| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Central/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 1,311 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 18.7 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 37.5 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 56 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 74.9 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 1,067.4 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 112.4 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 1,255 | 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 Central crime rate is lower than the national average by 38.1%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Central, equivalent to 56 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 84.4%. Furthermore, Central recorded 67 property crimes, amounting to 1255 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 28.7%.
Central distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 56 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Central among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Central 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Central, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Central presents a total crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Central experiences an average of 0.19 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.18 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Central. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Central has decreased by 35.8%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 36.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Central.
In Central, the current unemployment rate stands at 7.2%, 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 Central crime rates.
Central has a population density of 1994.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Central crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Central, the average monthly rent stands at $1,032, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Central | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Northlake, SC | 3,783 | 125 | 561 | 685 |
| Arial, SC | 2,239 | 179 | 807 | 986 |
| Utica, SC | 1,823 | 184 | 829 | 1,013 |
| Six Mile, SC | 981 | 190 | 853 | 1,043 |
| Liberty, SC | 3,240 | 304 | 1,155 | 1,459 |
| Centerville, SC | 7,025 | 303 | 1,361 | 1,664 |
| Pendleton, SC | 3,341 | 296 | 1,590 | 1,886 |
| Central, SC | 5,461 | 56 | 1,255 | 1,311 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bulverde, TX | 5,461 | 148 | 2,019 | 2,167 |
| Winterset, IA | 5,460 | 186 | 726 | 912 |
| Richlands, VA | 5,463 | 397 | 1,251 | 1,648 |
| Greenacres, CA | 5,463 | 482 | 2,062 | 2,544 |
| Adel, GA | 5,459 | 344 | 1,765 | 2,109 |
| Central, SC | 5,461 | 56 | 1,255 | 1,311 |