| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elgin/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 5,818 | 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 | 7 | n/a | 424.2 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 424 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 60.6 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 83 | n/a | 5,030.3 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 303.0 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 5,394 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
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 Elgin is 174.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes reported in Elgin, equivalent to 424 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 18.1%. Additionally, Elgin recorded 89 property crimes, amounting to 5394 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 206.5%.
With a crime rate of 5818 per 100,000 residents, Elgin has a crime rate that is 174.55% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Elgin that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
In the most recently reported crime year, Elgin registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Elgin has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5394 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Elgin is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Elgin. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Elgin and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Elgin, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Elgin presents a total crime rate that is 175% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Elgin experiences an average of 0.26 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.24 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Elgin has increased by 10.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Elgin, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 36.4%, while property crime has increased by 17.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Elgin is a safe place to live.
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 Elgin 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. Elgin has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Elgin has a population density of 605.6 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 Elgin crime rates.
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 Elgin, 84.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 | Elgin | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Elgin town, SC | 1,580 | 162 | 728 | 890 |
| Kershaw, SC | 1,834 | 173 | 780 | 954 |
| Irwin, SC | 1,335 | 196 | 882 | 1,078 |
| Great Falls, SC | 1,860 | 222 | 998 | 1,220 |
| JAARS, NC | 1,120 | 211 | 1,105 | 1,316 |
| Heath Springs, SC | 663 | 543 | 2,445 | 2,988 |
| Fort Lawn, SC | 1,004 | 512 | 3,176 | 3,689 |
| Elgin, SC | 2,942 | 424 | 5,394 | 5,818 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Good Hope, AL | 2,942 | 145 | 632 | 778 |
| Eufaula, OK | 2,943 | 245 | 1,961 | 2,207 |
| Cetronia, PA | 2,943 | 67 | 390 | 456 |
| Weedpatch, CA | 2,941 | 305 | 1,304 | 1,609 |
| Welch, WV | 2,943 | 141 | 658 | 799 |
| Elgin, SC | 2,942 | 424 | 5,394 | 5,818 |
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