| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Summerville/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,566 | n/a (estimate) | 3,045 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.9 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 28 | n/a | 54.5 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 44.7 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 135 | n/a | 262.5 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 366 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 118 | n/a | 229.5 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,106 | n/a | 2,150.8 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 154 | n/a | 299.5 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,378 | n/a (estimate) | 2,680 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Summerville is 31% 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 Summerville, there were 188 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 366 per 100,000 individuals, 1.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1378 property crimes, amounting to 2680 per 100,000 residents, 37.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Summerville exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 366 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Summerville as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Summerville. Based on the results of the surveys (77 responses), 40% of people felt that there was very little crime in Summerville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 60% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Summerville 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, Summerville has an overall crime rate that is 31% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.29 daily occurrences, comprising 0.52 violent crimes and 3.78 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Summerville as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Summerville. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Summerville has increased by 30.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 41.4%, while property crimes have increased by 29%. 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.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Summerville crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Summerville has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Summerville has a population density of 2478.2 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 Summerville crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Summerville, there are 2.01 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Summerville | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 91 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Ridgeville, SC | 1,849 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lincolnville, SC | 2,429 | 230 | 1,080 | 1,310 |
| Hanahan, SC | 25,743 | 394 | 1,447 | 1,841 |
| Goose Creek, SC | 42,944 | 279 | 1,789 | 2,068 |
| Sangaree, SC | 9,249 | 481 | 2,259 | 2,740 |
| Ladson, SC | 15,252 | 569 | 2,676 | 3,245 |
| Moncks Corner, SC | 11,370 | 618 | 2,819 | 3,437 |
| Summerville, SC | 53,643 | 366 | 2,680 | 3,045 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kingsport, TN | 53,699 | 787 | 4,070 | 4,857 |
| West Sacramento, CA | 53,574 | 173 | 1,001 | 1,174 |
| Aloha, OR | 53,724 | 419 | 3,600 | 4,019 |
| Apple Valley, MN | 53,728 | 243 | 1,636 | 1,879 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 53,558 | 251 | 1,809 | 2,060 |
| Summerville, SC | 53,643 | 366 | 2,680 | 3,045 |
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