F
185%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
483%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
125%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleAtlantic Beach/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime26n/a (estimate)6,0472,4032,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.037.137.5
Robbery1n/a232.635.160.6
Assault8n/a1,860.5357.1256.1
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)2,093437359
Burglary3n/a697.7282.4229.2
Theft14n/a3,255.81,468.21,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0215.1258.8
Property crime17n/a (estimate)3,9531,9661,760

Atlantic Beach crime map

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The Atlantic Beach crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Atlantic Beach as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Atlantic Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Atlantic Beach crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Atlantic Beach, SC

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 Atlantic Beach is 185.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Atlantic Beach, equivalent to 2093 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 482.9%. Additionally, Atlantic Beach recorded 17 property crimes, amounting to 3953 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 124.6%.

With a total of 6047 crimes per 100,000 people, the Atlantic Beach crime rates stand at 185.32 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Atlantic Beach, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Atlantic Beach has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 2093 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Atlantic Beach falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 48 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Atlantic 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.

Atlantic Beach reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3953 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to property crime in Atlantic Beach, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Atlantic Beach emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

Is Atlantic Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach crime rate is 185% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.

Has Crime in Atlantic Beach Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Atlantic Beach crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Atlantic Beach has decreased by 16.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 18.2% and property crime has decreased by 15%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Atlantic Beach

In Atlantic Beach, the current unemployment rate stands at 0%, 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 Atlantic Beach crime rates.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Atlantic Beach, the cost of living is 1.6% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Atlantic Beach is $374,129, compared to a national average of $326,622.

Compare Atlantic Beach, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Atlantic Beach crime rates are 185% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Atlantic Beach are 483% higher than the national average
      • In Atlantic Beach you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Atlantic Beach is safer than 2% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Atlantic Beach has decreased by 24%

      Atlantic Beach, SC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Atlantic Beach

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        Daily Crime In Atlantic Beach (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Atlantic Beach (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Atlantic Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 48
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 26
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 17

        Year Over Year Crime In Atlantic Beach (per 100,000 people)

        Atlantic Beach police department

        Item Atlantic Beach South Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)45,812558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents11.65.13.3
        There are a total of 4 Atlantic Beach police officers. This results in 11.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 128.2% greater than the South Carolina average and 255.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in South Carolina

        State Total offenders South Carolina /100K National /100K
        South Carolina15,193377266
        There are a total of 15,193 sex offenders in South Carolina. This yields a total of 377 sex offenders in South Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 42% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Carolina Shores, NC4,539155812967
        Briarcliffe Acres, SC540177794971
        Calabash, NC2,1151688781,045
        Sunset Beach, NC4,0961079661,073
        Forestbrook, SC7,8532591,1641,423
        Little River, SC9,9872681,2061,474
        Surfside Beach, SC4,6172281,8512,079
        Atlantic Beach, SC2432,0933,9536,047

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fredonia, IA2433651,9482,313
        Geneseo, KS2436702,9833,653
        Schlater, MS2432641,7171,981
        Ruthton, MN2434072,5462,953
        Martinsburg, OH2434372,3052,741
        Atlantic Beach, SC2432,0933,9536,047
        Source: The Atlantic Beach, SC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.