| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | North Myrtle Beach/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 745 | n/a (estimate) | 3,583 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 57.7 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 14.4 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 60 | n/a | 288.6 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 361 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 45 | n/a | 216.4 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 576 | n/a | 2,770.6 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 235.7 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 670 | n/a (estimate) | 3,223 | 1,966 | 1,760 |

The North Myrtle Beach crime rates are 69.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 75 violent crimes in North Myrtle Beach (361 per 100,000 people), which is 0.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 670 property crimes (3223 per 100,000 residents) which is 83.1% higher than average.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, North Myrtle Beach maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 361 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that North Myrtle Beach shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
During the most recently reported crime year, North Myrtle Beach experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What is the prevailing sentiment among North Myrtle Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 43 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 53% of North 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, 47% 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 North Myrtle Beach, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. North Myrtle Beach presents a total crime rate that is 69% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, North Myrtle Beach experiences an average of 2.04 daily crimes, comprising 0.21 violent incidents and 1.84 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 North Myrtle Beach has decreased by 33.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not North Myrtle Beach 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 decreased by 25.7%, while property crime has decreased by 34.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in North Myrtle Beach.
North Myrtle Beach has a population density of 796.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower North Myrtle Beach crime rates.
In North Myrtle Beach, 90.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In North Myrtle Beach, the cost of living is 10.45% higher than the national average.
| Item | North Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 92 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.5 | 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 |
| Carolina Shores, NC | 4,539 | 155 | 812 | 967 |
| Briarcliffe Acres, SC | 540 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Calabash, NC | 2,115 | 168 | 878 | 1,045 |
| Sunset Beach, NC | 4,096 | 107 | 966 | 1,073 |
| Little River, SC | 9,987 | 268 | 1,206 | 1,474 |
| Ocean Isle Beach, NC | 760 | 98 | 3,042 | 3,140 |
| Atlantic Beach, SC | 243 | 2,093 | 3,953 | 6,047 |
| North Myrtle Beach, SC | 17,032 | 361 | 3,223 | 3,583 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Opelousas, LA | 17,032 | 1,369 | 5,019 | 6,388 |
| Abington, MA | 17,033 | 232 | 1,361 | 1,593 |
| Pendleton, OR | 17,038 | 409 | 2,681 | 3,090 |
| Truckee, CA | 17,023 | 374 | 648 | 1,021 |
| Ham Lake, MN | 17,046 | 116 | 724 | 840 |
| North Myrtle Beach, SC | 17,032 | 361 | 3,223 | 3,583 |