| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cowpens/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 41 | n/a (estimate) | 1,825 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 356.0 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 356 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 534.0 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 18 | n/a | 801.1 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 133.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 1,469 | 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 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.
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.
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%.
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.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Cowpens | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Roebuck, SC | 2,870 | 147 | 660 | 807 |
| Mayo, SC | 1,830 | 164 | 738 | 902 |
| Fairforest, SC | 1,544 | 193 | 867 | 1,060 |
| Arcadia, SC | 3,103 | 266 | 1,198 | 1,465 |
| Jonesville, SC | 959 | 246 | 1,355 | 1,601 |
| Pacolet, SC | 2,505 | 315 | 1,337 | 1,652 |
| East Gaffney, SC | 3,116 | 311 | 1,400 | 1,711 |
| Cowpens, SC | 1,994 | 356 | 1,469 | 1,825 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Emerson, GA | 1,994 | 210 | 908 | 1,118 |
| Blooming Prairie, MN | 1,994 | 114 | 711 | 825 |
| Grandview Plaza, KS | 1,994 | 311 | 560 | 871 |
| Plantsville, CT | 1,994 | 48 | 482 | 530 |
| Junction City, KY | 1,993 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cowpens, SC | 1,994 | 356 | 1,469 | 1,825 |