Sumter, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sumter, SC

The Sumter crime rates are 76.5% 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 376 violent crimes in Sumter (882 per 100,000 people), which is 138.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1372 property crimes (3220 per 100,000 residents) which is 64.7% higher than average.

Sumter has a crime rate of 4102 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 76.49%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Sumter. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

With a violent crime rate of 882 crimes per 100,000 residents, Sumter is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Sumter ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 114 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.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Sumter is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 6 murders in Sumter, which equates to 14 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Sumter being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sumter?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Sumter residents. Out of the respondents (112 in total), 23% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Sumter were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 77% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Sumter a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sumter 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. Sumter has a total crime rate that is 76% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.79 daily crimes (1.03 violent daily crimes and 3.76 daily property crimes) in Sumter.

Has Crime in Sumter Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Sumter has increased by 1.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Sumter 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 7.4%, while property crime has increased by 0.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Sumter.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sumter

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Sumter crime rates. For instance, in Sumter, the population density stands at 1212.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Sumter, the cost of living is 5.96% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Sumter is $131,800, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Sumter crime map