| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Aiken/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,504 | n/a (estimate) | 4,527 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 12.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 57.2 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 60.2 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 146 | n/a | 439.5 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 189 | n/a (estimate) | 569 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 113 | n/a | 340.1 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,131 | n/a | 3,404.5 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 71 | n/a | 213.7 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,315 | n/a (estimate) | 3,958 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
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 Aiken crime rate is higher than the national average by 113.6%. Specifically, there were 189 violent crimes in Aiken, equivalent to 569 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 58.4%. Furthermore, Aiken recorded 1315 property crimes, amounting to 3958 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 124.9%.
Having a crime rate of 4527 per 100,000 residents, Aiken experiences a crime rate that is 113.63% 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, Aiken 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.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Aiken stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Aiken, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Every year, one in 26 people fall victim to a property crime in Aiken - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3958 per 100,000 people, Aiken has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What do the local residents think about crime in Aiken? Well, based on a recent survey of 82 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 39% of Aiken residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 61% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Aiken is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Aiken has a total crime rate that is 114% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.12 daily crimes (0.52 violent daily crimes and 3.6 daily property crimes) in Aiken.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Aiken has increased by 7.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Aiken, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 9.6%, while property crime has increased by 11%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Aiken is a safe place to live.
In Aiken, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.5%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Aiken crime rates.
In Aiken, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Aiken crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Aiken has a median home price of $354,645, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Aiken | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 104 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| North Augusta, SC | 24,271 | 34 | 409 | 444 |
| Burnettown, SC | 2,813 | 31 | 958 | 989 |
| Murphys Estates, SC | 1,601 | 201 | 904 | 1,105 |
| Graniteville, SC | 2,630 | 219 | 984 | 1,203 |
| Langley, SC | 2,256 | 274 | 1,234 | 1,508 |
| Gloverville, SC | 3,118 | 287 | 1,293 | 1,581 |
| New Ellenton, SC | 2,214 | 212 | 1,527 | 1,740 |
| Aiken, SC | 32,110 | 569 | 3,958 | 4,527 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Michigan City, IN | 32,068 | 292 | 2,115 | 2,406 |
| Lakeside, FL | 32,167 | 241 | 1,282 | 1,523 |
| Princeton, NJ | 32,045 | 49 | 717 | 765 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 32,177 | 698 | 3,463 | 4,161 |
| El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA | 32,188 | 364 | 1,857 | 2,221 |
| Aiken, SC | 32,110 | 569 | 3,958 | 4,527 |
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