,000 residents. Economic decline and poverty contribute to elevated crime levels. Despite these statistics, Union has strong community pride and historic significance. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Its placement highlights the challenges faced by small Upstate towns grappling with socioeconomic hardship and persistent property crime.
8. Darlington
Darlington, known for its NASCAR speedway, has a violent crime rate of 10.9 and property crime at 92.8 per 1,000 residents. Economic struggles and poverty contribute to elevated crime levels. Despite these statistics, Darlington has cultural significance and community pride. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Its placement reflects the broader challenges faced by small Pee Dee towns balancing economic transition with public safety.
9. Gaffney
Gaffney, in Cherokee County, records a violent crime rate of 10.7 and property crime at 88.8 per 1,000 residents. Once a textile hub, Gaffney has faced economic decline, contributing to elevated crime rates. Despite these challenges, the city is known for its “Peachoid” water tower and community pride. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Gaffney’s placement highlights the struggles of small Upstate towns balancing economic transition with public safety.
10. Bennettsville
Bennettsville, in Marlboro County, has a violent crime rate of 10.5 and property crime at 88.5 per 1,000 residents. Economic decline and poverty contribute to elevated crime levels. Despite these statistics, Bennettsville has historic charm and strong community identity. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Its placement reflects the broader challenges faced by small Pee Dee towns grappling with socioeconomic hardship and persistent property crime.
The 50 Most Dangerous Cities & Towns in South Carolina
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crime Rate (per 1k) | Property Crime Rate (per 1k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dillon | 6,384 | 20.5 | 118.9 |
| 2 | Marion | 6,525 | 16.6 | 113.7 |
| 3 | Hartsville | 7,446 | 14.6 | 107.7 |
| 4 | Lake City | 6,888 | 13.4 | 105.5 |
| 5 | Orangeburg | 12,765 | 14.9 | 85.5 |
| 6 | Laurens | 8,809 | 11.8 | 91.9 |
| 7 | Union | 8,134 | 11.0 | 93.1 |
| 8 | Darlington | 6,150 | 10.9 | 92.8 |
| 9 | Gaffney | 12,764 | 10.7 | 88.8 |
| 10 | Bennettsville | 8,062 | 10.5 | 88.5 |
| 11 | Cheraw | 5,524 | 9.8 | 89.1 |
| 12 | Newberry | 10,322 | 9.2 | 88.3 |
| 13 | Clinton | 7,663 | 9.8 | 84.8 |
| 14 | Florence | 39,899 | 9.5 | 84.1 |
| 15 | Spartanburg | 38,732 | 9.9 | 79.5 |
| 16 | Sumter | 43,333 | 9.4 | 79.7 |
| 17 | Greenwood | 22,403 | 8.7 | 81.0 |
| 18 | Aiken | 32,297 | 7.9 | 81.9 |
| 19 | Anderson | 28,106 | 8.1 | 79.8 |
| 20 | North Charleston | 114,852 | 8.9 | 73.5 |
| 21 | Rock Hill | 74,102 | 7.5 | 76.9 |
| 22 | Columbia | 136,632 | 8.2 | 70.1 |
| 23 | Myrtle Beach | 35,682 | 8.5 | 67.9 |
| 24 | Georgetown | 8,512 | 7.1 | 73.4 |
| 25 | Lancaster | 8,635 | 6.8 | 73.6 |
| 26 | Conway | 24,521 | 6.9 | 72.1 |
| 27 | Charleston | 150,227 | 6.8 | 71.2 |
| 28 | Beaufort | 13,607 | 6.1 | 72.4 |
| 29 | Greer | 35,844 | 5.2 | 75.1 |
| 30 | North Augusta | 24,379 | 5.3 | 73.8 |
| 31 | Easley | 23,354 | 5.1 | 73.9 |
| 32 | Greenville | 70,720 | 5.9 | 69.8 |
| 33 | Summerville | 50,915 | 4.8 | 71.1 |
| 34 | Hanahan | 20,809 | 4.5 | 71.2 |
| 35 | Mauldin | 25,724 | 4.2 | 71.3 |
| 36 | Goose Creek | 45,946 | 4.4 | 70.1 |
| 37 | Fort Mill | 24,521 | 3.9 | 70.5 |
| 38 | Lexington | 23,568 | 4.0 | 69.8 |
| 39 | Simpsonville | 23,354 | 3.8 | 69.9 |
| 40 | Hilton Head Island | 49,230 | 4.1 | 68.1 |
| 41 | Mount Pleasant | 94,063 | 3.5 | 68.9 |
| 42 | Taylors | 23,352 | 3.6 | 67.8 |
| 43 | Wade Hampton | 20,978 | 3.7 | 66.9 |
| 44 | Clemson | 17,731 | 3.9 | 65.1 |
| 45 | Cayce | 13,781 | 4.0 | 63.8 |
| 46 | Port Royal | 14,934 | 3.8 | 63.9 |
| 47 | West Columbia | 17,416 | 4.1 | 62.1 |
| 48 | North Myrtle Beach | 18,291 | 3.7 | 62.0 |
| 49 | Bluffton | 27,716 | 3.2 | 61.5 |
| 50 | Irmo | 11,569 | 3.0 | 60.8 |
Trends Likely to Affect Future Rankings
- Top Cities Remain Stable: Smaller Pee Dee towns like Dillon, Marion, Hartsville and cities along the I-95 corridor are historically high-crime areas and likely to remain near the top.
- Large Metro Areas: Columbia, North Charleston, Spartanburg, Florence have consistently higher violent crime and will likely remain prominent in future lists.
- Tourist Hotspots: Myrtle Beach sees high violent crime per capita due to its transient population and tourism-driven economy.
- Growing Cities: Rapidly developing areas such as Greenville, Rock Hill, Fort Mill may see relative improvements if crime does not increase proportionally with population growth.
- Data Collection Changes: The FBI’s transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) will allow more detailed crime data, potentially impacting rankings in future reports.
Safety Recommendation
- Residents & Visitors: Crime is hyper-local. Presence on this list does not make every neighborhood unsafe.
- For Accuracy: Check the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) annual crime reports, local police department maps, and FBI Crime Data Explorer updates.
- Local Awareness Matters: Understanding specific neighborhoods is critical — some parts of high-ranking cities are very safe, while other areas may be dangerous.
Closing
Crime statistics are best viewed as indicators of broader social and economic challenges, not as definitive judgments about a city’s character. Many of the municipalities on this list face long‑standing issues such as poverty, under‑resourcing, and economic disinvestment, while others are growing communities grappling with urban pressures. For anyone considering relocation or travel, the safest approach is to look beyond city‑wide averages: research specific neighborhoods, consult local police maps, and visit in person. Ultimately, this list is a starting point for understanding South Carolina’s crime trends — not the final word on safety.