| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Westminster/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 108 | n/a (estimate) | 4,549 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 42.1 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 42.1 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 463.4 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 548 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 968.8 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 68 | n/a | 2,864.4 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 168.5 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 95 | n/a (estimate) | 4,002 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Westminster crime rates are 95.7% 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 13 violent crimes in Westminster (548 per 100,000 people), which is 48.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 95 property crimes (4002 per 100,000 residents) which is 104.8% higher than average.
In Westminster, the crime rate stands at 4549 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 95.74%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Westminster that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Westminster reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
With a property crime rate of 4002 crimes per 100,000 people, Westminster unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Westminster is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 25, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Westminster to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Westminster and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Westminster 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 Westminster crime rate is 96% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.3 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Westminster has increased by 4.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Westminster 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 decreased by 38.1%, while property crime has increased by 15.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Westminster.
Westminster has a population density of 737.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Westminster crime rates.
In Westminster, 66.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Westminster, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.68 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Westminster | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Gumlog, GA | 2,336 | 169 | 776 | 945 |
| Utica, SC | 1,761 | 248 | 1,166 | 1,414 |
| Walhalla, SC | 4,377 | 267 | 1,480 | 1,747 |
| Fair Play, SC | 282 | 388 | 1,825 | 2,213 |
| Avalon, GA | 186 | 447 | 2,061 | 2,508 |
| Seneca, SC | 8,424 | 658 | 2,142 | 2,800 |
| Martin, GA | 453 | 529 | 2,436 | 2,965 |
| Westminster, SC | 2,543 | 548 | 4,002 | 4,549 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oakwood Hills, IL | 2,543 | 97 | 569 | 667 |
| Pine Ridge, PA | 2,544 | 142 | 754 | 896 |
| La Selva Beach, CA | 2,544 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Huntsville, AR | 2,544 | 328 | 1,249 | 1,577 |
| North Prairie, WI | 2,542 | 72 | 335 | 407 |
| Westminster, SC | 2,543 | 548 | 4,002 | 4,549 |
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