| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Beaufort/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 595 | n/a (estimate) | 4,269 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.2 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 50.2 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 15 | n/a | 107.6 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 74 | n/a | 531.0 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 696 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 45 | n/a | 322.9 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 429 | n/a | 3,078.1 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 24 | n/a | 172.2 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 498 | n/a (estimate) | 3,573 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
The Beaufort crime rates are 101.5% 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 97 violent crimes in Beaufort (696 per 100,000 people), which is 93.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 498 property crimes (3573 per 100,000 residents) which is 103% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 4269 per 100,000 residents, Beaufort experiences a crime rate that is 101.45% 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, Beaufort 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.
Beaufort reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3573 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to property crime in Beaufort, 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Beaufort residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 72 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 38% of Beaufort 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Beaufort 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 Beaufort crime rate is 101% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.63 crimes per day - 0.27 violent crimes and 1.36 property crimes.
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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort has increased by 14.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 102.1% and property crime has increased by 5.5%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Beaufort crime rates. In Beaufort, the poverty rate stands at 18.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Beaufort, 88.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
Beaufort has an average rental rate of $1,414 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Beaufort | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 48 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 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 |
| Shell Point, SC | 3,074 | 148 | 664 | 812 |
| Bluffton, SC | 23,896 | 119 | 825 | 944 |
| Port Royal, SC | 13,654 | 130 | 1,223 | 1,353 |
| Laurel Bay, SC | 6,577 | 362 | 1,629 | 1,991 |
| Burton, SC | 9,109 | 441 | 1,983 | 2,424 |
| Beaufort, SC | 13,805 | 696 | 3,573 | 4,269 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Beach Park, IL | 13,801 | 303 | 1,801 | 2,104 |
| Solana Beach, CA | 13,797 | 103 | 1,167 | 1,271 |
| Yulee, FL | 13,794 | 224 | 1,189 | 1,413 |
| Brecksville, OH | 13,792 | 7 | 306 | 313 |
| Powell, OH | 13,792 | 21 | 899 | 920 |
| Beaufort, SC | 13,805 | 696 | 3,573 | 4,269 |
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