| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Greenville/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,019 | n/a (estimate) | 4,113 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 9.5 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 22 | n/a | 30.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 47 | n/a | 64.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 397 | n/a | 540.8 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 473 | n/a (estimate) | 644 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 223 | n/a | 303.8 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,098 | n/a | 2,858.1 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 225 | n/a | 306.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,546 | n/a (estimate) | 3,468 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Greenville crime rate is 94.1% 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 Greenville, there were 473 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 644 per 100,000 individuals, 79.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Greenville recorded 2546 property crimes, amounting to 3468 per 100,000 residents, 97.1% higher than the U.S. average.
In Greenville, the crime rate stands at 4113 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 94.07%. 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 Greenville 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Greenville. Based on the results of the surveys (157 responses), 48% of people felt that there was very little crime in Greenville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 52% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Greenville is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Greenville has a total crime rate that is 94% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 8.27 daily crimes (1.3 violent daily crimes and 6.98 daily property crimes) in Greenville.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Greenville. 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 Greenville has decreased by 3.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 6.2%, while property crime has decreased by 3.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Greenville.
Greenville has a population density of 2452.4 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 Greenville crime rates.
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 Greenville, the cost of living is 16.7% higher than the national average.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Greenville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.66 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Greenville | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 223 | 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 |
| Lyman, SC | 3,732 | 203 | 755 | 958 |
| Five Forks, SC | 20,122 | 178 | 802 | 980 |
| Arial, SC | 2,239 | 179 | 807 | 986 |
| Pelzer, SC | 1,715 | 185 | 832 | 1,017 |
| Fountain Inn, SC | 10,371 | 79 | 979 | 1,057 |
| West Pelzer, SC | 1,083 | 206 | 928 | 1,135 |
| Slater-Marietta, SC | 2,150 | 220 | 989 | 1,209 |
| Greenville, SC | 71,185 | 644 | 3,468 | 4,113 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Broomfield, CO | 71,202 | 148 | 1,856 | 2,004 |
| Davis, CA | 71,215 | 186 | 2,211 | 2,398 |
| Glen Burnie, MD | 71,246 | 514 | 2,510 | 3,024 |
| Lynwood, CA | 71,286 | 910 | 3,208 | 4,118 |
| North Port, FL | 71,341 | 94 | 781 | 875 |
| Greenville, SC | 71,185 | 644 | 3,468 | 4,113 |
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