Sumter, SC Crime Rate & Latest Statistics [2024 Updated]

As a proud South Carolina resident, it’s important to remain aware of crime rates across the state and how they vary from city to city. For example, having an understanding of the Sumter, South Carolina crime rate can be useful when traveling around the state or deciding where to take a trip. Equipped with this knowledge, you will be able to set your expectations, protect yourself, and remain vigilant. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer can also provide valuable insights and assistance in understanding local crime trends and legal protections.

Crime Rate

When people talk about the crime rate, it usually encompasses violent crimes and property crimes. There are several other aspects and details that go into it, but these are the main components people analyze. If a city is said to have a high crime rate, then its violent crime or property crime rate is high.

Violent Crime

A violent crime can be any crime where someone was the victim of violence or was threatened by violence. Violence can be defined as physically harming someone or insinuating physical harm in some way. Violent crime is more straightforward than property crime. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer can also provide valuable insights and assistance in understanding local crime trends and legal protections.

Property Crime

Property crime happens when someone’s property has been destroyed, stolen, or damaged. The key difference here is that violence was not used against the victim. For example, if someone were to assault a person and steal their purse, this would constitute a violent crime, not a property crime, because force was used.

However, the line can get blurry. For example, if someone commits larceny, then gets caught and uses violence to avoid arrest, they could be charged with both a property crime and a violent crime. This example can cause crime rates to seem inflated because it will be recorded as both a violent crime and a property crime, but really, only one crime was committed.

Sumter Crime Rate

Sumter has a crime rate that is almost double the state average. For violent crimes, Sumter has about 8.79 crimes per 1,000 residents, while the state average is 4.91. 1 in 114 residents has a chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, while South Carolina residents as a whole have a 1 in 204 percent chance.

Violent crimes include rape, murder, robbery, and assault. Sumter ranks higher in murder and assault percentages than the national average but lower in rape and robbery.

The property crime rate in Sumter is 32.09 per 1,000 residents compared to the state average of 23.08 per 1,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime compared to the state average of 1 in 43. Crimes such as burglary and theft are higher than the national average.

FAQs

Is Sumter, South Carolina a Good Area?

Sumter, South Carolina is one of the most popular places to live, according to Forbes, making the list of top ten cities to live within the state. Sumter is a conveniently located city with a very affordable standard of living. With its geographical footprint, low unemployment rate, and small-town charm, it’s become a popular place to live over recent years. There are good and bad parts of every city. Although the crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s still a good place to live.

What Is the Safest Town in South Carolina?

One of the safest towns in South Carolina is Mount Pleasant. A suburb of Charleston, it has a total population of just over 96,000 people. The town demographics are 91% white, 3% black, 1% Asian, and 3% multiracial, with a median age of 42 years. Of the population, over 56% are married, and over 40% of residents have a bachelor’s degree. The city historically ranks low in violent crimes and property crimes year over year, making it one of the safest cities.

What Is the Racial Makeup of Sumter, South Carolina?

The racial makeup of Sumter, South Carolina, includes 46% black or African American, 44% white, 4% Hispanic, 4% multiracial, and 1% Asian. The city is very ethnically diverse, which contributes to its rich history. Almost 3% of the population is foreign-born.

When compared to other cities in the state, Sumter is one of the highest in terms of its foreign-born population. There is also a large population of military personnel living in the city. There are veterans from the Gulf War, the Korean War, and Vietnam.

What City Has the Worst Crime Rate in South Carolina?

The city with one of the worst crime rates in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach. The crime rate is high here largely because of the city’s popularity as a tourist attraction. Theft and robbery rates have historically been high. With a population of just over 40,000 people, residents often suffer from criminals looking to take advantage of out-of-state tourists. Although thousands of people safely visit Myrtle Beach every year, it’s wise to always be aware of your surroundings.

Where Does South Carolina Rank in Crime?

South Carolina ranks as the 43rd state in terms of crime and corrections rates in the US according to US News Reports. The report ranked New Hampshire as the number one state and Louisiana as the 50th state. These report rankings are a good way for states to measure their incarceration rates and public safety metrics against other states. South Carolina is historically toward the bottom tier in these annual rankings.

Legal Guidance

While the crime rate in South Carolina is relatively high, there are still safe and popular cities in which to live within the state. There are several tourist attractions and worthwhile historical towns to visit. Knowing which towns to avoid and which ones are safe is an important tool for every resident to have.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, our legal team can field any questions you may have about crime rates in South Carolina. We pride ourselves in helping residents with their legal cases and questions. Since 1996, our firm has been providing a wide range of legal services to families across the state. With our team, you can rest assured that you’re getting the quality help you need. Contact us at our office in Sumter today to speak with a member of our team.