| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lake City/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 346 | n/a (estimate) | 5,819 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 33.6 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 117.7 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 100.9 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 108 | n/a | 1,816.3 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 2,069 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 52 | n/a | 874.5 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 150 | n/a | 2,522.7 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 353.2 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 223 | n/a (estimate) | 3,750 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Lake City crime rates are 150.4% 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 123 violent crimes in Lake City (2069 per 100,000 people), which is 459.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 223 property crimes (3750 per 100,000 residents) which is 91.9% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 5819 per 100,000 residents, Lake City experiences a crime rate that is 150.37% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Lake City contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Lake City ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 2069 per 100,000 people, Lake City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Lake City, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Lake City is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Lake City, which equates to 34 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Lake City being a very dangerous place to live.
Lake City faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3750 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lake City stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Lake City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lake City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% 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.
Determining whether Lake City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lake City has an overall crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.95 daily occurrences, comprising 0.34 violent crimes and 0.61 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lake City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lake City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lake City has decreased by 12.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 9.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 21.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Lake City has a population density of 1228.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Lake City crime rates.
In Lake City, the cost of living is 14.39% 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.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lake City, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.39 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Lake City | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Olanta, SC | 593 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Coward, SC | 549 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Turbeville, SC | 990 | 230 | 1,081 | 1,311 |
| Stuckey, SC | 349 | 621 | 2,921 | 3,542 |
| Scranton, SC | 745 | 711 | 3,344 | 4,055 |
| Kingstree, SC | 3,058 | 769 | 3,780 | 4,548 |
| Pamplico, SC | 1,222 | 1,338 | 3,346 | 4,685 |
| Lake City, SC | 6,562 | 2,069 | 3,750 | 5,819 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lely Resort, FL | 6,559 | 67 | 407 | 474 |
| South Monrovia Island, CA | 6,565 | 506 | 2,370 | 2,876 |
| Geneseo, IL | 6,566 | 231 | 1,202 | 1,433 |
| Milton, PA | 6,558 | 297 | 1,571 | 1,868 |
| Bondurant, IA | 6,567 | 212 | 989 | 1,202 |
| Lake City, SC | 6,562 | 2,069 | 3,750 | 5,819 |
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