| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Estill/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 93 | n/a (estimate) | 5,308 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 114.2 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 57.1 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 35 | n/a | 1,997.7 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 2,169 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 342.5 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 39 | n/a | 2,226.0 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 570.8 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 3,139 | 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 Estill crime rate is higher than the national average by 150.5%. Specifically, there were 38 violent crimes in Estill, equivalent to 2169 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 504%. Furthermore, Estill recorded 55 property crimes, amounting to 3139 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 78.4%.
Having a crime rate of 5308 per 100,000 residents, Estill experiences a crime rate that is 150.48% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Estill contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Estill 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 2169 per 100,000 people, Estill is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 47 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Estill, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Estill has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in Estill, which is 114 murders per 100,000 people.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Estill ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 10 vehicle thefts, amounting to 571 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Estill within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 176.
AreaVibes surveyed 17 local residents in Estill to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 18% of people answered that there was very little crime in Estill and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 82% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Estill, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Estill presents a total crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Estill experiences an average of 0.25 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 0.15 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Estill. 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 Estill has decreased by 28.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 2.7%, while property crime has decreased by 40.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Estill.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Estill, the cost of living is 16.54% lower than the national average.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Estill, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 4.43, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In Estill, the median home price stands at $122,551, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Estill | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 |
| Varnville, SC | 1,896 | 215 | 966 | 1,180 |
| Fairfax, SC | 2,305 | 253 | 1,139 | 1,392 |
| Furman, SC | 635 | 586 | 2,638 | 3,225 |
| Hampton, SC | 3,199 | 620 | 2,714 | 3,335 |
| Brunson, SC | 500 | 610 | 2,745 | 3,355 |
| Scotia, SC | 196 | 618 | 2,782 | 3,400 |
| Gifford, SC | 208 | 661 | 2,975 | 3,637 |
| Estill, SC | 2,844 | 2,169 | 3,139 | 5,308 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marshville, NC | 2,844 | 666 | 2,258 | 2,925 |
| Refugio, TX | 2,845 | 217 | 830 | 1,047 |
| Seven Fields, PA | 2,843 | 39 | 225 | 264 |
| Diamond, IL | 2,845 | 0 | 37 | 37 |
| Fayetteville, WV | 2,843 | 36 | 2,526 | 2,562 |
| Estill, SC | 2,844 | 2,169 | 3,139 | 5,308 |