Greenville, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Greenville, 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 Greenville crime rate is higher than the national average by 81.5%. Specifically, there were 397 violent crimes in Greenville, equivalent to 542 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 46.4%. Furthermore, Greenville recorded 2696 property crimes, amounting to 3677 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 88.2%.

With a crime rate of 4219 per 100,000 residents, Greenville has a crime rate that is 81.53% 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 Greenville 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.

Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Greenville - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3677 per 100,000 people, Greenville has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Greenville?

What do the local residents think about crime in Greenville? Well, based on a recent survey of 149 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 47% of Greenville residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 53% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Greenville a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Greenville a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Greenville crime rate is 82% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 8.47 crimes per day - 1.09 violent crimes and 7.39 property crimes.

Has Crime in Greenville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Greenville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Greenville has decreased by 1.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 21.2%, while property crime has decreased by 2.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Greenville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Greenville

In Greenville, the cost of living is 3.46% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Greenville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.66, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

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 Greenville, the average rental rates are $1,013 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Greenville crime map