| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lancaster/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 674 | n/a (estimate) | 7,243 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 43.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 75.2 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 64.5 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 82 | n/a | 881.2 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 99 | n/a (estimate) | 1,064 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 65 | n/a | 698.5 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 485 | n/a | 5,212.3 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | n/a | 268.7 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 575 | n/a (estimate) | 6,179 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lancaster crime rate is 241.8% 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 Lancaster, there were 99 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1064 per 100,000 individuals, 196.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Lancaster recorded 575 property crimes, amounting to 6179 per 100,000 residents, 251.1% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 7243 per 100,000 residents, Lancaster has a crime rate that is 241.8% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Lancaster that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Lancaster is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1064 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lancaster is 1 in 94.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Lancaster has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 4 murders in Lancaster, which is 43 murders per 100,000 people.
Lancaster faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6179 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lancaster stands at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
What do the local residents think about crime in Lancaster? Well, based on a recent survey of 26 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 46% of Lancaster residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 54% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Lancaster, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lancaster presents a total crime rate that is 242% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lancaster experiences an average of 1.85 daily crimes, comprising 0.27 violent incidents and 1.58 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Lancaster crime rates. The population density in Lancaster is 1472.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Lancaster, the cost of living is 4.4% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Lancaster is $287,097, compared to a national average of $326,622.
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 | Lancaster | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Waxhaw, NC | 16,569 | 59 | 423 | 481 |
| Elgin town, SC | 1,580 | 162 | 728 | 890 |
| Kershaw, SC | 1,834 | 173 | 780 | 954 |
| Lesslie, SC | 3,264 | 179 | 805 | 984 |
| Irwin, SC | 1,335 | 196 | 882 | 1,078 |
| Great Falls, SC | 1,860 | 222 | 998 | 1,220 |
| JAARS, NC | 1,120 | 211 | 1,105 | 1,316 |
| Lancaster, SC | 9,482 | 1,064 | 6,179 | 7,243 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Aransas Pass, TX | 9,480 | 288 | 1,830 | 2,119 |
| Clinton, OK | 9,479 | 455 | 1,486 | 1,941 |
| New Richmond, WI | 9,479 | 110 | 909 | 1,019 |
| Greenville, NY | 9,476 | 133 | 604 | 737 |
| Incline Village, NV | 9,476 | 141 | 771 | 912 |
| Lancaster, SC | 9,482 | 1,064 | 6,179 | 7,243 |
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