A+
38%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
29%
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 peopleCentral/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime70n/a (estimate)1,3112,4032,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape1n/a18.737.137.5
Robbery0n/a0.035.160.6
Assault2n/a37.5357.1256.1
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)56437359
Burglary4n/a74.9282.4229.2
Theft57n/a1,067.41,468.21,272.1
Vehicle theft6n/a112.4215.1258.8
Property crime67n/a (estimate)1,2551,9661,760

Central crime map

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The Central crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Central 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 Central crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Central 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 Central, SC

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.

Is Central a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Central Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime 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.

Compare Central, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Central crime rates are 38% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Central are 84% lower than the national average
      • In Central you have a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Central is safer than 68% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Central has decreased by 37%

      Central, SC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Central (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Central, per 100,000 residents. In Central, the total number of daily crimes is 1.83 times less than the South Carolina average and 1.62 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Central are 7.77 times less than the South Carolina average and 6.39 times less than the national average. For property crime, Central has a daily crime rate that is 1.57 times less than the South Carolina average and 1.40 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Central (higher is better)

        How safe is Central, South Carolina compared to other cities in South Carolina and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Central is safer than 87% of the cities in South Carolina and 68% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in South Carolina and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Central. Overall, Central is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Central

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Central is 1 in 1780
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Central is 1 in 80
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Central is 1 in 77
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Central? In Central, you have a 1 in 1780 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 80. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Central, SC is 1 in 77.

        Year Over Year Crime In Central (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Central is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Central violent crime rates have decreased by 24%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 37% year over year. Total crimes for Central has decreased by 37% in the same time frame.

        Central police department

        Item Central South Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)115,812558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.15.13.3
        There are a total of 11 Central police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 58.4% less than the South Carolina average and 35.2% less 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
        Northlake, SC3,783125561685
        Arial, SC2,239179807986
        Utica, SC1,8231848291,013
        Six Mile, SC9811908531,043
        Liberty, SC3,2403041,1551,459
        Centerville, SC7,0253031,3611,664
        Pendleton, SC3,3412961,5901,886
        Central, SC5,461561,2551,311

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bulverde, TX5,4611482,0192,167
        Winterset, IA5,460186726912
        Richlands, VA5,4633971,2511,648
        Greenacres, CA5,4634822,0622,544
        Adel, GA5,4593441,7652,109
        Central, SC5,461561,2551,311
        Source: The Central, 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.