| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gaston/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 59 | n/a (estimate) | 3,600 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 61.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 61.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 244.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 366 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 610.1 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 36 | n/a | 2,196.5 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 427.1 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 3,234 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
The Gaston crime rates are 69.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 6 violent crimes in Gaston (366 per 100,000 people), which is 1.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 53 property crimes (3234 per 100,000 residents) which is 83.7% higher than average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Gaston has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 366 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
Gaston showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Gaston faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 7 vehicle thefts, translating to 427 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Gaston in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 235.
What do the local residents think about crime in Gaston? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 11% of Gaston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 89% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Gaston 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. Gaston has a total crime rate that is 70% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.16 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.15 daily property crimes) in Gaston.
Year-over-year crime rates in Gaston has decreased by 16.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gaston 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 20%, while property crime has decreased by 19.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gaston.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Gaston currently has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Gaston, the cost of living is 12.22% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Gaston has an average rental rate of $1,360 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
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 | Gaston | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Pine Ridge, SC | 2,771 | 43 | 986 | 1,029 |
| Hopkins, SC | 2,068 | 221 | 992 | 1,213 |
| Springdale CDP, SC | 2,355 | 251 | 1,129 | 1,380 |
| Lexington, SC | 21,847 | 118 | 1,566 | 1,684 |
| South Congaree, SC | 2,739 | 209 | 1,632 | 1,842 |
| Red Bank, SC | 9,971 | 385 | 1,732 | 2,116 |
| Oak Grove, SC | 12,040 | 415 | 1,867 | 2,282 |
| Gaston, SC | 2,074 | 366 | 3,234 | 3,600 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wakarusa, IN | 2,074 | 102 | 448 | 549 |
| Arcade, NY | 2,074 | 194 | 879 | 1,074 |
| Hampton, IL | 2,074 | 113 | 670 | 783 |
| Moravian Falls, NC | 2,074 | 149 | 777 | 926 |
| New Glarus, WI | 2,074 | 99 | 410 | 508 |
| Gaston, SC | 2,074 | 366 | 3,234 | 3,600 |
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