| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gaffney/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 546 | n/a (estimate) | 4,404 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 16.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 56.5 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 16.1 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 137.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 226 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 80 | n/a | 645.2 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 389 | n/a | 3,137.4 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 395.2 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 518 | n/a (estimate) | 4,178 | 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 Gaffney crime rate is higher than the national average by 107.8%. Specifically, there were 28 violent crimes in Gaffney, equivalent to 226 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 37.1%. Furthermore, Gaffney recorded 518 property crimes, amounting to 4178 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 137.4%.
In Gaffney, the crime rate stands at 4404 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 107.79%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Gaffney that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Gaffney stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Gaffney, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Gaffney has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4178 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 Gaffney is 1 in 24, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Gaffney residents. Out of the respondents (42 in total), 31% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Gaffney were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 69% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Gaffney 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, Gaffney has an overall crime rate that is 108% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.5 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 1.42 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Gaffney as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Gaffney has decreased by 34.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Gaffney, 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 72.6%, while property crime has decreased by 29.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Gaffney is a safe place to live.
In Gaffney, the poverty rate currently stands at 28.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Gaffney crime rates.
Gaffney has a population density of 1578.8 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 Gaffney crime rates.
Gaffney has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.66 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 | Gaffney | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Mayo, SC | 1,830 | 164 | 738 | 902 |
| Patterson Springs, NC | 1,042 | 184 | 965 | 1,150 |
| Boiling Springs, NC | 4,739 | 243 | 1,272 | 1,515 |
| Pacolet, SC | 2,505 | 315 | 1,337 | 1,652 |
| East Gaffney, SC | 3,116 | 311 | 1,400 | 1,711 |
| Cowpens, SC | 1,994 | 356 | 1,469 | 1,825 |
| Hickory Grove, SC | 609 | 372 | 1,673 | 2,044 |
| Gaffney, SC | 13,179 | 226 | 4,178 | 4,404 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Willow Grove, PA | 13,179 | 127 | 743 | 871 |
| Tehachapi, CA | 13,179 | 574 | 2,550 | 3,124 |
| Glendale, WI | 13,179 | 295 | 4,186 | 4,481 |
| Harrison, OH | 13,180 | 111 | 738 | 848 |
| Crowley, LA | 13,176 | 532 | 2,348 | 2,880 |
| Gaffney, SC | 13,179 | 226 | 4,178 | 4,404 |
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