| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surfside Beach/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 1,495 | 2,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 70.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 299.0 | 304.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 299 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 299.0 | 334.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 6 | n/a | 896.9 | 1,634.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 331.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 1,196 | 2,300 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Surfside Beach is 35.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes reported in Surfside Beach, equivalent to 299 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 19.2%. Additionally, Surfside Beach recorded 8 property crimes, amounting to 1196 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 38.8%.
Surfside Beach showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Surfside Beach was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Surfside Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 56% of Surfside Beach 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, 44% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Surfside Beach a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Surfside Beach has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 36%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.03 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.02 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Surfside Beach as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Surfside Beach. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Surfside Beach has decreased by 68.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 71.4%, while property crimes have decreased by 68%. 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.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Surfside Beach crime rates. The population density in Surfside Beach is 368.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Surfside Beach, the cost of living is 2.56% 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Surfside Beach, the average rental rates are $1,604 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Surfside Beach | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 12.0 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richwood, TX | 3,949 | 127 | 1,099 | 1,226 |
| Jones Creek, TX | 1,986 | 194 | 1,033 | 1,227 |
| Angleton, TX | 19,371 | 268 | 1,440 | 1,709 |
| Bailey's Prairie, TX | 722 | 299 | 1,592 | 1,891 |
| Lake Jackson, TX | 27,269 | 250 | 1,660 | 1,910 |
| Freeport, TX | 12,184 | 610 | 1,429 | 2,038 |
| Oyster Creek, TX | 1,328 | 167 | 1,923 | 2,090 |
| Surfside Beach, TX | 585 | 299 | 1,196 | 1,495 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Parker's Crossroads, TN | 585 | 794 | 2,939 | 3,733 |
| Patoka, IL | 585 | 428 | 2,508 | 2,935 |
| Jamesport, MO | 585 | 752 | 3,607 | 4,359 |
| Gillett, AR | 585 | 0 | 512 | 512 |
| Arlington, KS | 585 | 595 | 2,857 | 3,453 |
| Surfside Beach, TX | 585 | 299 | 1,196 | 1,495 |
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