St. Stephen, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in St. Stephen, SC

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in St. Stephen is 147% 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 St. Stephen, there were 11 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 718 per 100,000 individuals, 94% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 77 property crimes, amounting to 5023 per 100,000 residents, 157% higher than the U.S. average.

In St. Stephen, the crime rate stands at 5740 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 146.98%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in St. Stephen that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

With a violent crime rate of 718 crimes per 100,000 residents, St. Stephen is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, St. Stephen ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, St. Stephen reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

St. Stephen reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5023 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to property crime in St. Stephen, 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.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and St. Stephen is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, St. Stephen reported a total of 7 vehicle thefts, resulting in 457 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 220, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in St. Stephen?

AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in St. Stephen to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in St. Stephen and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% 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 St. Stephen a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is St. Stephen 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 St. Stephen crime rate is 147% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.24 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes.

Has Crime in St. Stephen Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in St. Stephen has increased by 1.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not St. Stephen 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 38.9%, while property crime has increased by 11.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in St. Stephen.

Potential Causes for Crime in St. Stephen

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. St. Stephen currently has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In St. Stephen, the cost of living is 15.54% 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.

In St. Stephen, the average rental rates are $652 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.

St. Stephen crime map