| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurens/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 364 | n/a (estimate) | 3,930 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 43.2 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 43.2 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 78 | n/a | 842.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 928 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 399.4 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 219 | n/a | 2,364.2 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 237.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 278 | n/a (estimate) | 3,001 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Laurens crime rate is 85.4% 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 Laurens, there were 86 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 928 per 100,000 individuals, 158.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Laurens recorded 278 property crimes, amounting to 3001 per 100,000 residents, 70.5% higher than the U.S. average.
Laurens has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 928 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Laurens falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 108 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In the most recently reported crime year, Laurens 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Laurens residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 71% of Laurens residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 29% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Laurens, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Laurens presents a total crime rate that is 85% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Laurens experiences an average of 1 daily crimes, comprising 0.24 violent incidents and 0.76 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Laurens has decreased by 22.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Laurens is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 26.5%, while property crime has decreased by 30.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Laurens.
Laurens reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Laurens crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Laurens, 71.4% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Laurens, the median home price stands at $174,400, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| 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 | 1,317 | 189 | 849 | 1,037 |
| Fountain Inn, SC | 10,371 | 79 | 979 | 1,057 |
| Watts Mills, SC | 2,021 | 231 | 1,040 | 1,271 |
| Ware Shoals, SC | 2,527 | 822 | 1,996 | 2,819 |
| Gray Court, SC | 803 | 590 | 2,652 | 3,242 |
| Cross Hill, SC | 573 | 628 | 2,824 | 3,452 |
| Hodges, SC | 232 | 629 | 2,832 | 3,461 |
| Laurens, SC | 9,205 | 928 | 3,001 | 3,930 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Delta, CO | 9,205 | 184 | 3,240 | 3,424 |
| Toppenish, WA | 9,199 | 314 | 4,248 | 4,562 |
| Picture Rocks, AZ | 9,197 | 449 | 1,905 | 2,354 |
| Olney, IL | 9,196 | 225 | 1,041 | 1,266 |
| Waseca, MN | 9,195 | 195 | 965 | 1,161 |
| Laurens, SC | 9,205 | 928 | 3,001 | 3,930 |
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