C
14%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
17%
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 peopleCowpens/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime41n/a (estimate)1,8252,4032,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.037.137.5
Robbery0n/a0.035.160.6
Assault8n/a356.0357.1256.1
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)356437359
Burglary12n/a534.0282.4229.2
Theft18n/a801.11,468.21,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a133.5215.1258.8
Property crime33n/a (estimate)1,4691,9661,760

Cowpens crime map

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The Cowpens crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cowpens 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 Cowpens crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cowpens 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 Cowpens, 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 Cowpens crime rate is lower than the national average by 13.9%. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes in Cowpens, equivalent to 356 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 0.9%. Furthermore, Cowpens recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 1469 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 16.6%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Cowpens has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 356 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

In the latest reported crime year, Cowpens recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Is Cowpens a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Cowpens is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Cowpens has an overall crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.11 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Cowpens as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Cowpens Increased Since Last Year?

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 Cowpens 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 Cowpens has decreased by 16.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 11.1% and property crime has decreased by 17.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cowpens

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Cowpens crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Cowpens has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Cowpens, the cost of living is 15.91% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Cowpens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.27 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Compare Cowpens, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cowpens crime rates are 14% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cowpens are 1% lower than the national average
      • In Cowpens you have a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cowpens is safer than 27% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cowpens has decreased by 45%

      Cowpens, SC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cowpens (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Cowpens (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cowpens

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cowpens is 1 in 281
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cowpens is 1 in 69
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cowpens is 1 in 55

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

        Cowpens police department

        Item Cowpens South Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)55,812558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.35.13.3
        There are a total of 5 Cowpens police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 55.2% less than the South Carolina average and 30.2% 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
        Roebuck, SC2,870147660807
        Mayo, SC1,830164738902
        Fairforest, SC1,5441938671,060
        Arcadia, SC3,1032661,1981,465
        Jonesville, SC9592461,3551,601
        Pacolet, SC2,5053151,3371,652
        East Gaffney, SC3,1163111,4001,711
        Cowpens, SC1,9943561,4691,825

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Emerson, GA1,9942109081,118
        Blooming Prairie, MN1,994114711825
        Grandview Plaza, KS1,994311560871
        Plantsville, CT1,99448482530
        Junction City, KY1,993000
        Cowpens, SC1,9943561,4691,825
        Source: The Cowpens, 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.