| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Myrtle Beach/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,776 | n/a (estimate) | 6,767 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 12.2 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 76 | n/a | 185.3 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 71 | n/a | 173.1 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 304 | n/a | 741.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 456 | n/a (estimate) | 1,112 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 183 | n/a | 446.1 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,975 | n/a | 4,814.5 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 162 | n/a | 394.9 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,320 | n/a (estimate) | 5,656 | 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 Myrtle Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 219.3%. Specifically, there were 456 violent crimes in Myrtle Beach, equivalent to 1112 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 209.6%. Furthermore, Myrtle Beach recorded 2320 property crimes, amounting to 5656 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 221.3%.
In Myrtle Beach, the crime rate stands at 6767 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 219.32%. 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 Myrtle Beach 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.
Myrtle Beach is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1112 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 Myrtle Beach is 1 in 90.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Myrtle Beach stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Myrtle Beach, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Every year, one in 18 people fall victim to a property crime in Myrtle Beach - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5656 per 100,000 people, Myrtle Beach has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Myrtle Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 203 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Myrtle Beach 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, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Myrtle Beach 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, Myrtle Beach has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 219%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 7.61 daily incidents, encompassing 1.25 violent crimes and 6.36 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach has decreased by 20.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 1.1% and property crime has decreased by 24.1%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Myrtle Beach, 81.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Myrtle Beach, the median home price stands at $416,349, 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.
In Myrtle Beach, the average rental rates are $1,394 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.
| Item | Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 267 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 9.5 | 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 |
| Murrells Inlet, SC | 9,626 | 153 | 690 | 843 |
| Briarcliffe Acres, SC | 540 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Forestbrook, SC | 7,853 | 259 | 1,164 | 1,423 |
| Little River, SC | 9,987 | 268 | 1,206 | 1,474 |
| Garden City, SC | 11,443 | 333 | 1,499 | 1,832 |
| Surfside Beach, SC | 4,617 | 228 | 1,851 | 2,079 |
| Red Hill, SC | 16,638 | 419 | 1,886 | 2,306 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 34,485 | 1,112 | 5,656 | 6,767 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Beverly Hills, CA | 34,487 | 512 | 4,439 | 4,951 |
| Midvale, UT | 34,477 | 197 | 1,208 | 1,405 |
| Cedar City, UT | 34,473 | 147 | 1,013 | 1,160 |
| Kaneohe, HI | 34,467 | 130 | 1,160 | 1,290 |
| Central Islip, NY | 34,526 | 433 | 1,958 | 2,391 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 34,485 | 1,112 | 5,656 | 6,767 |
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