| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Barnwell/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 4,589 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 43.9 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 65.9 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 87.8 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 46 | n/a | 1,010.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 1,208 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 417.2 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 129 | n/a | 2,832.7 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 131.8 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 154 | n/a (estimate) | 3,382 | 1,966 | 1,760 |

The Barnwell crime rates are 116.6% 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 55 violent crimes in Barnwell (1208 per 100,000 people), which is 236.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 154 property crimes (3382 per 100,000 residents) which is 92.1% higher than average.
Barnwell has a crime rate of 4589 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 116.56%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Barnwell. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
With a violent crime rate of 1208 crimes per 100,000 residents, Barnwell is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Barnwell ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 83 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Barnwell stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Barnwell, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 44 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Barnwell residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Barnwell were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 82% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Barnwell, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Barnwell presents a total crime rate that is 117% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Barnwell experiences an average of 0.57 daily crimes, comprising 0.15 violent incidents and 0.42 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Barnwell. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Barnwell has increased by 8.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 103.7%, while property crimes have increased by 6.7%. 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.
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 Barnwell, the cost of living is 14.45% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Barnwell, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.59 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Barnwell stands at $188,080, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

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| Item | Barnwell | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 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 |
| Sycamore, SC | 151 | 493 | 2,217 | 2,710 |
| Snelling, SC | 228 | 550 | 2,476 | 3,027 |
| Norway, SC | 401 | 554 | 2,491 | 3,045 |
| Blackville, SC | 2,084 | 947 | 2,262 | 3,209 |
| Kline, SC | 154 | 608 | 2,737 | 3,346 |
| Hilda, SC | 474 | 609 | 2,738 | 3,347 |
| Denmark, SC | 3,349 | 650 | 2,892 | 3,542 |
| Barnwell, SC | 4,497 | 1,208 | 3,382 | 4,589 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ste. Genevieve, MO | 4,497 | 119 | 455 | 574 |
| Nashville, AR | 4,497 | 424 | 2,219 | 2,643 |
| South Hill, VA | 4,496 | 404 | 3,496 | 3,900 |
| La Verkin, UT | 4,498 | 22 | 2,037 | 2,059 |
| Bayou Vista, LA | 4,495 | 408 | 1,802 | 2,210 |
| Barnwell, SC | 4,497 | 1,208 | 3,382 | 4,589 |