| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bluffton/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 358 | n/a (estimate) | 944 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 5.3 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 15.8 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 21.1 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 29 | n/a | 76.5 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 119 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 68.6 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 258 | n/a | 680.3 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 76.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 313 | n/a (estimate) | 825 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bluffton is 55.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 45 violent crimes reported in Bluffton, equivalent to 119 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 67%. Additionally, Bluffton recorded 313 property crimes, amounting to 825 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 53.1%.
Bluffton distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Bluffton among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Bluffton residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 76% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Bluffton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 24% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Bluffton is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bluffton has a total crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.98 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 0.86 daily property crimes) in Bluffton.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bluffton has increased by 44.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bluffton 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 increased by 87.5%, while property crime has increased by 40.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bluffton.
Bluffton has a poverty rate of 4.2, 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.
Bluffton has a population density of 459.8 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Bluffton, the average rental rates are $2,627 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Bluffton | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| South Carolina | 15,193 | 377 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Savannah, GA | 148,994 | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| Talahi Island, GA | 1,262 | 46 | 235 | 281 |
| Thunderbolt, GA | 2,723 | 0 | 513 | 513 |
| Whitemarsh Island, GA | 7,483 | 106 | 545 | 651 |
| Shell Point, SC | 3,074 | 148 | 664 | 812 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 41,077 | 189 | 849 | 1,038 |
| Port Royal, SC | 13,654 | 130 | 1,223 | 1,353 |
| Bluffton, SC | 23,896 | 119 | 825 | 944 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Roseburg, OR | 23,898 | 217 | 3,766 | 3,984 |
| Greenwood, SC | 23,893 | 485 | 3,323 | 3,808 |
| Copiague, NY | 23,901 | 367 | 1,661 | 2,028 |
| Avon, OH | 23,911 | 74 | 896 | 970 |
| Chalmette, LA | 23,911 | 556 | 2,453 | 3,008 |
| Bluffton, SC | 23,896 | 119 | 825 | 944 |
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