A+
72%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
70%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBluffton/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime236n/a (estimate)6542,8002,324
Murder1n/a2.811.26.3
Rape3n/a8.338.240.0
Robbery4n/a11.140.666.1
Assault17n/a47.1401.3268.2
Violent crime25n/a (estimate)69491370
Burglary30n/a83.2352.7269.8
Theft160n/a443.71,706.31,401.9
Vehicle theft21n/a58.2249.2282.7
Property crime211n/a (estimate)5852,3081,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bluffton, SC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bluffton crime rate is lower than the national average by 71.8%. Specifically, there were 25 violent crimes in Bluffton, equivalent to 69 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 81.3%. Furthermore, Bluffton recorded 211 property crimes, amounting to 585 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 70.1%.

With a crime rate of 654, significantly below the national average of 2324, Bluffton stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

Bluffton shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 69 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Bluffton an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Bluffton records a property crime rate of 585 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Bluffton as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bluffton?

AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Bluffton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 72% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bluffton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 28% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Bluffton a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Bluffton 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, Bluffton has an overall crime rate that is 72% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.65 daily occurrences, comprising 0.07 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Bluffton as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Bluffton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bluffton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bluffton has decreased by 4.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 4.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bluffton

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bluffton crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bluffton has an unemployment rate of 1.5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Bluffton has a population density of 446 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Bluffton crime rates.

In Bluffton, the average rental rates are $1,761 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Bluffton crime map



The Bluffton crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bluffton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bluffton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bluffton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Bluffton, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bluffton crime rates are 72% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bluffton are 81% lower than the national average
      • In Bluffton you have a 1 in 153 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bluffton is safer than 84% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bluffton has decreased by 19%

      Bluffton, SC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bluffton (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Bluffton, SC per 100,000 people. In Bluffton, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 4.28 times less than the South Carolina average and 3.55 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Bluffton is 7.09 times less than the South Carolina average and 5.33 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Bluffton has a daily crime rate that is 3.95 times less than the South Carolina average and 3.34 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Bluffton (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Bluffton, South Carolina compared to other areas of South Carolina, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Bluffton safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Bluffton is safer than 92% of South Carolina cities, and 84% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in South Carolina, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Bluffton. At this time, Bluffton sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bluffton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bluffton is 1 in 1443
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bluffton is 1 in 171
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bluffton is 1 in 153
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Bluffton? In Bluffton, SC you have a 1 in 1443 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 171 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 153 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bluffton.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bluffton (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Bluffton, SC is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Bluffton has decreased by 13%, while the property crime rate in Bluffton has decreased by 20% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Bluffton has decreased by 19% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Bluffton police department

        Item Bluffton South Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)345,812558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.65.13.3
        There are a total of 34 Bluffton police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 47.8% less than the South Carolina average and 18.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in South Carolina

        State Total offenders South Carolina /100K National /100K
        South Carolina15,193377266
        There are a total of 15,193 sex offenders in South Carolina. This yields a total of 377 sex offenders in South Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 42% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Talahi Island, GA1,22452237289
        Whitemarsh Island, GA7,264119550669
        Shell Point, SC2,9911878781,065
        Hilton Head Island, SC40,0002129971,209
        Port Royal, SC13,2652611,2511,512
        Thunderbolt, GA2,6384782,0692,547
        Savannah, GA145,4924762,1912,667
        Bluffton, SC23,17669585654

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Clayton, NC23,1791131,2351,348
        Blue Island, IL23,1605842,9063,490
        Oxford, OH23,1923101,8802,190
        Copiague, NY23,2004741,9022,376
        Simpsonville, SC23,2003133,6723,985
        Bluffton, SC23,17669585654
        Source: The Bluffton, SC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.