Aiken, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Aiken, SC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Aiken crime rate is 75.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Aiken, there were 190 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 594 per 100,000 individuals, 60.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Aiken recorded 1113 property crimes, amounting to 3480 per 100,000 residents, 78.1% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 4074 per 100,000 residents, Aiken has a crime rate that is 75.28% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Aiken that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Aiken?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Aiken. Based on the results of the surveys (80 responses), 40% of people felt that there was very little crime in Aiken and felt safe walking alone at night. While 60% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Aiken a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Aiken is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Aiken has an overall crime rate that is 75% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.57 daily occurrences, comprising 0.52 violent crimes and 3.05 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Aiken as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Aiken Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Aiken has decreased by 6.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Aiken is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 9.1%, while property crime has decreased by 6.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Aiken.

Potential Causes for Crime in Aiken

Aiken has a poverty rate of 12.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Aiken, the median home price stands at $199,100, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Aiken are $971, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Aiken crime map