| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Isle of Palms/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 64 | n/a (estimate) | 1,462 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 45.7 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 22.8 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 68.5 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 137 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 22.8 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 52 | n/a | 1,188.0 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 114.2 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 1,325 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Isle of Palms is 31% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Isle of Palms, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 137 per 100,000 individuals, 61.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 58 property crimes, amounting to 1325 per 100,000 residents, 24.7% lower than the U.S. 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms crime rate is 31% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.18 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Isle of Palms crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Isle of Palms has decreased by 34% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 50% and property crime has decreased by 31.8%.
In Isle of Palms, 98.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Isle of Palms, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 7.27 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Isle of Palms, the average monthly rent stands at $3,145, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| 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 |
| James Island, SC | 12,534 | 166 | 749 | 915 |
| Sullivan's Island, SC | 2,226 | 0 | 1,140 | 1,140 |
| Mount Pleasant, SC | 91,527 | 128 | 1,172 | 1,300 |
| Hanahan, SC | 26,450 | 225 | 1,419 | 1,644 |
| Goose Creek, SC | 44,214 | 256 | 1,465 | 1,722 |
| Charleston, SC | 142,427 | 358 | 2,022 | 2,379 |
| Folly Beach, SC | 2,735 | 336 | 2,255 | 2,591 |
| Isle of Palms, SC | 4,493 | 137 | 1,325 | 1,462 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Edgewood, OH | 4,493 | 244 | 1,285 | 1,529 |
| Aubrey, TX | 4,493 | 366 | 1,525 | 1,891 |
| Metzger, OR | 4,492 | 122 | 883 | 1,005 |
| Harrogate, TN | 4,494 | 352 | 1,210 | 1,562 |
| Jourdanton, TX | 4,494 | 304 | 1,595 | 1,900 |
| Isle of Palms, SC | 4,493 | 137 | 1,325 | 1,462 |
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