| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Marion/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 379 | n/a (estimate) | 6,190 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 65.3 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 49.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 130.7 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 636.9 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 882 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 46 | n/a | 751.3 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 265 | n/a | 4,327.9 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 228.6 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 325 | n/a (estimate) | 5,308 | 1,966 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Marion crime rate is higher than the national average by 192.1%. Specifically, there were 54 violent crimes in Marion, equivalent to 882 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 145.6%. Furthermore, Marion recorded 325 property crimes, amounting to 5308 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 201.6%.
In Marion, the crime rate stands at 6190 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 192.08%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Marion that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Marion ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 882 per 100,000 people, Marion is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Marion, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Marion ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Marion, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 65 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Marion has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5308 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Marion is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Marion? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 0% of Marion residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 100% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Marion a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Marion has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 192%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.04 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 0.89 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Marion as a potential place to call home.
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 Marion 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 Marion has increased by 1.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 20% and property crime has increased by 1.5%.
Marion has a poverty rate that stands at 24.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Marion crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Marion, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.45, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In Marion, the average rental rates are $847 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.

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| Item | Marion | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Aynor, SC | 805 | 0 | 837 | 837 |
| Lake View, SC | 743 | 132 | 1,583 | 1,715 |
| Pamplico, SC | 1,254 | 760 | 1,616 | 2,376 |
| Nichols, SC | 234 | 544 | 2,447 | 2,991 |
| Latta, SC | 1,664 | 969 | 3,309 | 4,278 |
| Mullins, SC | 4,373 | 1,586 | 4,994 | 6,580 |
| Marion, SC | 6,768 | 882 | 5,308 | 6,190 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clairton, PA | 6,767 | 425 | 1,174 | 1,599 |
| Marianna, FL | 6,771 | 209 | 965 | 1,173 |
| Homeland Park, SC | 6,772 | 521 | 2,344 | 2,865 |
| Purcell, OK | 6,764 | 245 | 2,061 | 2,306 |
| Bondurant, IA | 6,772 | 124 | 664 | 789 |
| Marion, SC | 6,768 | 882 | 5,308 | 6,190 |