| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cheraw/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 358 | n/a (estimate) | 7,276 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 20.3 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 40.7 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 122.0 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 975.6 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 1,159 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 49 | n/a | 995.9 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 236 | n/a | 4,796.8 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 325.2 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 301 | n/a (estimate) | 6,118 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
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 Cheraw is 213.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 57 violent crimes reported in Cheraw, equivalent to 1159 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 213.3%. Additionally, Cheraw recorded 301 property crimes, amounting to 6118 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 213%.
Cheraw has a crime rate of 7276 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 213.07%, 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 Cheraw. 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.
Cheraw ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1159 per 100,000 people, Cheraw is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 87 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Cheraw, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Cheraw stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Cheraw, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 20 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.
Cheraw faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6118 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Cheraw stands at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Cheraw residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 86% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Cheraw were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 14% 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 Cheraw, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Cheraw presents a total crime rate that is 213% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cheraw experiences an average of 0.98 daily crimes, comprising 0.16 violent incidents and 0.82 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 Cheraw. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cheraw has increased by 15.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 67.7%, while property crimes have increased by 8.7%. 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.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Cheraw, 71.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Cheraw, the cost of living is 11.9% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Cheraw, there are 4.76 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Cheraw | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.8 | 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 |
| East Rockingham, NC | 3,338 | 305 | 1,555 | 1,860 |
| Hamlet, NC | 6,366 | 428 | 2,180 | 2,607 |
| Chesterfield, SC | 1,486 | 830 | 2,489 | 3,318 |
| McFarlan, NC | 92 | 609 | 3,105 | 3,715 |
| Blenheim, SC | 123 | 655 | 3,081 | 3,736 |
| Wallace, SC | 713 | 688 | 3,234 | 3,922 |
| Society Hill, SC | 484 | 689 | 3,237 | 3,925 |
| Cheraw, SC | 5,596 | 1,159 | 6,118 | 7,276 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Warren, AR | 5,596 | 357 | 1,859 | 2,216 |
| Houghton Lake, MI | 5,596 | 293 | 978 | 1,271 |
| Berryville, AR | 5,594 | 210 | 3,335 | 3,545 |
| Edgerton, WI | 5,594 | 50 | 638 | 689 |
| Milton, WI | 5,594 | 35 | 475 | 510 |
| Cheraw, SC | 5,596 | 1,159 | 6,118 | 7,276 |
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