| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Georgetown/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 554 | n/a (estimate) | 6,656 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 12.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 84.1 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 96.1 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 131 | n/a | 1,573.9 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 147 | n/a (estimate) | 1,766 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 49 | n/a | 588.7 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 335 | n/a | 4,025.0 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 276.3 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 407 | n/a (estimate) | 4,890 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
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 Georgetown crime rate is higher than the national average by 186.4%. Specifically, there were 147 violent crimes in Georgetown, equivalent to 1766 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 377.6%. Furthermore, Georgetown recorded 407 property crimes, amounting to 4890 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 150.2%.
With a total of 6656 crimes per 100,000 people, the Georgetown crime rates stand at 186.39 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 Georgetown, 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.
Georgetown has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1766 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Georgetown falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 57 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Georgetown has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Georgetown, which is 12 murders per 100,000 people.
Georgetown has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4890 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Georgetown is 1 in 21, which is far higher than the national average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Georgetown residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 20% of Georgetown 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, 80% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Georgetown 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 Georgetown crime rate is 186% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.52 crimes per day - 0.4 violent crimes and 1.12 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Georgetown crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Georgetown has increased by 16.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 22.5% and property crime has increased by 14.3%.
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 Georgetown crime rates. For instance, in Georgetown, the population density stands at 1270.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Georgetown, 80.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Georgetown, the cost of living is 11.45% lower 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.
| Item | Georgetown | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 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 |
| Pawleys Island, SC | 83 | 198 | 932 | 1,131 |
| Murrells Inlet, SC | 9,292 | 248 | 1,168 | 1,416 |
| Georgetown, SC | 8,884 | 1,766 | 4,890 | 6,656 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waterford, CA | 8,884 | 218 | 773 | 991 |
| Airway Heights, WA | 8,885 | 324 | 4,045 | 4,369 |
| Port Wentworth, GA | 8,886 | 150 | 1,813 | 1,963 |
| Mahomet, IL | 8,888 | 175 | 546 | 721 |
| North Kensington, MD | 8,879 | 251 | 1,031 | 1,282 |
| Georgetown, SC | 8,884 | 1,766 | 4,890 | 6,656 |
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