Myrtle Beach, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Myrtle Beach, SC

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Myrtle Beach is 231.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Myrtle Beach, there were 386 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1013 per 100,000 individuals, 173.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2553 property crimes, amounting to 6698 per 100,000 residents, 242.7% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 7710 crimes per 100,000 people, the Myrtle Beach crime rates stand at 231.75 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Myrtle Beach, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1013 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Myrtle Beach is 1 in 99.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Myrtle Beach ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Myrtle Beach, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Myrtle Beach reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 6698 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 15 chance of falling victim to property crime in Myrtle Beach, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Myrtle Beach ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 197 vehicle thefts, amounting to 517 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Myrtle Beach within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 194.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Myrtle Beach?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Myrtle Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 201 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Myrtle Beach residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Myrtle Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach crime rate is 232% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 8.05 crimes per day - 1.06 violent crimes and 6.99 property crimes.

Has Crime in Myrtle Beach Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Myrtle Beach has decreased by 16.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Myrtle Beach 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 14.4%, while property crime has decreased by 16.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Myrtle Beach.

Potential Causes for Crime in Myrtle Beach

In Myrtle Beach, the poverty rate currently stands at 22.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Myrtle Beach crime rates.

The median home price in Myrtle Beach is $237,200, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

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 Myrtle Beach are $924, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Myrtle Beach crime map