| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurens/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 343 | n/a (estimate) | 3,685 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 53.7 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 21.5 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 51 | n/a | 548.0 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 623 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 343.8 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 238 | n/a | 2,557.2 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 161.2 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 285 | n/a (estimate) | 3,062 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Laurens is 58.6% higher 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 Laurens, there were 58 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 623 per 100,000 individuals, 68.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 285 property crimes, amounting to 3062 per 100,000 residents, 56.7% higher than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Laurens reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Laurens to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 71% of people answered that there was very little crime in Laurens and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 29% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Laurens 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. Laurens has a total crime rate that is 59% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.94 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.78 daily property crimes) in Laurens.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Laurens has decreased by 26.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Laurens, 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 14.7%, while property crime has decreased by 28.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Laurens is a safe place to live.
Laurens has a poverty rate of 27, 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Laurens currently has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Laurens, 71.4% 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.
| Item | Laurens | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 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 |
| Joanna, SC | 1,270 | 250 | 1,173 | 1,423 |
| Watts Mills, SC | 1,970 | 271 | 1,276 | 1,547 |
| Ware Shoals, SC | 2,455 | 277 | 1,304 | 1,581 |
| Fountain Inn, SC | 10,127 | 451 | 1,788 | 2,239 |
| Hodges, SC | 226 | 516 | 2,427 | 2,943 |
| Cokesbury, SC | 432 | 573 | 2,693 | 3,266 |
| Waterloo, SC | 181 | 681 | 3,201 | 3,882 |
| Laurens, SC | 8,863 | 623 | 3,062 | 3,685 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Covington, TN | 8,863 | 1,072 | 1,969 | 3,041 |
| Redlands, CO | 8,863 | 418 | 2,676 | 3,094 |
| Valley Cottage, NY | 8,861 | 293 | 1,175 | 1,467 |
| Plainedge, NY | 8,865 | 278 | 1,117 | 1,396 |
| Smithville, NJ | 8,861 | 205 | 1,434 | 1,640 |
| Laurens, SC | 8,863 | 623 | 3,062 | 3,685 |
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