| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Isle of Palms/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 1,564 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 23.3 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 256.8 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 280 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 140.1 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 45 | n/a | 1,050.4 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 93.4 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 1,284 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Isle of Palms crime rates are 32.7% lower 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 12 violent crimes in Isle of Palms (280 per 100,000 people), which is 24.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 55 property crimes (1284 per 100,000 residents) which is 34.3% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Isle of Palms registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Determining whether Isle of Palms 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, Isle of Palms has an overall crime rate that is 33% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.18 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.15 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms. 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 Isle of Palms has decreased by 30.9%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 35.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Isle of Palms.
Isle of Palms has a poverty rate of 2.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Isle of Palms has a population density of 985.4 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 Isle of Palms crime rates.
In Isle of Palms, the average rental rates are $2,083 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Isle of Palms | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.3 | 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 |
| Folly Beach, SC | 2,664 | 77 | 362 | 439 |
| Sullivan's Island, SC | 2,177 | 0 | 963 | 963 |
| James Island, SC | 12,157 | 197 | 925 | 1,121 |
| Mount Pleasant, SC | 89,410 | 127 | 1,418 | 1,544 |
| Hanahan, SC | 25,743 | 394 | 1,447 | 1,841 |
| Goose Creek, SC | 42,944 | 279 | 1,789 | 2,068 |
| Charleston, SC | 137,041 | 375 | 1,889 | 2,264 |
| Isle of Palms, SC | 4,371 | 280 | 1,284 | 1,564 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Terre Haute, IN | 4,371 | 255 | 1,284 | 1,539 |
| Mary Esther, FL | 4,370 | 148 | 896 | 1,045 |
| Hampden, ME | 4,373 | 13 | 496 | 509 |
| Hamburg, PA | 4,369 | 209 | 1,104 | 1,312 |
| Barnwell, SC | 4,373 | 1,231 | 3,782 | 5,013 |
| Isle of Palms, SC | 4,371 | 280 | 1,284 | 1,564 |
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