| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Florence/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,927 | n/a (estimate) | 4,725 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 14.7 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 34.3 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 56.4 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 286 | n/a | 701.3 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 329 | n/a (estimate) | 807 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 125 | n/a | 306.5 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,334 | n/a | 3,271.1 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 139 | n/a | 340.8 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,598 | n/a (estimate) | 3,918 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
The Florence crime rates are 123% 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 329 violent crimes in Florence (807 per 100,000 people), which is 124.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1598 property crimes (3918 per 100,000 residents) which is 122.6% higher than average.
Florence has a crime rate of 4725 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 122.97%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Florence. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Florence has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 807 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 124 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 murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Florence is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 6 murders in Florence, which equates to 15 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Florence being a very dangerous place to live.
Florence faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3918 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 26, 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Florence? Well, based on a recent survey of 67 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 22% of Florence residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 78% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Florence a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Florence has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 123%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 5.28 daily incidents, encompassing 0.9 violent crimes and 4.38 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Florence as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Florence. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Florence has decreased by 25.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 37.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 22.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Florence crime rate. The poverty level in Florence is 16.9%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Florence, the cost of living is 6.22% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The median home price in Florence is $281,536, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
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 | 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 |
| Quinby, SC | 1,103 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pamplico, SC | 1,254 | 760 | 1,616 | 2,376 |
| Timmonsville, SC | 2,540 | 570 | 2,232 | 2,802 |
| Coward, SC | 571 | 566 | 2,547 | 3,113 |
| Darlington, SC | 6,123 | 1,131 | 5,887 | 7,018 |
| Florence, SC | 39,448 | 807 | 3,918 | 4,725 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynnwood, WA | 39,454 | 264 | 6,065 | 6,329 |
| Hobbs, NM | 39,472 | 790 | 3,751 | 4,542 |
| Brookfield, WI | 39,415 | 83 | 1,097 | 1,180 |
| Brighton, CO | 39,406 | 472 | 2,519 | 2,991 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 39,496 | 534 | 4,163 | 4,697 |
| Florence, SC | 39,448 | 807 | 3,918 | 4,725 |
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