| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Florence/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,747 | n/a (estimate) | 6,868 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 21 | n/a | 52.5 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 47.5 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 49 | n/a | 122.5 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 431 | n/a | 1,077.6 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 520 | n/a (estimate) | 1,300 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 203 | n/a | 507.5 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,900 | n/a | 4,750.4 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 124 | n/a | 310.0 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,227 | n/a (estimate) | 5,568 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Florence crime rates are 195.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 520 violent crimes in Florence (1300 per 100,000 people), which is 251.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2227 property crimes (5568 per 100,000 residents) which is 184.9% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 6868 per 100,000 residents, Florence experiences a crime rate that is 195.5% 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, Florence 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.
Florence has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1300 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Florence falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 77 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Florence 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 21 murders in Florence, which is 53 murders per 100,000 people.
Florence faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 5568 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 Florence stands at 1 in 18, 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 Florence residents. Out of the respondents (64 in total), 23% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Florence were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 77% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Florence 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, Florence has an overall crime rate that is 196% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 7.53 daily occurrences, comprising 1.42 violent crimes and 6.1 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Florence as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Florence. 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 Florence has increased by 5.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 1.1%, while property crime has increased by 7.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Florence.
Florence reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Florence crime rates.
In Florence, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.5 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Florence is $155,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Florence | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 132 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Coward, SC | 549 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quinby, SC | 1,079 | 0 | 111 | 111 |
| Pamplico, SC | 1,222 | 1,338 | 3,346 | 4,685 |
| Timmonsville, SC | 2,464 | 1,966 | 3,693 | 5,659 |
| Darlington, SC | 6,000 | 1,405 | 6,974 | 8,379 |
| Florence, SC | 38,535 | 1,300 | 5,568 | 6,868 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynnwood, WA | 38,538 | 330 | 5,912 | 6,241 |
| Mooresville, NC | 38,498 | 180 | 2,132 | 2,312 |
| Hobbs, NM | 38,475 | 953 | 4,834 | 5,787 |
| Pleasant Grove, UT | 38,474 | 84 | 950 | 1,034 |
| Brookfield, WI | 38,626 | 41 | 1,304 | 1,345 |
| Florence, SC | 38,535 | 1,300 | 5,568 | 6,868 |
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