| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Folly Beach/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 2,591 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 191.9 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 144.0 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 336 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 431.9 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 36 | n/a | 1,727.4 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 96.0 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 2,255 | 1,966 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Folly Beach crime rate is 22.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Folly Beach, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 336 per 100,000 individuals, 6.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Folly Beach recorded 47 property crimes, amounting to 2255 per 100,000 residents, 28.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Folly Beach exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 336 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Folly Beach as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Folly Beach reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Folly Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 20 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 70% of Folly Beach residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 30% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Folly Beach a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Folly Beach crime rate is 22% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.15 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes.
Folly Beach has a population density of 218.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Folly Beach crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Folly Beach has a median home price of $1,152,779, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Folly Beach, the average rental rates are $1,476 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Folly Beach | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 8.9 | 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 |
| Kiawah Island, SC | 1,832 | 61 | 276 | 337 |
| Seabrook Island, SC | 1,864 | 61 | 276 | 337 |
| James Island, SC | 12,534 | 166 | 749 | 915 |
| Rockville, SC | 137 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Sullivan's Island, SC | 2,226 | 0 | 1,140 | 1,140 |
| Mount Pleasant, SC | 91,527 | 128 | 1,172 | 1,300 |
| Isle of Palms, SC | 4,493 | 137 | 1,325 | 1,462 |
| Folly Beach, SC | 2,735 | 336 | 2,255 | 2,591 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pemberton Heights, NJ | 2,736 | 105 | 688 | 793 |
| Winamac, IN | 2,736 | 155 | 683 | 838 |
| Rancho Santa Fe, CA | 2,734 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Biggs, CA | 2,737 | 267 | 1,143 | 1,411 |
| Clifton, TN | 2,733 | 311 | 1,069 | 1,380 |
| Folly Beach, SC | 2,735 | 336 | 2,255 | 2,591 |